Penshurst
FEELS LIKE the volcano never left
Penshurst rests on ancient lava flows, its streets shaped by fire and time. Mount Rouse (Collorrer) rises just beyond town, an extinct volcano with a crater walk and sweeping views across basalt plains. Wallabies move through the grasses and birds trace the contours of a landscape still marked by eruption.
In town, the Penshurst Botanic Gardens and Wetlands offer a gentler rhythm. Spring-fed ponds shimmer year-round, with seasonal colour and birdlife creating a calm place to wander. Yatmerone Wildlife Reserve brings wetland habitats to life with brolgas, swans and migratory birds.
The wide main street, built for bullock teams, holds stories in bluestone banks, churches and civic buildings. The Volcanoes Discovery Centre explains the geology of the Kanawinka Plains that stretch from South Australia across western Victoria. Penshurst offers presence over spectacle — steady, elemental and memorable.
Stay, See & Do
FAQs
What can I see at Mount Rouse (Collorrer)?
Crater walks and broad views across the volcanic plains.
Is Mount Rouse easy to access?
There is parking with a short walk to viewpoints and crater walks. Be aware of uneven ground and snakes in warmer months.
What is the Volcanoes Discovery Centre?
An interpretive centre focused on the geology of the Kanawinka Plains. Open Fri 11am–3pm; Sat & Sun 10am–4pm; school holidays 11am–3pm; closed public holidays.
