Stawell

Population approximately 7000

Stawell is the service centre for the Grampians and has the largest operating mine in Victoria and is home to the famous 'Stawell Gift' held every Easter.

Stawell Museum
The old courthouse was built in 1860 and purchased by the local council in 1973. It was then restored and is now a local history museum.

Open on Sundays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm or by appointment. Ph: (03) 5358 3725.

Central Park and Hall of Fame
Central Park is where the Stawell Gift has been run since 1898. On the roadside is the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame which has a video, photographs, equipment, memorabilia and souvenirs relating to the 120-year history of the 120-metre dash. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm or by appointment. Ph: (03) 5358 1326 or (03) 5358 2020.

Station Gallery
The Stawell Railway Station Gallery has paintings, sculpture, photography and crafts on display from Thursday to Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm and public holidays. Ph: (03) 5358 2330.

Caspers World
‘Caspers World In Miniature’ is a large tourist park which consists of a series of exhibits featuring models, dioramas and audio material relating to the different cultures and countries of the world. There are landscaped gardens, an international doll collection, an Asian pavilion, souvenirs, antiques, books, a cafeteria, picnic-barbecue facilities and a restaurant.

Open daily from 9.00am Ph (03) 5358 1877.

Leisure Centre
The Stawell Leisure Complex has a large pool, waterslides, spa and indoor rock climbing.

Overdale and Landsborough
At 'Overdale' there is a working sheep and cattle station where you can take a two-hour guided tour. Ph (03) 5356 9203.

Lake Fyans
Lake Fyans has sandy beaches, a boat ramp, swimming area and a caravan park. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and redfin.

Deep Lead Reserve
Deep Lead Flora and Fauna Reserve is a section of state forest located 6 km north-west of Stawell adjacent the Western Highway.

Dadswells Bridge
About 27 km north-west of Stawell you will pass the 'Giant Koala' on the left which will alert you to the fact that you are in the tiny township of Dadswells Bridge. In 1988 a sculptor named Ben van Zetten was commissioned to design and construct a giant koala. The Big Koala stands 14 metres high, it weighs 12 tonnes and is made of bronze set on a steel frame with a fibreglass-bronze mixture being used to create the rough and hairy exterior. There is a licensed restaurant, a motel and, just off the highway, a caravan park. Relics of the goldmining days can be seen in the area.

Major events

Stawell Easter Gift Festival – Easter
The Grampians Pro Am Golf Circuit - March
Stawell Hot Air Balloon Festival - June
Grampians Model Train Exhibition and Stawell Sheep Show – July
Stawell Orchid Show, Stawell Vintage Machinery Rally and Stawell Spring Tournament – September
Stawell Show – October

How to get there
Stawell is approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne via the Western Highway.

View Larger Map

Activities and attractions