Batesford is named after Alfred and John Bates who settled here in 1837 at a place where the river could be forded.

The township was surveyed in 1854 and was originally named Hopeton after George Hope whose land it formed a part.

Batesford contains the Dogs Rocks Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, which is home to many endemic species.

It was established when the current owner George Belcher’s great grandfather purchased the property in 1856.

It is situated adjacent to the Dog Rocks outcrop on the top of a hill in west Batesford.