STAWELL GOLD TOWN
Stawell
Is a small city (town) in the Wimmera region of Victoria about two hundred and twenty-five kilometres west of Melbourne. Population of around six thousand.
Stawell is famous for the Stawell Easter Gift, a professional foot race held on grass. The length of which is one hundred and twenty metres or three hundred and ninety feet. Gift events are held on Central Park. The town's cricket and Australian Rules football oval. The gift began in 1878 and is a very prestige event. The Gift Final is broadcast on free to air television nation wide. Stawell is widely known as the gateway to the Grampians National Park which is about twenty km distant.
Stawell is one of a few towns in Victoria retaining a large active gold mining operation employing hundreds of workers.
'Big Hill' Lookout
The hill that overlooks parts of Stawell offers a breathtaking panoramic view that includes the vast expanse of the Grampian mountain range stretching across the horizon. This vantage point is accessible via one of three roads that wind their way down 'Big Hill,' leading to a two-kilometre stretch of a well-maintained sealed road that eventually reaches the gold mining operations. Along this road, there is a designated public viewing area where visitors can witness the mining activities up close and appreciate the industrial operations against the backdrop of the natural scenery.
At the top of Big Hill, there are three sealed roads that converge at a parking area, providing convenient access to elevated viewpoints that offer views of the town and the majestic Grampians. The strategic location of Big Hill makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape and take in the picturesque sights that unfold before them.
Adding to the charm of Big Hill is a pioneer rotunda perched atop the hill, serving as a historical landmark that pays tribute to the area's heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to drive around this rotunda, allowing them to fully appreciate its architectural significance while enjoying the stunning views that it offers from different angles. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern industrial activities makes Big Hill a unique and memorable destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the diverse experiences that this area has to offer.
Down On Main Street
Stawell's retail street, known as Main Street, holds a unique charm with its intriguing layout. The distinctive feature of Main Street is its unusual kink, a bend that adds character to the town's urban design. This kink is not just a random occurrence but a reflection of the historical development of Stawell as a mining settlement. The street's layout, including its twists and turns, is a testament to its origins and the growth of the town over time.
As Main Street meanders through the heart of Stawell, it seamlessly transitions into Upper Main Street, creating a sense of continuity and connection within the town's urban fabric. This transition is not just a change in name but a nod to the evolution of the area and how it has expanded and adapted to meet the needs of its residents.
Continuing on from Upper Main Street, Main Street takes a right turn towards Big Hill, leading residents and visitors on a journey through Stawell's past and present. This progression from the retail hub to the scenic route towards Big Hill showcases the diversity of experiences that Stawell has to offer.
Overall, Main Street in Stawell is not just a thoroughfare for commerce and traffic but a living history book that tells the story of a town shaped by its mining heritage and the people who have called it home. The kink in Main Street is not just a quirk of urban planning but a reminder of the town's roots and the path it has taken to become the vibrant community it is today.
One local popular business is Grampians Ale Works. Local craft beer is brewed onsite. Friendly owner/operator's. Top end of Main street, off a side street named Victoria Place. Offers indoor and outside seating. Often open on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
Traveldriven
ENTER CLICK/TAP
STAWELL GOOGLE MAPS
STAWELL & MAIN STREET
THREE WATER FOUNTAINS IN CATO LAKE
STAWELL GOLD MINE OBSERVATION AREA
BIG HILL LOOKOUT AT DAWN,
STAWELL & GRAMPIANS
STAWELL TOWN HALL
