Koroit Heritage Trail

Koroit Heritage Trail is a self-guided journey through one of Australia's most complete early Irish settlements. It explores 31 historic places around Koroit, with nearby Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve included as an additional destination on the brochure map.

Koroit stands on the northern rim of the Tower Hill volcanic crater. Its name derives from the Koroitch Gundidj people, who occupied the area for thousands of years. The rich volcanic soil subsequently attracted Irish immigrant farmers during the 1840s and 1850s, many of whom established small grain and potato farms.

The town developed with the culture and character of its Irish settlers. This heritage remains evident in Koroit's churches, cottages, public buildings, hotels and streetscapes.

The trail begins at Tower Hill Common School in Victoria Park. The route continues through High Street, Mill Street, McVicar Street, Commercial Road, Station Street, Garden Street, Anzac Avenue, Anne Street and Horne Street before returning to the Common School.

The numbered sites should be followed using the downloadable heritage trail map. Some buildings are private residences and should only be viewed from the street.

Distance:

Approximately 3 km for the town trail.
Start/Finish: Tower Hill Common School, Victoria Park, High Street.
Sites: 31 places around Koroit, plus Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve as site 32.
Mode: Walking or cycling. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve requires a separate drive.

Koroit Heritage Trail Map

Koroit Heritage Trail Sites:

1. Tower Hill Common School

The trail begins at the former Tower Hill Lake National School, which opened in 1857 and was Koroit's first public building. It is believed to be the last substantially intact authentic example from Victoria's National School era. The Heritage Victoria-registered building has been restored and is now the headquarters of the Koroit and District Historical Society.

2. Koroit Butter Factory

The Koroit Butter Factory first opened in 1889. The site subsequently developed into a major dairy-processing facility.

3. State School No. 618

The school opened in 1878 and its adjoining residence was constructed around 1890. Former pupil Sir John Eccles became a Nobel Prize winner and Australian of the Year in 1963.

4. Former Court House

The former Koroit Court House opened in 1872 and continued operating until 1976. The building is classified by the National Trust.

5. Police Residence

The police residence was erected around 1885. A detached building on its eastern side originally served as the police station. Koroit's newer police station officially opened in July 2007.

6. Post Office

Postal services commenced in 1858 and the present building was completed in 1872. Author Henry Handel Richardson lived here for a period around 1879. The building is classified by the National Trust.

7. Old Courthouse Inn

Constructed in 1901 as a hotel, the building replaced the former Dunfermline Inn, which had been built in 1857.

8. Abercorn

Abercorn was built around 1875 and stands beside the site of one of Koroit's earliest general stores.

9. Former Station Master's Residence Site

The corner of Station Street and Bourke Avenue marks the former location of the Station Master's residence.

10. Koroit Railway Station

Railway operations began in Koroit in 1889. The original station was made of timber, while the surviving brick building was completed in 1907. Passenger and freight services ceased in 1977.

The precinct now provides access to the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail. It also includes a railway-themed playground, skate park, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball half court and barbecue facilities.

11. Corner Store

This former corner shop dates from approximately 1883.

12. Barr's General Store

The large double-fronted shop was constructed around 1906 and operated as Barr's General Store for many years.

13. Former National Australia Bank

The bank opened in 1868 as a single-storey building. Its second storey and decorative facade were added during the late 1880s. The branch closed in 2002 and the building is now a private residence.

14. Former Colonial Bank of Australasia

The building was constructed for the Colonial Bank of Australasia in 1876. It later housed the State Savings Bank of Victoria and Commonwealth Bank before banking operations ceased in 1996. It is now a private residence.

15. Koroit Hotel

The Koroit Hotel was built in 1861 as a simple two-storey bluestone building. Its Art Nouveau facade was added during the early twentieth century.

16. Former Fire Station Site

Koroit's fire station was built here in 1900 and was later used as the Guide Hall. The building was demolished in September 2006 following an arson attack earlier that year.

17. Former Koroit Borough Chambers

The northern wing was constructed in 1878 and the southern wing was added in 1970. The Borough of Koroit was established in 1870 and later became part of Moyne Shire. The building now accommodates the local library.

18. Koroit Botanic Gardens

The gardens were planned during the 1860s and designed by William Guilfoyle. Robert Whitworth laid out the grounds using trees selected by botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller.

Several trees are classified by the National Trust and the gardens were added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 2007. More than 100 rare and unusual trees grow in the grounds, which also contain a playground and public toilets.

19. Old Hillcrest

Old Hillcrest is a substantial late Victorian residence built in 1910 by Richard Skilbeck, one of Koroit's early pioneers.

20. The Pines Cottage

This early cottage was built around 1860 as Richard Skilbeck's first home. Later alterations changed its original appearance, although part of the first roof may remain beneath subsequent roofing.

21. Former Methodist Church

Koroit's original timber Methodist church opened in 1859. The present building opened in 1868 and remained a church until the 1970s. It now serves as the Scout Hall.

22. Scots Presbyterian Church

The Scots Presbyterian Church opened in 1861. Its adjoining manse was built during 1863 and 1864.

23. Historic Horse Trough

The historic horse trough was one of many installed in Australian towns through a charitable trust established by Annis and George Bills.

24. Early Settler's Cottage

This small cottage is believed to have been constructed around 1889 or 1890.

25. Former Convent of the Good Samaritan Sisters

The convent opened in 1907 and subsequently operated as a hostel and school. The historic complex is now known as The Convent at Koroit.

26. St Patrick's School

St Patrick's School was established in 1890. Its oldest surviving building dates from 1921.

27. Catholic Church of the Infant Jesus

The church was designed by William Wardell, who also designed St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. Its original section opened in 1870 and substantial extensions were added during 1915 and 1916.

28. Former Catholic Church Presbytery

The former presbytery was built during the late 1880s. The church precinct is classified by the National Trust, although the presbytery is now privately owned.

29. Late Victorian Home

William Crowe, a civic leader for more than 40 years, built this gracious residence in 1918. Look for the shamrock incorporated into the stonework above the front-left window.

30. St Paul's Anglican Church

St Paul's Anglican Church was constructed in 1870. The site provides a good view across the playing fields towards Koroit's Catholic church buildings.

31. Edwardian Home

This weatherboard residence was constructed in 1900 and is a fine example of Edwardian domestic architecture.

32. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve occupies a large volcanic crater south of Koroit. It was declared Victoria's first national park in 1892 and contains volcanic cones, lakes, wetlands and bushland.

Wildlife may include emus, kangaroos, koalas, swans, ducks and other native birds. Walking tracks explore the wetlands and volcanic landscape, while guided experiences provide an introduction to the area's Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Tower Hill is outside the Koroit town walking circuit and should be visited separately.

Opening Hours:

The outdoor trail can be followed at any time. The Koroit and District Historical Society museum at the starting point opens on selected days and by appointment.