Natimuk today is a mecca for rock climbers, but the town still retains its original character. The town is well known by climbers, as it is only 12kms from Mt Arapiles, one of the world's premiere climbing locations. History Set in the heart of the Wimmera, Natimuk was once the largest town in the district. There were over 70 shops and industries, including a flour mill and steel foundry and it was one of the first Victorian towns with it's own electricty supply in 1927. The towns name is Aboriginal for "little lake". Pastoral runs were taken up in 1844, but many of it's buildings show a distinct Lutheran influence as a result of South Australian Lutherans taking up the broad acres during the 1870's. When the Natimuk school opened in 1875, almost half the pupils were of German descent. Things to Do and See Nearby Mount Arapiles, an abrupt quaterzose-sandstone outcrop, is an internationally renowned rock climbing crag. Situated in the Mount Arapiles - Tooan State Park which is also home to perigrine falcons and an enormous variety of flora and fauna. In Main Street, the Arapiles Historical Society Museum is housed in the National Trust classified Court House built in 1890. Many more historical buildings can be seen if you take the journey along the 'Heritage Trail'. Natimuk Lake is just 3.5kms north of Natimuk and is one of the most popular fishing and yabbying lakes in the region. It is a shallow lake with excellent trout and redfin fishing. The maximum depth of this lake is 4 metres. The most popular spot for netters (Amateur Netting Licence required) is Four Mile Beach which is a popular for redfin. Learn about Natimuk's colourful past and interesting contemporary history by taking the Natimuk Heritage Trail. Brochures are available from most Natimuk businesses and the Horsham Visitor Information Centre. Other Points of Interest Rock Climbing at Mt Arapilies. Cycling and Mountain Biking Bird Watching Bush Walking Canoeing Sailing and sailboarding. Golf Gallery - Main Street. Jane Duff Highway Park is the site of a memorial to three children who were lost for nine days in the bush in 1864. Their survival was immortalised in the story "Babes in the Wood". There are Art and Craft shops, the National Hotel/Motel, Back Packer Lodges and climbing shops to service rock climbers visiting Mt Arapiles. Events Agricultural Show - March / April. Chilli and Curry Food Festival - March How to get there Natimuk is 323kms north-west of Melbourne 27km west of Horsham; 8kms east of Mt Arapiles Melways ref: 520 A9 Pop: 500 Visitor Information Natimuk Hotel Main St Tel: (03) 5387 1300 or Horsham Visitor Information Centre 20 O'Callaghan Pde, Horsham Tel: (03) 5382 1832 Freecall 1800 633 218 Click Here to View Map Back to Top     Natimuk is only 12kms from Mt.Arapiles, one of the world's premiere rock climbing locations.