Mafeking Farm sits in a picturesque valley in the south-eastern Grampians, flanked by wooded hills and the impressive Major Mitchell Plateau, the second highest peak in the Grampians and the iconic feature of Arthur Streeton's painting "Land of the Golden Fleece". Hawksview is elevated on a western spur above the valley, with expansive views. The original cottage, built in 1986, was destroyed in the Mt Lubra bushfire in 2006. The current house was built on the same site in 2008.

Mafeking was the site of Victoria's last gold rush, from 1902 to 1910. There are interesting remains of the diggings in the adjacent Mafeking Reserve. Hawksview has information and photographs from the gold rush. The Grampians are famous for wildflowers in the spring. The greatest diversity of flowers can be found on the rocky ridge-tops, but there are many flowers throughout the forests.