Stawell

Introducing Stawell

Stawell is famous for the Stawell Gift, a 120m foot race that’s Australia’s richest and has been run here every Easter Monday since 1878, attracting up to 20, 000 visitors. The Stawell Gift Hall of Fame (5358 1326; Main St; adult/child $4/2; 9-11am Mon-Fri) is opposite the Gift Hotel and houses race memorabilia. The Railway Station Gallery (5358 1135; Napier St; Thu-Sun & public holidays 10am-4pm) is worth a look, as much for the beautiful old station building as for the shifting exhibitions.

Bunjil’s Shelter, along a bone-rattling bumpy road 11km south of Stawell and signposted off the road to Pomonal, is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock-art sites in the state. Bunjil is the creator spirit of the Aboriginal people of this region. There’s nothing authentic about Casper’s World in Miniature (5358 1877; London Rd; adult/child/family $9/4/24; from 9am). This park displays exhibits devoted to various countries and cultures of the world – a diminutive Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramid as well as a replica gold mine, and, of course, a souvenir shop. Kitsch and trashy, but très populaire with the tourists!

The town is steeped in colonial-era history and the Stawell visitor information centre (1800 330 080; 50-52 Longfield St) provides interpretive maps for town walking tours. It will also book accommodation.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009