Discover Murtoa
Accommodation in Murtoa
Murtoa can be explored through a range of themes: the history of grain storage, railways and technology, as well as trails and wildlife at Lake Marma. When planning your trip, you can arrange these highlights according to your interests: some lead to notable buildings and collections, while others take you along an outdoor route.
Heritage and architecture at The Stick Shed
The Stick Shed is the only surviving emergency grain store built during the Second World War. It is also the 101st Australian landmark to be added to the National Heritage List. If you are interested in Murtoa’s grain history and national heritage, this is a tangible way to explore both topics.
The interior has a cathedral-like appearance. Tall, untreated timber poles, a central aisle and skylights shape its design. The central aisle divides the space, while the height of the poles and the skylights contribute to its distinctive effect. This means you can appreciate the building not only for its former function as a grain store, but also for its architecture.
According to the current operator’s website, The Stick Shed is open to visitors seven days a week from 10 am to 3 pm. Check opening hours before your visit, as details may change.
Railways, museums and collections
The former railway water tower in the Murtoa Museum Precinct has four floors of exhibitions, historical artefacts and memorabilia. It was built in 1886 to supply water to the railway’s steam locomotives. Its original role in supplying water and the exhibitions inside the tower offer two different insights into Murtoa’s railway history.
The James Hill Taxidermy Collection is also on display in the Old Water Tower in the Museum Precinct. It includes more than 600 specimens of birds, reptiles and bird eggs. Alongside the railway exhibits, the collection offers a look at these different groups of animals and makes the museum a place of interest for a range of historical and natural history interests.
Concordia Cottage is the only surviving building of Concordia College. The college was established in Murtoa in 1890 as a Lutheran seminary. This places the cottage within the town’s educational and religious history. Visitors can also ring the bell in the Concordia Bell Tower.
Railway and industrial history take centre stage at Murtoa Railway Station. Topics there include railway relics and a model of the Murtoa railway precinct from the steam and diesel era of the 1960s. For those interested in technological history, the station adds further examples from the railway and industrial sectors to the exhibitions in the water tower.
The Richard Hornsby engines are also part of Murtoa’s industrial history. Maintained by the Dunmunkle Sump Oilers, the engines are housed in historic factory buildings at the eastern end of Murtoa. They are the only engines of their kind in the world still standing on their original foundations. Their connection to their original location makes them a distinct point of interest alongside the collections at the station and museum.
The Murtoa Heritage Trail and Lake Marma
If you would also like to explore Murtoa outdoors, the Murtoa Heritage Trail offers a different way to discover the town: it is an easy walking or driving route through town with plenty of photo opportunities. A 2 km walking trail runs around Lake Marma. The trail at Lake Marma is rich in wildlife, and fishing is also possible at the lake.
The two options differ in focus: on the Heritage Trail, you can choose between walking and driving and make the most of the photo opportunities. At Lake Marma, the focus is on a measured walking route, wildlife along the trail and fishing at the lake. This lets you choose between town history and lakeside activities during your stay in Murtoa.
For the wider travel overview: Victoria.
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