Southern Grampians Shire
Southern Grampians Shire ranks =46th of 79 overall in VIC, with core operations the area most needing attention.
"Hamilton and the western plains — pastoral elegance and Grampians southern gateway"
See where Southern Grampians Shire ranks: Best Councils in Victoria 2026
Victoria · regional council · Pop. 16,525
Data last updated: 2024-25 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
51 out of 100
#18 of 29 regional councils in VIC
#46 in Victoria
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 58/100 |
| Community Services | 62/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 47/100 |
| Core Operations | 38/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Southern Grampians Shire performs strongest in Community Services (scoring 62 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 38 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Hamilton and the western plains — pastoral elegance and Grampians southern gateway
Southern Grampians covers Hamilton, Dunkeld, and the pastoral country south of the Grampians. Hamilton is a gracious western districts town with wide streets, heritage buildings, and a prosperous wool and pastoral economy. Dunkeld is a tiny village that's become a food destination.
Known For
- Hamilton Art Gallery — surprisingly excellent collection for a regional town
- Dunkeld and the Royal Mail Hotel — one of Australia's best regional restaurants
- Southern gateway to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
- Wealthy pastoral heritage — wool, cattle, and the Western District squattocracy
Living Here
Southern Grampians is gracious, affordable country living with Grampians access. Hamilton has good basic services and a community that values its institutions. Dunkeld is a food pilgrimage destination. This is genuinely remote — Melbourne is 3+ hours away.
Hidden Gem
Dunkeld and the southern Grampians walking tracks — the walks from the Royal Mail Hotel into the ranges are among Victoria's finest.