Rochester, Victoria - Silo Art, Murals & Relaxed Riverside Walks

Rochester, Victoria - Silo Art, Murals & Relaxed Riverside Walks

Set on the banks of the Campaspe River, Rochester is a welcoming rural town in northern Victoria that surprises visitors at every turn. Once a hardworking service town for the surrounding farming region, Rochester has reinvented itself as a vibrant arts destination, famous for its murals, silo art and relaxed country charm. Just 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, it’s an easy and rewarding road trip for anyone who loves small towns with big stories.

During our visit to Rochester, we wandered through town admiring the street art, enjoyed a coffee at 7 Beans café, saw the amazing painted silos, and visited the Sport Museum. We also wandered along the Campaspe River Walk, saw more murals at Mural Park and some lovely heritage buildings. 

First Impressions - Art on the Streets

From the moment you arrive, Rochester feels creative and alive. As we wandered through the town centre, colourful murals popped up on building walls and down quiet laneways, each one telling a story of the town’s people, history and connection to the land. One standout is on Iddles Lane, where artist Tim Bowtell has painted a striking mural celebrating Rochester-born former homicide detective Ron Iddles, alongside his twin brother, Barry, and other family members.

Coffee & Cake in Rochester

After admiring the street art, we stopped in for coffee and cake at 7 Beans Coffee, a cosy café right in the heart of town. It’s the kind of place where locals stop for a chat, visitors feel instantly welcome, and a good coffee is guaranteed.

Silo Art with a Story

Rochester is proudly part of the North East Victorian Silo Art Trail, and its silos are among the most impressive on the route. Painted by renowned artist Jimmy D’Vate in 2018 and 2021, the towering artworks celebrate the region’s wildlife. Look up to see a squirrel glider stretched across the tall silo, while the shorter silo features a vivid azure kingfisher. Around the back, a platypus — one of Australia’s most fascinating animals — reminds visitors that these elusive creatures can be spotted in the Campaspe River. A bold New Holland honeyeater completes the collection, tying the artwork beautifully to the local environment.

A Sporting Legacy Preserved

At the historic railway station, the Rochester Sports Museum offers a fascinating step back into Australia’s sporting past. Open Thursday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, the museum houses more than 4,000 pieces of memorabilia collected by local legend John Forbes during his 22 years with PUMA Australia. From cricket and tennis to athletics and marathon running, the collection features items linked to some of Australia’s greatest sporting names, brought to life through stories shared in the on-site theatre.

Along the Campaspe River

One of our favourite moments in Rochester was a peaceful stroll along the Campaspe River Walk. Shaded and tranquil, it’s a lovely place to slow down, watch birds flit through the trees, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of country life. Along the way, we discovered beautifully carved wooden sculptures by artist Brandon Kroon, adding yet another creative layer to the town’s outdoor spaces.

Murals, Festivals & Local Legends

Just out of the town centre, Mural Park is a must-visit. On the way, we stopped at Opperman Gardens to see the sculpture of Rochester local and cycling legend Sir Hubert Opperman, who went on to hold over 100 cycling records before entering politics.

Each March, Mural Park comes alive during the Rochester Mural Festival, when artists spend a week creating large-scale murals. The finished works remain permanently on display, complete with plaques acknowledging the artists, turning the park into an ever-growing outdoor gallery.

Heritage Buildings Worth a Closer Look

Between murals and river walks, Rochester’s heritage buildings quietly tell the town’s earlier stories. Highlights include the Rochester Shire Hall, built in 1892 with striking Gothic-style features; the grand Shamrock Hotel, a double-storey red brick beauty from 1912; and the Rochester Post Office, which has been serving the community since 1863 and still operates today.

Why Rochester Should Be on Your List

Rochester is the kind of town that invites you to slow down and really look around. With its impressive silo art, creative murals, riverside walks, sporting history and friendly country atmosphere, it’s a destination that offers far more than you might expect. Whether you’re following the silo art trail or simply looking for a relaxed country escape, Rochester is well worth the detour.

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