HOPETOWN Hopetown is the next town encountered once Lascelles and Woomelong have been visited. Both preceding towns being very small. Hopetown likewise is a very small town. The Hopetown Airport though is clearly a busy strip and an economic strength. Hopetown, as is the case with many small Victorian country towns is experiencing economic challenges. The town was named after the 7th Earl Hopetown, Victorian Governor from 1889 to 1895 and later the first Governor General of Australia. Hopetown is in essence a new town, but that said heritage factors are evident. During the 2009 heat wave, the town experienced several days of intense heat, with a peak of 48.8 °C (119.8 °F). The reading was the highest temperature nationwide during the event, and also broke the record for highest temperature in Victoria. Most of the surviving Churches are modern but there is ample evidence of the old and traditional that has not survived. T he Hopetown War Memorial is represented by the Memorial Hall Two traditional hotel serves the town. The Museum is represented via the Historical Society. The Visitors to Hopetown are urged to visit the gardens in the centre of the town. A great mural this a good cause for a stop-over