STAWELL GOLD TOWN
- Traveldriven
- Mar 30, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Stawell
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 Oval. The town's cricket and Australian Rules football oval. The Stawell Gift began in 1878 and is a very prestige event. The Gift Final is broadcast on free to air television nationwide. 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 Grampians mountain range stretching across the horizon. This vantage point is accessible via one of three roads that wind their way up and down 'Big Hill. One of which leads 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 converging at a flat unsealed parking area, providing convenient access to elevated viewpoints offering 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 and 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 town and Grampian 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. A 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.
Town Hall Clock Animated Figures
Numerous tourists and locals have been observed watching the Stawell clock tower at the hour's peak.
On the Town Hall clock tower facing Main Street are two animated gold miners operating a mining cradle of the pioneer era. The animated mining figures were installed in 1969 and the display was opened by the Victorian premier of the day. As hourly chimes ring out the animation begins to the tune of, 'With a swag upon my shoulder'.
Traveldriven
ENTER CLICK/TAP
STAWELL
STAWELL & MAIN STREET
THREE WATER FOUNTAINS IN CATO LAKE
STAWELL GOLD MINE OBSERVATION AREA
BIG HILL LOOKOUT AT DAWN,
STAWELL & GRAMPIANS
STAWELL TOWN HALL AND ANIMATED MINERS ON CLOCK TOWER EVERY HOUR
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