View of the Wimmera Mallee from Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park
Some of Australia’s best and most unique destinations are tucked away off the beaten track — and the Wimmera Mallee region in northwest Victoria is among them.
Broad open skies, star-filled nights and welcoming locals who’ll make you feel like you’re a long-lost relative — these are just some of the experiences that make the Wimmera Mallee region a favourite among travellers.
Tucked in the north-western corner of Victoria’s ‘Garden State’ the Wimmera Mallee region has a rich heritage. With dozens of country towns to explore, each featuring some unique and wonderful highlights, the Wimmera Mallee region is the perfect place to steer your car and van if you want a road trip filled with the unexpected.
An idyllic escape
One of the best parts of heading into Australia’s rural settings and towns is to experience the untamed landscapes, country hospitality and see the many unique attractions that tend to pop up in these out of the way areas. The Wimmera Mallee has all three in spades.
Lake Tyrell
Largely untouched by big developments, the Wimmera Mallee region is an ideal place for those who want to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy broad open skies and undulating plains during the day and some of the best starry night skies you’ll see. And best yet, you can enjoy all this without travelling too far from the comforts of modern life, with the ability to restock your supplies or park the van by some amenities for a night or three.
With so much on offer, there’s something to suit every style and age of traveller. Museums focussed on everything from farming machinery to aviation will appeal to a wide range of visitors, while families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many walking, bike riding and swimming opportunities on offer.
If mapping a route isn’t your way to travel, simply head to the local pub and you’re sure to leave with plenty of recommendations and stories from the welcoming locals. Or simply hit the road and there’s sure to be a surprise around every corner.
Dimboola Imaginarium
Our recommendations
There are too many iconically quirky Wimmera Mallee attractions to list them all, but here are some of our top recommendations to add to your travel itinerary.
The Dimboola Imaginarium:
Housed in an old bank, this attraction is more than just a gift store — it’s an immersive experience. Peek inside the vault, sleep in the old bank manager’s residence and much more.
Murtoa Stick Shed:
Completed in 1942 as emergency grain storage, the unique and dramatic structure now leaves visitors in awe with its ghostly unmilled tall timber poles.
Murtoa Stick Shed
Australian Pinball Museum, Nhill:
Check out Australia’s largest selection of pinball machines, all of which are playable and open to the public.
Little Desert National Park:
A desert in Victoria — who knew? Hike the sand dunes, hit the fantastic walking trails, camp beside the Wimmera River and much more. It’s a truly unique and surprising element of Victoria’s landscape.
Little Desert National Park
Big Desert Wilderness Park:
Keep the desert adventure going, and for the full experience join an Explore the Mallee tour in Patchewollock.
Lake Tyrrell:
Tick off Victoria’s largest in-land Salt Lake from your bucket list while you enjoy the soft pink hues of the water and the fantastic reflections of the sky above.
The Silo Art Trail:
Caravanners and silo art go hand in hand, and lucky you — this area is where it began, with 14 painted silos and more to come.
The stunning Rosebery Silo Art
Dergholm Pub:
Known affectionately as ‘The Pub in the Scrub’ this small pub offers a rustic, family-friendly, true outback Aussie experience.
Bailey’s Rocks:
Located in Dergholm State Park, these giant granite boulders are an ancient must-see nature destination. There’s even a campground nearby with basic facilities.
The Rex Theatre, Charlton:
Opened in 1938 this stunning vintage cinema doubles as a museum dedicated to honouring the golden age of cinema.
Some other honourable mentions are:
- Now Dach’s a Gallery, Edenhope
- Pink Lake, Dimboola
- Kaniva Puppet Shop
- Commercial Hotel, Kaniva
- Hermitage Hotel, Harrow
- World’s Smallest Mountain, Mount Wycheproof
- SkyMirror Gallery, Sea Lake
Pink Lake, Dimboola
When to visit
This area is great to visit no matter the time of year, but if you want the best of the best, visit in spring. There are native wildflowers galore plus fields of bright yellow canola as far as the eye can see.
Where to stay
The Wimmera Mallee region is perfect for caravanners, with plenty of places to park the van for extended or overnight stays. If you like getting back to nature, head to one of the 20 lakes around the region that offer shoreside camping and panoramic views, and many with great amenities and affordable rates.
If that doesn’t appeal just about every town in the region has camp sites and caravan parks with all the amenities you need to keep your adventures going.
Upcoming events
Sea Lake Astro Fest: 2–4 November 2024
Held for the first time last year, this festival is a celebration of all things astronomical. Bring your telescope and get ready to be wowed by the wonders of the night sky.
Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon: 17–18 February 2025
Held on the banks of Lake Charlegrark, this annual country music festival is a must for all visitors to the area.
The Wimmera Steampunk Festival: 12 April 2025
Travel back in time in Dimboola during this biennial festival that celebrates all things old, new, wacky and wonderful.
View from Hermans Hill, Big Desert Wilderness Park
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