Attractions and Places To See around Stawell - Top 20

Stawell is a gateway to the magnificent Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), offering rugged mountain ranges, stunning wildflowers, creeks, and waterfalls like Mackenzie Falls. Closer to town, you can visit the Deep Lead Nature Conservation Reserve, known for its extensive tracks, native plants, and birdlife, especially vibrant wildflower displays in spring. Cato Park provides gardens, picnic facilities, and scenic lake views, while the striking Sister Rocks offer excellent photo opportunities.

Yes, Stawell has a rich gold rush history. You can visit the historic Stawell Town Hall, dating back to 1872, which features an animated clock depicting gold miners. The Stawell Gold Mine, while a working site, has a public viewing area on Reefs Road. For a deeper dive, the Stawell Historical Society Museum, housed in the former Pleasant Creek Court House, preserves artifacts and photographs from the era. You can also follow the Stawell Cultural Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour linking historic sites and architecture.

Families can enjoy a visit to the iconic Giant Koala, located north-west of Stawell, which includes a gift shop, restaurant, and a small native and farm animal zoo. Central Park in Stawell offers leafy gardens and open grassy areas for recreation. Cato Park is another popular spot with playgrounds, picnic facilities, and scenic lake views. For outdoor adventures, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is a fantastic gravel path suitable for families, known for bird watching.

The Stawell Railway Station Gallery, located in the historic 1877 railway station building, showcases works by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. For a significant cultural experience, Bunjil's Shelter within the Black Range Scenic Reserve features rare Aboriginal rock art, depicting the ancestral creator spirit Bunjil, making it one of the most important cultural sites in southeastern Australia.

The Grampians Rail Trail offers an easy, flat 11-kilometer route through bushland, known for abundant wildflowers in spring. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is a fantastic gravel path across the Avalon marshes, popular for cycling and walking. Additionally, the Deep Lead Nature Conservation Reserve features an extensive network of tracks ideal for cycling or walking. For more specific routes, you can explore options like the running trails around Stawell, including a moderate 10.85 km loop along the King's Sedgemoor Drain.

Beyond the main sights, consider visiting Heatherlie Quarry, a historic sandstone quarry in the northern Grampians where you can explore old machinery and sections of the original tramway. Bunjil's Shelter, with its rare Aboriginal rock art, is another significant and unique cultural site. While not publicly accessible, the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) deep beneath the Stawell Gold Mine is a world-class science facility researching dark matter, adding a unique scientific dimension to the town's story.

Stawell and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for cycling. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is a popular gravel path for cyclists. For more extensive rides, you can find various routes, such as the "Sweets Tea Rooms – Somerset Levels Wetlands loop from Meare" for gravel biking, or the "Totney Drove – Sweets Tea Rooms loop from Catcott" for road cycling. You can find more detailed routes and guides for gravel biking and road cycling around Stawell.

Big Hill Lookout, located just east of Stawell's commercial center, offers fine views over the town and surrounding countryside, including glimpses of the Grampians mountain range, from its Pioneers Memorial at the peak.

The Stawell Gift is a prestigious annual footrace held every Easter at Central Park. You can learn about its rich history, dating back to 1878, by visiting the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame, also located in Central Park. It features memorabilia, displays, and artifacts chronicling this iconic event.

Yes, a short drive from Stawell, in the Great Western region, you can visit Best's Wines. They offer cellar door experiences and are part of the region's renowned wine industry, providing an opportunity to sample local produce.

Visitors particularly enjoy the peacefulness and natural beauty of areas like the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail. Many appreciate the excellent compacted gravel surfaces for cycling and walking, the abundant birdwatching opportunities, and the vibrant wildflower displays, especially in spring. The shared paths are valued for allowing people to enjoy nature in peace.

Yes, Sweets Tea Rooms is a popular cafe, especially among cyclists, known for its accommodating service and being a frequent stop for those exploring the levels. It's a great spot to refuel during your adventures.