20180430 VIC Stawell

20180430 Starwell looks like an interesting town Des and it only a short trip down the road so we packed up and left the sand and wind behind.  As we drove off we noticed a sign, ‘National Park’ no wood to be taken from this side of the road, Opps too late.

Stawell, the town that boomed in 1853 when gold was discovered, this town has so much character with their well-preserved history that shows in the grand old buildings and the pretty gardens to set the scene, it is definitely worth a stroll, stop for lunch or coffee you won’t be disappointed.The mine ceased operation in 1920 but then the Magdale Mine reopened in the 1980s and is still operating as one of Victoria’s largest gold mines.

Hi there, wanna come play?
😏😅
The Pioneer Walk displayed some amazing photos of the past and present, brows the shops, I found an Oilskin coat for 50 bucks, even Des splurged out and brought a coat with a hoody, I’m too old for hoods, true.
The magnificent cast iron gates consist of six piers with two larger central piers and decorative capping adorned with urns, the plaques on the gate read: 
Erected to Commemorate the Patriotism of Those who from this Town and District Served in the Boer War 1899-1902.


What are these plaques scatted around the streets, Oo, the town holds an Easter Athletics Carnival in Stawell every Easter since the inaugural race in 1878, it was established for the entertainment of the miners and now draws up to 20,000 spectators each year.

The Grand Stand is defiantly worth a look, built in 1899 for the world’s richest foot race (carnival) at a cost of £593.









Behind the Grandstand stands this lovely garden and the smell of roses and petunia’s fill the air.







The Anzac Monument stands overlooking the town as you enter the main street.








The Town Hall has a tower & clock that chimes over the town hourly, gifted to Stawell in 1939 by Norman Kelly in memory of her late father, a councillor for 47 years & mother. The Tower is 50ft above the town hall & the clock has 4 dials each 
7 ft in dia.
The Sister Rock have long been famous for their collection of graffiti.










Apparently there are a number of myths about the rocks, they were named after the Levi sisters, who arrived from Ireland as little girls as part of a family but were really in their late teens and 20s, all married within 4 years of arrival, as part of an effort to get men to stay in the area and increase the population, gee I wonder if it worked.

A former teacher did extensive research on the rocks and nicknamed some of the rock in relation to their shape, such as Muffin Rock or Old Lady’s Boot.
This is what I call doing it hard, you would have to be crazy to travel that way, I'll stick to the van thank you.
Ending with this interesting piece.
Location: Stawell VIC 3380, Australia

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