Kilmore: Racing, History and Creekside Walks

Kilmore offers several distinct themes: trotting and thoroughbred racing, history, and walking paths along Kilmore Creek. There is also a museum in Kilmore Courthouse, the Old Kilmore Gaol, and a lookout point on Monument Hill. You can plan your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

Racing and Local History

Kilmore Racing Club is home to trotting and thoroughbred racing. The history of the Kilmore Pacing Cup dates back to its first running in 1964; today, it is considered one of Australia’s most significant country races. Kilmore therefore combines a rich racing tradition with the story of a specific race of national significance.

Kilmore Courthouse is now a tourist information centre and museum. It provides a cultural point of reference alongside the racing scene. If you are interested in local history, the research rooms of the Kilmore Historical Society are also worth visiting. They are located in the old Kilmore Post Office, 2 Powlett Street, Kilmore. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. If you are planning a visit, check the opening hours again before you travel.

The Old Kilmore Gaol was built in 1857. It is said to be where Jimmy Quinn, Ned Kelly’s brother, was held. Tours featuring exhibits and memorabilia offer another way to explore the area’s history. If a tour is important to your plans, check its availability before you travel.

Monument Hill and Kilmore Creek

The Hume and Hovell Monument on Monument Hill honours the explorers whose expedition played a significant role in the founding of the colony of Victoria. From the top of the monument, you can look out over Kilmore and the surrounding landscape. The monument thus connects the story of the expedition with a view of the town and its surroundings.

Kilmore Creek runs parallel to Sydney Street. For much of its course, there are parklands, shaded areas and walking paths. If you would like to get to know Kilmore beyond its buildings and exhibitions, this offers a different perspective, with the landscape, paths and green spaces taking centre stage.

The three-kilometre Kilmore Creek Heritage Art Walk passes information boards about the region’s history. This gives the walk a different focus from the lookout on Monument Hill: here, the region’s history is presented on information boards, while the hill offers views over Kilmore and the surrounding landscape. The distance can help you factor this walk into your plans.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Kilmore East railway station is four kilometres away and is served by the Seymour and Shepparton lines. It is not within the town of Kilmore. If you plan to travel by train, check the latest information from V/Line in advance so you can plan your journey with up-to-date details.

These themes offer different perspectives on Kilmore and give your travel plans a clear direction.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Leongatha, Bundalong, St Arnaud, Serviceton, Rupanyup, Noojee, Balnarring Beach, Bandiana.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.