Red Cliffs: Landscape and Local History

Red Cliffs: Landscape and Local History

Red Cliffs combines striking rocky cliffs with views of wetlands and a history shaped by the irrigated soldier settlement. It also has local attractions such as a park, a monthly market and a shop selling regional produce. If you’re looking for a hotel in Red Cliffs, these different themes can help you choose the focus of your stay.

Red Cliffs and Wetland Views

The Red Cliffs are 70-metre-high rocky cliffs in shades of red to orange; the town is named after them. At Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, the reserve and its boardwalk offer views of wetlands and the striking cliffs. Red Cliffs Lookout, within the reserve, is a roadside viewpoint. The town’s name refers to the rock formation, while the views of the wetlands at the reserve offer another landscape feature.

The History of the Soldier Settlement

Red Cliffs has been described as Australia’s largest irrigated soldier settlement. In 1920, returned soldiers began clearing the Mallee scrubland there; 33,000 acres of land were set aside for the settlement. The year and land area mark two different historical milestones: the start of the clearing and the extent of the land designated for the settlement. Big Lizzie played an important role in clearing the land on which Red Cliffs was established.

The Red Cliffs Military Museum was established in 1997. Its extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia spans from the Boer War to the wars in Vietnam and East Timor; all branches of the armed forces are represented. The Red Cliffs Courthouse Museum features exhibitions on the early history of Red Cliffs and is operated by the Red Cliffs Historical Society. The two museums have different focuses: the Military Museum’s collection includes war memorabilia, while the Courthouse Museum covers the town’s early history.

Other named places and objects also reflect Red Cliffs’ history. In 1994, the Red Cliffs & District Historical Society was granted permission to use the Court House permanently as its headquarters. Its collection there includes historic objects, photographs, newspaper articles, books, maps and memorabilia. The Red Cliffs Water Tower Mural depicts the town’s history. It was created in 1991 by students from Red Cliffs Secondary College under the direction of Broken Hill artist Clark Barrett. The town’s railway history includes the steam locomotive known as “Lukee”, operated by the Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway and built in 1901.

Quandong Park, the Market and Regional Produce

Quandong Park has a playground, a skate park and public toilets for residents and visitors. The Red Cliffs Country Market is held on the first Sunday of each month from 9 am to 1 pm in Ilex Street, along Indi Avenue and at Barclay Square. If you’re planning to visit the market, check the date and time again before your trip.

Mildura Farms in Red Cliffs sells regional nuts, dried fruit, honey and juices. The products are available in portion-sized or bulk packs. As business details can change, it’s a good idea to check them before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Tourello, Waratah Bay, Colac, Yan Yean, Tallygaroopna, Goroke, Beeac, Morwell

For the main travel overview: Victoria.