WELCOME TO DONALD

Donald is a small country town with a lively spirit. A 3 hour drive north west of Melbourne, this is one town you don’t want to miss.

EXPLORE

Lake Buloke has an area of 11,000 hectares and is great for duck shooting, fishing and bird watching when it has water. Brush Lake Tours focuses on the ecology of Lake Buloke and surrounds and is a 2 hour tour for 1 – 3 people. This tour is especially recommended in Springtime. See the regeneration of native trees and grasses, huge nests of Wedge-Tailed Eagles and learn of the lake’s biodiversity. Contact Bruce Dunn on 03 5497 2155 to book a tour.

Granite Rocks Reserve is 4 hectares of Crown land featuring an outcrop of large granite rocks overlooking a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding farmlands. Historically the Granite Rocks was a picnic area for the community. This is also encouraged today, with picnic tables and of course a playground of granite rocks for children to enjoy climbing over.

20km north of Donald is the Mount Jeffcott Wildflower Reserve. It is ideal for both hiking and 4WD with its rare trees and plant specimens. If you have a 4WD, you can drive to the summit from where you can view the district. As weather conditions and seasons can affect the tracks, please contact Park Victoria on 13 19 63 or visit their website for up to date information on track closures and fire danger.

EXPERIENCE

If its history you’re looking for, Donald definitely has one. Visit the Agricultural Museum, adjacent to the Sporting Complex or the Donald Archives in Main Street near Butcher Shop (Open when sign is out. Telephone 03 5497 2287) The Court House historical displays, next to the Post Office will also give you a great idea of life in the early days of Donald.

Be sure to drop in to George and Jo’s at 98 – 102 Woods Street for second hand goods, collectables and new gifts.

When the kids need a little time to run around, the Lions Train Park is perfect. Located near Donald Primary School and Sporting Complex, the kids can play in the playground and the train. BBQ facilities are available. Another beautiful park is the Apex Park adjacent to the Hospital and Bridges.

Donald is also home to Kooka’s Country Cookies. These delicious Australian owned and made cookies are a home style biscuit with hand-made country appeal and are regarded as “The taste of Country Australia”. Make sure you stop in as you travel the Sunraysia Highway for some scrumptious treats.