THE picturesque town of Gordon boasts an historical streetscape and a number of quirky attractions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just a short detour off the Western Highway, this delightful village offers a country atmosphere and a community where "everybody gets behind everyone else".
The main street is a popular meeting place with a number of arts, craft and gift shops, all set in an historic streetscape.
On the outskirts of town is Yuulong Lavender Estate, featuring lavender fields, a retail nursery, tea rooms and skin care products for sale.
Weekends often see an influx of visitors to Gordon, whether it's to to visit the famous Gordon Hat Shoppe, browse for antiques or enjoy a Devonshire tea while being entertained by local musicians.
Trish Stapleton took over the reins of the When The Billy Boils Cafe in 2011 and hasn't looked back.
Ms Stapleton said Gordon's country and atmosphere and welcoming community had inspired her to settle in the town.
Located in the main street opposite the Gordon Hotel, her cafe offers visitors a 'musical' favour with fine food and regular live music.
"We have quite a few buskers and we serve Devonshire tea here," she said.
The basics
Municipality: Moorabool Shire
Population: 600
First settled: 1838
Main Industries: Agriculture, stock and potato farming, tourism
Claim to fame: Gordon’s famous Hat Shoppe and its owner, popular local identity Bob Petch. Bob and his wife Sheena have been producing and direct selling their range of Scottish and Irish inspired headwear and music for more than 25 years.
Five fast facts
1. George Gordon settled the area in 1838 with a stock farming run known to outsiders as "Gordons".
2. Gordon prospered during the Gold Rush and at the peak of its boom, the town had as many as eight hotels, with banks and several stores.
3. The Gordon Football Club, known as the Eagles, was formed in 1979 and competes in the Central Highlands Football League.
4. Inspired by the success of a similar festival in Trentham, Gordon staged its first Spudfest in 2009. This festival celebrated the town's history and culture with such events as potato peeling competitions.
5. Gordon is home to many young families and has two schools - Gordon Primary School and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School.
Five things to do
1. Visit the town’s home of fine art and classic crafts, Gordon Edgerton Galleries. Housed in a
former bank and residence which celebrated its centenary in 1984, the gallery has a large range of soft goods, beautiful woodcraft and ceramics on display.
2. For a unique fashion find, look no further than the Gordon Hat Shoppe. This iconic shop is home to many unique and intriguing hats, capes and berets.
3. The charming As The Billy Boils Cafe features a musical flavour, with buskers regularly dropping by to perform. It also serves up fine food and Devonshire tea.
4. On the outskirts of town is Yuulong Lavender Estate Here you’ll find lavender fields, a retail nursery, tea rooms and skin care products for sale.
5. For lovers of arts, antiques and collectables there’s The Shambles, a shopper’s delight with plenty of treasures to keep you entertained and coming back for more.