Head deep into Victoria’s north-west to the Wimmera Mallee, an untapped playground that traverses vast landscapes and art-dappled towns, historical landmarks and glistening pink lakes.
This is your sign to veer off the beaten path, away from the crowds and the buzz of your phone to a slice of wilderness where country hospitality and quintessentially Australian landscapes await.
Natural wonders
Are you a lover of lakes? The Wimmera Mallee has everything from vibrant pink ones to a lake so dry you can walk across it.
Just a few kilometres out of the township of Rainbow is Rainbow Lake, the perfect spot for a swim or recreational water activities in the summer, while Lake Lascelles in Hopetoun is a bigger alternative where you can fish, boat or camp.
Chase the glow of pink water at two of Victoria’s pink salt lakes, Lake Tyrrell or Loch lel (also known as Pink Lake Dimboola). Lake Tyrrell is at its pinkest in warm, wet periods, while Loch lel varies in colour from bubble gum pink to more of a salmon colour and is its brightest after heavy rain.
Experience the vast beauty of semi-arid landscapes in Wyperfield National Park. During wetter periods tiny desert plants sprout from long dormant seeds and carpet the ground with clusters of flowers. In Little Desert National Park you can go on a 4WD adventure or meander walking trails that pass by rolling sand dunes and cypress pine and casuarina woodlands.
A slice of history
Step back in time to WWII and walk through the Murtoa Stick Shed, which was originally used for wheat storage. Now, stare in awe at the cathedral ceilings and dappled-light-filled space which is heritage listed by both state and federal authorities.
Alternatively, get a taste of Edwardian life with a visit to Rainbow’s heritage-listed Yurunga Homestead, which was built in 1909 during the Mallee’s early pioneering days.
Continue your historical journey with a visit to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre, housed in the aerodome just north of the township, to learn about the town’s proud aviation heritage, or pop into the Overland Museum in Kaniva dedicated to 130 years of The Overland train’s railway operations.
Local highlights
Pop into local farmers’ markets, grab a pie from quaint bakeries and soak up the charm of country life in regional communities across the Wimmera Mallee. A highlight of the area is the Dimboola Imaginarium, a historic bank-turned quirky gift shop that also offers accommodation for those wanting to stay a little longer.
Local art aficionados or families with kids will also enjoy the Sheep Art Trail in Kaniva, an easy 900 metre walk with painted sheeps that each link to a place or story related to community groups.
Silo Art Trail
You’re in silo art country, so there’s no time like the present to do the North West Victoria component of the mammoth Silo Art Trail. Considered the largest outdoor gallery in Australia, this portion of the trail showcases murals of farmers, wildlife and children growing up in remote regions, spanning the towns of Kaniva, Murtoa, Patchewollock and more.
