The heir to the throne is set to visit Melbourne in early November and civic leaders have extended an invitation to the Prince of Wales to stop by the Western District.

Prince Charles last visited the region in 1985 when he attended a civic celebration in Portland alongside Princess Diana. He visited Warrnambool in 1977 and was the star attraction at the city’s racecourse.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will visit Australia although details are yet to be finalised.

Former City of Warrnambool town clerk Vern Robson remembered the Silver Jubilee tour well and said Prince Charles would be a welcome return visitor.

“It was a memorable occasion - hundreds of people took part in the day,” Mr Robson said.

“The publicity following the visit stimulated interest not only in Warrnambool but in the wider region.”

Warrnambool’s Mark O'Donnell was an apprentice jockey at the time of the 1977 visit and featured on The Standard’s front page shaking the Prince’s hand.

“I still have vivid memories,” Mr O’Donnell said. 

“I rode a horse called Bay Storm but unfortunately it ran last.

“The funny thing is Prince Charles asked me if my horse was going to win. I said it would. He said he was going to have a few bob on it.

“I think it would be really lovely if Prince Charles came back for a day or two.

“I would love to shake his hand and have a chat about how much money he had on Bay Storm.”

Warrnambool Racing Club chairman Des Roberts said the royal family’s affinity with the sport was well known.

“Prince Charles enjoyed his visit to Warrnambool Racecourse in the 1970s and we’d certainly welcome him back,” Mr Roberts said.

In November 1977, Prince Charles visited Tower Hill before heading to Warrnambool to meet crowds lined along Raglan Parade and Liebig Street. Hundreds cheered when he arrived at the Silver Jubilee Cup at the racecourse.