Stawell is a historic regional town in western Victoria, located at the northern gateway to the Grampians National Park. Known for its gold mining heritage, sporting traditions and strong community identity, Stawell plays an important role as a commercial and service centre for the surrounding Wimmera district.
The town developed during the Victorian gold rush after gold was discovered in the district during the 1850s. Mining attracted thousands of people to the area and shaped Stawell’s early economy, streetscape and population. Historic buildings, former mining areas and continuing mining operations reflect the town’s long association with the industry.
Stawell is widely recognised as the home of the Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious professional foot races. Held at Central Park over the Easter long weekend, the event attracts athletes, spectators and media from across Australia and forms a major part of the town’s sporting identity.
The town also provides access to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. Bunjil’s Shelter, located within the wider district, contains important rock art depicting Bunjil, a creator being within the cultural traditions of Aboriginal peoples across parts of Victoria.
Stawell’s location places it between Victoria’s western agricultural plains and the rugged landscape of the Grampians. Nearby bushland, lookouts, parks, wineries and historic communities provide visitors with opportunities to explore the wider region while using Stawell as a practical base.
Today, Stawell offers retail services, accommodation, community facilities, public parks and heritage attractions. Its combination of gold-mining history, sporting culture, regional art and proximity to the Grampians gives the town a distinctive place within western Victoria.
ShowcasingOz TV will document Stawell’s history, businesses, people and visitor experiences as part of its national filming journey. Following our visit, this page will be expanded with original photography, professionally produced video and additional information gathered on location.
Stawell and nearby Great Western offer visitors a combination of wineries, galleries, sporting history, local museums and gold-mining heritage.
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Explore Stawell’s Aboriginal heritage, public parks, scenic viewpoints, community art and historic places across the town and its surrounding district.
An elevated viewpoint offering panoramic views across Stawell and the surrounding Wimmera landscape. The lookout highlights the town’s position between agricultural plains and the nearby Grampians ranges.
A culturally significant Aboriginal rock-art site depicting Bunjil, a creator being within local Aboriginal cultural traditions. Visitors must respect the site, its cultural importance and all protective measures.
A scenic public reserve featuring open green spaces, walking areas, picnic facilities and a lake. The park provides a relaxed recreational setting close to central Stawell.
Stawell’s historic sporting ground and the home of the annual Stawell Gift. The reserve also provides lawns, sporting facilities and space for community recreation and events.
A quiet bushland setting for picnics and relaxation within an area connected with the district’s historic gold-mining activity and natural environment.
The site of an early district school reflecting the establishment of education services and the development of rural communities in western Victoria.
A contemporary public-art installation using shipping containers as large-scale canvases, adding a modern visual feature to the Stawell streetscape.
A group of distinctive natural rock formations surrounded by bushland near Stawell. The landmark offers a quiet outdoor stop and reflects the geology of the surrounding landscape.
Planning a stay in Stawell? Explore hotels, motels, caravan parks and eligible hosted accommodation while discovering the town’s gold-mining heritage, sporting culture and access to the Grampians.
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