Stawell

Quick facts

• Population approximately 7,000
• 233 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
• Home to the Stawell Gift – one of the richest, professional foot races in the world
• Great Western wine region.

The thriving and bustling city of Stawell is the service centre for the Grampians. Gold was discovered nearby in 1853 and continues to be found in Victoria’s largest operating mine. Renowned as the home of the annual Stawell Gift foot race, the city offers cultural and heritage walking and driving tours, museums, wineries and golf.

Activities and attractions

• Discover Stawell’s history with heritage walks or self-drive tours
• Visit the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame Museum, dedicated to the famous 120-metre dash
• View 1860s photographs, nineteenth century costumes, gold rush artefacts and historical documents at the Pleasant Creek Courthouse Museum
• Visit the Pioneers Memorial in the Big Hill area for views of the town and gold mining heritage
• Visit Bunjil’s Shelter – a huge rock overhang with rock art depicting Bunjil, an Aboriginal spirit figure, in the nearby Black Range
• Play a round of golf on magnificent local fairways.
• Board a scenic flight or a hot air balloon for views of the town and the magnificent Grampians
• Visit cellar doors to meet the winemaker and enjoy tastings at vineyards throughout the Great Western wine region
• Head to the Grampians National Park to walk, rock climb, abseil and enjoy other outdoor activities. 

Major events

• Stawell Easter Gift Festival – Easter
• Grampians Model Train Exhibition and Stawell Sheep Show – July
• Stawell Orchid Show and Stawell Vintage Machinery Rally – September
• Stawell Show – October

How to get there
Stawell is approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne via the Western Highway. Daily coach and rail services are available from Melbourne.