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Home>Tourism>Media Kit>Information about Casterton
| Casterton is situated half way between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Warrock Homestead just north of Casterton is the birthplace of the Kelpie working dog breed, which was born in the early 1870s, and therefore the area was dubbed “Kelpie Country”. The Kelpie walking trail is testament to the working dog’s ability and links the heritage street precinct with the surrounding parkland reserves with 5 unique sculptures depicting the Kelpie.
The Kelpie has a natural instinct and aptitude in the working of livestock both in confined areas and in open country. This is why they perform exceptionally well in sheepdog trials.
The Casterton Kelpie Muster highlights Casterton’s connection with the Kelpie. Each year thousands of people attend the Kelpie festival, working dog demonstrations and dog auction. The dogs can make between $250 to $9,000 and average out at $3,000 per dog. The working Kelpie is uniquely Australian and has played an enormous role in Australia’s rural industries.
Warrock Homestead is situated approximately 26 km from Casterton, amongst rolling hills and large river red gums and epitomises the richness of the area’s pastoral history. Established in 1843, Warrock is classified “A” by the National Trust, has 33 structures situated around the homestead and contains Victoria’s most important collection of Colonial farm buildings dating from the 1840s. Most of the buildings were constructed using sawn timber or hand made bricks and the sheep property was self-sufficient with its own blacksmith shop, woolshed, dog kennels, stables, shearer’s quarters, grain store, bacon house, hayshed, slaughter house and skin shed. Warrock is open daily to the public.
Bailey’s Rocks and the Hummocks are both unusual geological rock formations dating back millions of years.
Australia’s largest Red Gum is also found near Casterton. Bilston’s tree stands at 44 metres tall and is 7.26 metres around the girth. It was a sapling in 1200 AD, making it one of the oldest living trees in Australia.
Overlooking the township of Casterton, and lit up brightly each night, is the Scout Emblem or Fleur De Lys. The emblem was carved into the hill in 1941 and is 300 feet in circumference.
The area surrounding Casterton is picturesque with its rolling hills and rich agricultural land. The area has many other interesting attractions and several events that draw large crowds to the region. The annual Kelpie Muster attracts people from all corners of the state, as do the Casterton Street Drags, M.A.G.I.C.(Music Art Garden In Casterton) and the Vintage Car Rally, which is one of the largest car rallies to be held in rural Victoria.
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