Murtoa

Aboriginal for “Home of the Lizard”, the land around Murtoa was occupied by squatters McPherson and Taylor in early 1844 and incorporated into their “Stations” Longerenong and Ashens covering over 200,000 acres. Following various subdivisions and owners, including Sir Samuel Wilson, after whom Wilson Hall at Melbourne University is named, the Land Act of 1869 divided the area into 320 acre blocks for lease and eventual purchase by selectors, many of whom were German families from South Australia.

The site at Marma Gully Swamp was surveyed in 1873 and settled soon after, rapidly becoming the large grain town of Murtoa with the State’s largest grain receival centre on the main Melbourne to Adelaide rail link. Murtoa abounds in both, with a largely original early 1900’s shopping centre & many buildings of significance throughout the town. These include the Sprott Fountain (1884-96), the Rotunda (1907) and the Memorial Gates (1920), all located at the Lake Marma Reserve. Others are CBA Bank (1882), Mechanics ( 1928),Railway Station (1878), Primary School (1875), Dr Rabl’s residence (1897), Marma Gully Hotel (1913) and many other private houses, churches, and public institutions from the 1880’s to 1920’s.

Today, Murtoa has several industries and a permanent population of approximately 1000. Lake Marma in the centre of town is regarded as one of the States most picturesque small lakes and the town still features many fine buildings and heritage streetscapes.

LAKE MARMA AND RABL PARK RESERVES

This delightful lake can only be described as a tranquil oasis with its abundant birdlife and magnificent treed surrounds. A 2km walking track around Lake Marma provides many varied scenes

Marma Lake and Rabl Park Reserves are an ideal picnic spot with large lawn areas, electric BBQ’s and children’s playground.

THE STICK SHED

This mammoth construction was originally built as a wartime emergency grain storage but has become a memorial to Aussie ingenuity. It gets its name from the over 560 un-milled mountain ash poles up to 20m high that support the 260m x 60m structure and create an impression of a vast indoor forest. The shed is listed by Heritage Victoria and is No 101 on Australian Heritage Register because of its historical significance.

The Shed is open for public viewing 10am - 3pm everyday (except Christmas Day). Group bookings are encouraged to book.  Phone 0434 227 921 or visit  https://www.thestickshed.com.au/

GRAINCORP RECEIVAL CENTRE

Victoria’s largest inland grain storage with a total capacity of 500,000 tonnes. During harvest, an almost continuous line of grain trucks disgorge their precious cargo destined to be distributed around the world earning Australia millions of export dollars.

MURTOA MUSEUM PRECINCT

The Water Tower (1886) houses four floors of local artefacts, DVD displays and the famous James Hill taxidermy collection of over 500 birds and other fauna.

Concordia Cottage is the last remaining section of the original Lutheran Concordia College (1890-1905) established in Murtoa and later transferred to Adelaide. It houses a collection of relevant historical materials.

The restored Murtoa Railway Station displays the history of the railways in the region.

Open everyday 12pm - 2pm and by appointment.

Phone:    0429 944 673 (Peter Adler – President)

0437 920 734 (Sue Dollin – Secretary)

DUNMUNKLE SUMPOILERS MACHINERY MUSEUM

Located on the Wimmera Highway, on the eastern edge of Murtoa, the museum houses four massive single piston, Richard-Hornsby engines. They date back to 1911 when they powered the old freezing works and are believed to be the only set of four remaining in the world. Made operational again by the Dunmunkle Sumpoilers, on certain days throughout the year the engines are cranked into life. Also, on display is a collection of other historic engines both large and small.

The museum is open annually over Murtoa’s Big Weekend (first weekend in October) and for groups by appointment .For information email sumpoilers@gmail.com.

BARRABOOL NATURE RESERVE

Just south of Murtoa is a largely undisturbed Wimmera forest with important Aboriginal sites. (Dry weather only)

MURTOA CEMETERY

3km east of town provides an insight into the early beginnings of Wimmera settlement, particularly the German heritage.