Murtoa: Grain History, Railways and Lake Marma

Murtoa brings together striking reminders of its grain and railway history with opportunities to explore the town on foot or by vehicle. Particularly distinctive is The Stick Shed: a large emergency grain store built during the Second World War, whose cathedral-like interior leaves a lasting impression. Those interested in historic buildings and collections can also discover the Murtoa Museum Precinct and Concordia Cottage. Lake Marma offers a different side to your stay: a walking loop and the opportunity to fish invite you to spend time by the water.

The Stick Shed and its distinctive architecture

The Stick Shed is the only surviving emergency grain store built during the Second World War. It was the 101st Australian landmark to be added to the National Heritage List. Inside, tall, untreated wooden poles shape the cathedral-like space. A central aisle runs through the hall, while skylights let in light from above. The structure and its scale make a visit interesting for travellers with an interest in architecture and the history of grain storage.

There are specific visiting hours: The Stick Shed is open to visitors seven days a week, from 10 am to 3 pm. If you would like to include this place in your stay, you can plan your visit within this time window. The opening hours give the outing a clear timeframe; Murtoa’s railway and local history can also be explored in other collections.

Water tower, railway station and local history

The former railway water tower in the Murtoa Museum Precinct tells a story of history and collections across its four floors, which house exhibitions, historic artefacts and memorabilia. The tower was built in 1886 to supply water to steam locomotives. The Old Water Tower also displays the James Hill Taxidermy Collection. It includes more than 600 specimens of birds and reptiles, as well as birds’ eggs. The collection offers a distinctive focus alongside the technical and historical exhibits.

Murtoa Railway Station focuses on the town’s railway and industrial history. On display are railway relics and a model of the Murtoa railway yard from the steam and diesel era of the 1960s. The Richard Hornsby engines, cared for by the Dunmunkle Sump Oilers, are also remarkable: they are the only engines of their kind in the world still standing on their original foundations.

Another historic landmark is Concordia Cottage. It is the only surviving building of Concordia College, a Lutheran seminary founded in Murtoa in 1890. The Concordia Bell Tower is also in the Museum Precinct; visitors can ring the bell. Together with The Stick Shed and the railway relics, these sites offer different points of interest for anyone interested in buildings, technology or the town’s history.

On foot or by Lake Marma

The Murtoa Heritage Trail is an easy walking or driving route through town, with plenty of photo opportunities. You can explore the area on foot or by vehicle. If you would rather plan a route by the water, Lake Marma has a 2 km walking trail that loops around the lake. The trail features abundant wildlife, and fishing is also possible at Lake Marma.

These options offer different experiences: the Heritage Trail leads through Murtoa, while the loop around Lake Marma combines wildlife watching with a walk by the water. If you are mainly looking for historic buildings and collections on your trip, The Stick Shed, the Museum Precinct and the railway station are highlights. For a stay that includes a walk and the opportunity to fish, Lake Marma makes a distinct addition to your itinerary. This lets you explore Murtoa according to your travel group’s interests, without limiting your visit to a single theme.

More places to discover: Wandin North, Toolangi, Tatura, Marcus Hill, Winton North, Safety Beach, Richmond and Berrys Creek.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.