Kilmore: Horse Racing, History and Walking Trails

Kilmore can be explored through several distinct aspects. Horse racing, historic places and trails along Kilmore Creek give your stay clear themes. You can explore harness and thoroughbred racing, discover local history at notable places, or focus on the creek and its surrounds. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to consider in advance which of these interests you want to shape your days.

Horse racing with a history

Kilmore Racing Club is home to harness and thoroughbred racing. The first Kilmore Pacing Cup was held in 1964 and is now considered one of Australia’s most important country races. The club represents both racing disciplines; the Cup’s inaugural race adds its own historical note. If you are interested in horse racing, Kilmore offers both a broad connection to harness and thoroughbred racing and a distinctive racing history.

Historic places and local insights

Kilmore Courthouse now serves as a tourist information centre and museum. Old Kilmore Gaol offers another glimpse of the past: it was built in 1857 and is said to be where Ned Kelly’s brother Jimmy Quinn was held. Tours featuring exhibits and memorabilia are available; check availability before your trip. This brings together a present-day information centre and museum with a building linked to the history of the gaol, each offering a different kind of insight.

The research rooms of the Kilmore Historical Society are located in the old Kilmore Post Office, 2 Powlett Street, Kilmore. They are open Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. As opening hours can change, check them again before you travel if you are planning a visit.

Trails, the creek and views

Kilmore Creek runs parallel to Sydney Street. Parkland, shady areas and walking trails can be found along much of its length. The Kilmore Creek Heritage Art Walk is three kilometres long and shares the region’s history through information panels. The two experiences have different points of focus: the Art Walk highlights the route and historical panels, while the creek offers parkland, shady areas and walking trails.

Monument Hill offers another view of Kilmore. The Hume and Hovell Monument commemorates the explorers whose expedition played a significant role in the founding of the colony of Victoria. From the top of the monument, visitors can look out over Kilmore and the surrounding landscape. The site combines a reminder of the expedition’s history with views across the town and its surroundings.

Getting there and choosing a holiday rental

Kilmore East railway station is nearby, four kilometres away, and is served by the Seymour and Shepparton lines. If you are planning to travel by train, check the latest information from V/Line before setting off. The station is a separate point of reference outside the town, so take its distance into account separately from Kilmore’s destinations when planning your trip.

It is best to choose a holiday rental to suit whichever of these aspects of the town you want to make the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bethanga, Lalbert, Rutherglen, Beaconsfield Upper, Netherby, St Arnaud, Castlemaine, Rawson.

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