The Village in the Valley so naturally close

The pretty township of Gisborne sits nestled in the Jackson Creek valley, only 45 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD by the Calder Freeway. Nearby is the majestic Mt Macedon at 1001m (3,284 ft) above sea level which has forests, hiking trails, stately mansions and what all city dwellers crave for : clean, healthy fresh air.

Gisborne  has a population approaching 10,000, and consists of five primary schools and one secondary school. Cafes, bakers, restaurants, pubs, specialty shops, banks and three supermarkets help make up the town centre. Gisborne has a police & fire stations, medical and ambulance facilities. Gisborne has sporting facilities for AFL football, cricket, soccer, golf, tennis, athletics and netball, and excellent heated indoor pool. It has a train station on the Melbourne to Bendigo line.

Gisborne, the Village in the Valley retains much of its rich heritage. It also has some of the most extensive continuous parkland of any town in Victoria. The beautiful deciduous trees that line the roads into town enhance the 'village feel'. The restored Gisborne Courthouse, lockup and stable built 1858, provide a glimpse of Gisborne's role in the gold rush days. The Mechanics Institute, Macedon House, Telegraph Hotel, the old Hay and Corn Store, historic churches and schools are significant reminders of the past.

With the arrival of the railway in 1861, the small settlements at New Gisborne and Riddells Creek flourished. The railway stations are still used and remain largely unchanged. At New Gisborne, the Whistle Stop Tavern retains its slate roofing and its original external character.

In 2000, a replacement fountain was erected on the site of the original concrete structure of 1901, at the intersection of Hamilton & Aitken Streets. The beautiful antique fountain adds a new vibrancy and focus for Gisborne.

Come and share the beauty that is the Village in the Valley. Take advantage of the delightful touring routes through Riddells Creek, New Gisborne and Gisborne South. Enjoy the scenery, history, food and wine of the region. You'll be surprised at what you discover so naturally close.

Watergardens is a “Super Regional” shopping centre and homemaker complex, now has 240 stores all located on the one level. There's Big W, Target, Coles, two Safeway supermarkets, three homemaker centres, JB Hi Fi, Rebel Sport and Hoyts cinemas. AMF Bowling and M9 Laser Skirmish are new entertainment venues.

Watergardens now has a whole street of new restaurants with alfresco and indoor dining options. There are seven new restaurants to choose from including Switch, Hogsbreath Cafe, Max Brennar and Grill'd to name a few.

Watergardens is open seven days a week and is easily accessible by car, train or bus; take your time shopping with free all day parking and thousands of car spaces.