Kolora - Corangamite Dry Stone Walls Heritage Trail West
The Corangamite Dry Stone Walls Heritage Trail West is a self-drive touring route through some of the finest dry stone wall country in Victoria. Built by early European settlers during the mid to late nineteenth century, these remarkable walls were constructed from locally gathered volcanic basalt without the use of mortar. More than 150 years later, many continue to define paddock boundaries and stand as enduring reminders of the Western District's pastoral history.
The western trail follows quiet country roads through the farming districts north of Terang, where long stretches of beautifully preserved dry stone walls border rolling volcanic plains, fertile grazing land and historic dairy farms.
Interpretive signs at selected locations explain the history of the walls, the skill required to construct them and their importance in the development of the Western District grazing industry. The drive also passes attractive rural landscapes, volcanic features and wetlands that make this a rewarding tour for history enthusiasts, photographers and anyone interested in Australia's rural heritage.
This route (marked in blue on the map below) takes you past three of the district’s most intriguing dry stone walls which are marked 1,2 and 3 on this map.
Corangamite Dry Stone Walls Heritage Trail West Map
1. Consumption Dyke
Darlington - Terang Road, Kolora
This is a very fine example of a consumption dyke, so called as it consumes large volumes of stonesMap for self-drive tour 3 which lay on the surface of the land. Its height (at over 2 metres), style and width are most impressive.
2. Kolora Road Wall
Kolora Lane (near Maloneys Road), Kolora
This wall features massive copestones and base stones, and is an example of one of the many variations in wall style in the area.
3. Terang - Mortlake Road Wall
Terang - Mortlake Road, Noorat
This is a typical dry stone wall of the district; a double wall with a height of about 900mm and tapering sides. Throughstones tie the two sides of the wall together.
Tip: Drive slowly and use designated roadside pull-offs when photographing the walls. Many of the finest examples are on private farmland and should be admired from public roads.
Location
Darlington - Terang Road, Kolora 3265 View Map
Web Links
→ dswaa.org.au/self-drive-tours-vic
