Yes, you can fish in the Wannon River in Cavendish. It’s a peaceful freshwater spot with trout and redfin.

Nearby attractions include Halls Gap, Boroka Lookout, Mount Abrupt, Hollow Mountain, and Aboriginal rock art sites. The Grampians region offers hiking, rock climbing, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

The best time to visit is between September and April. Autumn is the busiest season due to the festival, while summer and winter each have their unique appeal.

Cavendish, Grampians

In the beautiful Grampians region, Cavendish is a tiny rural town that’s a peaceful haven surrounded by scenic views and heritage. Near Grampians National Park, Cavendish is the perfect place to stay to get into the mountains and the natural beauty and history of the area. Whether you’re after adventure, panoramic views or a real Aussie country experience, Cavendish has it all.

History

Cavendish is a big part of the history of the Grampians. Established in the 19th century, it was an agricultural hub, and that’s what shaped the town today. The town has a strong connection to Aboriginal culture too; the Traditional Owners, the Djab Wurrung people, left a lasting legacy. Cavendish is close to several Aboriginal rock art sites in Grampians National Park so that you can get a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural history of the area. The nearby towns of Halls Gap and Boroka Lookout, with their stunning views, are the entry points to these ancient sites and the rock formations they depict.

Outdoor Activities

For adventure types, Cavendish is the place to start your outdoor adventures. The town is near Grampians National Park, so you have access to many hiking and rock climbing trails, including the Grampians Peaks Trail. You can tackle the rough trails to Reed Lookout, Mount William and Hollow Mountain, all with spectacular views of the Grampians. If you want to climb the steep or take a gentle stroll along the Boronia Peak Trail, the Grampians are a treasure.

River and Fishing

The Wannon River that runs through Cavendish is a fisherman’s dream. Fresh water and deeper rock pools mean you can catch trout and redfin. The peacefulness of the river and the Northern Grampian’s backdrop makes for a lovely day of fishing. You can also enjoy the views of the nearby Zumsteins Picnic Area, which is a great spot to relax after a day of fishing.

Red Gum Festival

The biggest event in Cavendish is the Cavendish Red Gum Festival, celebrating the region’s iconic red gums. The festival is a great event that’s all about environmental conservation and the unique flora of the area. There are guided walks, talks from experts, art exhibitions featuring red gum-inspired works and for wine lovers, local boutique wineries like Barangaroo Wines offering award-winning vintages. It’s an event that entertains and educates on how to preserve Cavendish’s natural beauty.

Local Food and Drink

Cavendish has plenty of local options. Restaurants and cafes use fresh produce, often farm to table from places like Rosehaven Farms. Shop at the farm gate for fresh goodies and match your meal with some of the region’s award-winning wines from nearby wineries, including Pomonal Estate. Pop into the Pomonal Glass-Blowing Workshop before you taste wine at the cellar door.

Around the Grampians

Cavendish is near Grampians National Park, so it’s the perfect base from which to explore some of Victoria’s best natural wonders. Just a short drive away is Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians, where you can see rock formations, underground cellars and Aboriginal art sites. Hikers will love the many trails, including Boroka Lookout, which has 360-degree views of the area. Whether you’re climbing Mount Abrupt or exploring the rock pools of Hollow Mountain, the Grampians have it all.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Cavendish is a wildlife enthusiast’s heaven. The area is full of native Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies and exotic mammals, so it’s a great spot for birdwatching and nature spotting. The Grampians have many bird species including brightly coloured parrots and wedge-tailed eagles. You can also visit private land converted into wildlife sanctuaries to see the region’s unique fauna in their natural habitat.

Where to Stay

Whether you want to snuggle up or go all out, Cavendish has options for everyone. Breeze Holiday Parks – Grampians has camping spots to get amongst the natural beauty of the area. If you want luxury, boutique hotels and charming B&Bs are scattered throughout the region for a peaceful retreat. Many places to stay have stunning views of the surrounding landscape so you can wake up to the Grampians at your doorstep.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cavendish depends on what you like. Spring and autumn are perfect for outdoor activities with mild weather for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Grampians National Park, often as part of Grampians tours. The Red Gum Festival is in autumn and attracts crowds to celebrate the town’s natural beauty. Summer is for those who love warm weather and water activities like fishing, and winter is quiet with misty mornings and crisp air. Whatever the season, the landscapes of Cavendish are beautiful all year round.