Dimboola: Cultural Sites and the Wimmera River

Dimboola combines local history with trails and recreational opportunities around the Wimmera River. The collections focus on art, printing technology and a range of exhibition themes; outdoors, the options vary by trail length, access and activity. This can help you decide whether to focus on cultural sites, walks or time by the water when planning your trip.

Museums and historic sites

The Dimboola Imaginarium is housed in the historic former National Bank of Australasia building. It features art, curiosities, collectibles, toys, books, plants and special gifts. The Dimboola Printing Museum has a different focus: it showcases a diverse collection of old printing presses from across Australia. The original presses are still in working order, too. The cultural offerings therefore range from a wide-ranging collection to the history of printing technology.

The Old Courthouse on Lloyd Street is the main archive and exhibition venue of the Dimboola and District Historical Society. Exhibitions in the courtroom cover local Koori and Chinese cultures, as well as the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, agriculture, justice, railways and clothing. The themes connect community and war history with law, work and everyday life; individual displays may change.

Nolan Studio has a static exhibition in the garage or studio where Sidney Nolan painted. If you would like to visit, check visitor access in advance. The J539 steam locomotive, on display in Dimboola Bicentennial Park, offers another link to railway history.

Trails and landscapes along the Wimmera River

The Wimmera River Discovery Trail begins at a trailhead behind Dimboola Library. The Nine Creeks Walking and Bicycle Tracks comprise a total of four kilometres of trails suitable for different abilities. The trails include a boardwalk crossing the river and pedestrian bridges. Information boards along the route provide insights into the area's historical significance and its long-standing use by Indigenous, Chinese and European communities.

The section of the Wimmera River downstream of Polkemmet Bridge runs through Dimboola and the district. The river was granted Heritage status under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992. Those wishing to explore the area around the town can find Pink Lake six kilometres northwest of Dimboola, off the Western Highway. A short path leads from the car park to the lakeshore.

Water activities and practical information

Dimboola Recreation Reserve has facilities for swimming, rowing, fishing and canoeing. As the availability of individual facilities may change, check before your visit. Horseshoe Bend Campground and Picnic Area is an eight-minute drive from Dimboola and is suitable for swimming or kayaking. Check parking conditions and access before you set out.

There are also specific differences between other activities: Dimboola Golf Course is a sandscrape golf course along the Wimmera River; its seasonal operations may vary, so it is advisable to check in advance whether play is available. Dimboola Library and Community Civic Hub offers visitors a place to picnic, with landscaped gardens and lawns, seating, picnic tables and public toilets.

For quick access to the shore at Pink Lake, a short path leads from the car park to the lake. The Nine Creeks Tracks, by contrast, offer four kilometres of trails, while Horseshoe Bend is an eight-minute drive from Dimboola. These differences can help you fit a visit by the water, a walk or a drive to a picnic area into your day's plans.

Discover more destinations: Birregurra, Rosewhite, Mount Cole, Mandurang, Mildura, Bittern, Ardeer, Swanpool

For the main travel overview: Victoria.