Attractions and activities in and around Great Western

Great Western is a quaint and charming township located on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide and part of the Grampians and Great Grape Road touring routes. First settled in the 1840s by sheep graziers, Great Western rapidly developed through the discovery of gold and then the planting of grape vines and today remains the focal point of one of Australia’s internationally renowned wine growing regions and one of the State’s most attractive wine villages.

Toll Gate

The former Toll Gate in the foyer of the Mechanics Institute complex, Western Highway, Great Western, makes a significant aesthetic and cultural contribution to the Great Western Township.

The building, probably built in 1863, stood near Allanvale homestead on the main road from the mid 1860s until 1878 when it was sold to Mr. Blampied and was moved to St Peter's Vineyard. In the 1960s it was sold to the Great Western Mechanics' Institute where it has been used as a ticket box. The former Toll Gate is architecturally significant at a local level. It demonstrates original or appropriate design qualities of a rudimentary Victorian style. These qualities include the simple gable roof form and the arched opening framed by a moulded timber architrave.

Other intact or appropriate qualities include the rounded corner bench with a panelled timber door opening in the centre, 'Western Toll Gates' sign above the arched opening, and the reconstructed 'Tolls Payable' sign within the Toll Gate. It is associated with early road development in the Stawell and Great Western districts and with the former St Peter's Vineyard.

Source: Heritage Council of Victoria.

Historical Cemetery

Great Western is a quaint and charming township located on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide and part of the Grampians and Great Grape Road touring routes. First settled in the 1840s by sheep graziers.

Great Western Heritage Trail

Great Western has recently launched its Heritage Trail. Plaques are erected at each of the heritage sites in the township which allow visitors the opportunity to walk around all the heritage sites, or enjoy a leisurely drive.

Heritage sites along the trail include Best's Winery, the Great Western Primary School, Anglican Church and Common School, Roman Catholic Church, General Store, Great Western Hotel, Salingers Cafe, Mechanics Hall and Toll Gate, Blacksmith Memorial, Gaol and Ploughs, Cemetery, Seppelt Winery, Racecourse, Methodist and Uniting Church and the Recreation Reserve.