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Background:  Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, limited findings are available on its detection and management in rural Australia.

Aim:  To assess the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension in a rural South‐East Australian population.

Methods:  Three cross‐sectional surveys in Limestone Coast, Corangamite Shire and Wimmera regions during 2004–2006 using a random population sample (n = 3320, participation rate 49%) aged 25–74 years. Blood pressure was measured by trained nurses. Information on history of hypertension and medication was obtained by questionnaires. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg and/or on antihypertensive drug treatment.

Results:  Overall, one‐third of participants had hypertension; of these, two‐thirds, 54% (95% confidence interval (CI …