One of the joys of living in the Hepburn Shire is discovering the various townships throughout the district. When I discovered Smeaton little did I realise that not only was it was located in the Goldfields region, only 90 minutes from Melbourne, 30 minutes from Ballarat, and 20 minutes from Daylesford; but also that it's a town with a rich and significant history. It has been 175 years since the settlement of Smeaton and naturally they have selected spring to celebrate with a weekend of festivities to mark the occasion.
Highlights of the weekend include a re-enactment of a delivery of local produce by Bruce Hill and his team of Clydesdales, wagon travelling from Clunes to Smeaton, a chainsaw sculpture creation of settler Captain Hepburn, world class circus performances, displays and tours, local produce, photographic and art exhibitions, vintage cars and trucks, classic working steam engines, a country dinner dance and much more.
Bruce Hill and his team of Clydesdales
The town boasts several impressive heritage buildings including Smeaton House, the home of Captain Hepburn, Cumberland Hotel, the oldest weatherboard pub in Victoria, and the significant Anderson's Mill.
The mill is an important piece of Victoria's tradition. The five-storey bluestone building is complete with working water wheel and original outbuildings and machinery and sits in picturesque grounds beside Birch's Creek near an historic bluestone bridge.
Anderson's Mill, Smeaton
The event has something for everyone, from families and weekenders through to artists and photographers. Hope to see you there.