Murtoa, Victoria - Big History, Quiet Beauty & Country Charm in Victoria’s Wimmera

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jan 30, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jan 18

Murtoa, Victoria - Big History, Quiet Beauty & Country Charm in Victoria’s Wimmera

Murtoa is a welcoming small town in Victoria’s Wimmera region, where wide open farming landscapes meet fascinating history and a peaceful lakeside setting. Located on the edge of Lake Marma, Murtoa is best known for its remarkable heritage buildings, friendly country atmosphere and one of the most impressive historical structures in regional Victoria.

It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, wander on foot, and uncover stories from Australia’s past while enjoying the calm of a country town. Murtoa is located around 295 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and makes a lovely stop on a Wimmera road trip or a relaxed weekend visit.

The Stick Shed: Murtoa’s Most Iconic Landmark

A visit to Murtoa wouldn’t be complete without seeing the extraordinary Murtoa Stick Shed, often described as the Cathedral of the Wimmera. Built during World War II as an emergency grain store, this enormous timber structure stretches for 270 metres and is supported by hundreds of unmilled mountain ash poles.

Stepping inside is genuinely awe-inspiring. The scale, the scent of timber, and the symmetry of the poles create a cathedral-like atmosphere that’s both humbling and unforgettable. Today, the Stick Shed is heritage-listed and can be explored on a self-guided or guided tour, where you’ll learn about wartime farming, grain storage, and the ingenuity that shaped rural Australia.

Lake Marma: A Peaceful Heart of the Town

Right in the centre of Murtoa lies Lake Marma, a tranquil and beautifully maintained lake that adds a sense of calm to the town. A flat walking track circles the water, making it perfect for a gentle stroll, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.

The lake reserve features picnic tables, shelters, BBQ facilities and plenty of shady spots to sit and relax. It’s also a popular place for birdwatching, with waterbirds frequently seen along the shoreline. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s plenty of open space to explore, and the peaceful setting makes Lake Marma a great place to slow down and soak up country life.

Murtoa Museum Precinct: Stories of Rail, Nature & Remarkable People

Murtoa’s history is closely tied to both rail and agriculture, and the best place to explore this is the Murtoa Museum Precinct. One of the most unique parts of the precinct is the Murtoa Museum, which is housed inside the town’s old Railway Water Tower — a heritage structure in its own right.

The museum is open daily from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm and is home to the fascinating James Hill Taxidermy Collection. This remarkable collection includes more than 600 specimens, featuring birds, eggs, nests and reptiles, and offers an insight into early natural history preservation and scientific study in regional Victoria.

The precinct also includes Concordia Cottage and the historic Railway Station, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Murtoa’s pioneering past and the role the railway played in shaping the town.

Wandering the Streets & Heritage Buildings

One of the joys of visiting Murtoa is simply wandering through town and admiring its 19th-century heritage buildings. Highlights include the Marma Gully Hotel, Dr Rabl’s house and the old Thomas Flour Mill, all of which reflect the town’s prosperous agricultural past.

As you explore, keep an eye out for Murtoa’s quirky public art, including lizard sculptures and mosaics scattered around town. The name Murtoa is believed to mean “Home of the Lizard”, and these artworks add a fun and unexpected element to your walk.

Silo Art with Meaning - Murtoa’s Striking Smug Mural

Murtoa is part of Victoria’s renowned Silo Art Trail, and its silo artwork is both visually striking and deeply meaningful. Painted by acclaimed street artist Smug and completed in April 2023, the Murtoa Silo artwork features 30 incredibly realistic birds.

One bird subtly glows, symbolising the 1 in 30 Australians living with mental illness — a powerful and thoughtful message woven into the artwork. Smug drew inspiration from the James Hill taxidermy collection, as well as Murtoa-born psychiatrist Dr John Cade, whose groundbreaking work led to major advances in the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder.

The result is a mural that not only enhances the town’s landscape but also invites reflection, making it one of the most emotionally resonant silo artworks in regional Victoria.

A Small Town with Big Stories

Murtoa may be a small town in the heart of the Wimmera, but it leaves a lasting impression. From the breathtaking scale of the Stick Shed and the peaceful beauty of Lake Marma to the thoughtful storytelling of the silo art and the fascinating collections housed in the museum precinct, Murtoa is a place where history, creativity and community come together.

It’s the kind of destination that rewards slowing down — wandering the streets, chatting with locals, and taking the time to really understand the stories behind the landmarks. Whether you’re passing through on a Wimmera road trip or planning a quiet regional escape, Murtoa offers a meaningful and memorable stop that’s well worth exploring.