Penshurst
VIC 3289 • Victoria
About Penshurst
Penshurst is a small rural town in Victoria's Western District, located approximately 35 kilometres north-west of Hamilton and 280 kilometres west of Melbourne. Nestled near the Grampians foothills and surrounded by rich volcanic plains, the town serves as a service centre for the surrounding agricultural district. With a population of around 677 people, Penshurst offers a quiet country lifestyle amid a landscape shaped by both farming and the nearby dormant volcano Mount Rouse. The region's fertile basalt soils support extensive sheep, beef, and dairy enterprises.
Penshurst has a proud community spirit, with local facilities including a primary school, general store, hotel, and sporting clubs that form the backbone of everyday life. The town is a popular stop on the Volcanic Discovery Trail, with Mount Rouse offering panoramic views across the Western District plains. Nearby Lake Tooliorook provides recreational opportunities for locals. Penshurst suits those seeking an affordable rural lifestyle within reasonable reach of Hamilton's services, appealing particularly to farming families and retirees drawn to the region's natural character.
Penshurst falls under postcode 3289 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Regional coach services — Hamilton / Warrnambool 35-50 min
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ No direct rail. Nearest V/Line station at Hamilton (~35 km)
Small town centre is walkable; surrounding rural areas require a vehicle
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Ritchie Street
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11 Martin Street
Parks & Reserves
There are 2 parks and reserves in Penshurst.