Lara Museum and Heritage Centre
The Lara Museum and Heritage Centre is a fascinating local history museum housed in one of Lara's oldest surviving buildings, the former Lake Bank Hotel, which dates back to around 1860.
The beautifully restored limestone buildings provide an interesting glimpse into life in Lara and the surrounding district, with historical photographs, documents, memorabilia and displays telling the stories of the people who lived and worked in the area.
The museum is operated by volunteers from Lara Heritage and Historical Inc., who collect, preserve and share the history of the district.
History of the Lake Bank Hotel:
The historic building was constructed for Scottish immigrant James Henderson and operated as a licensed hotel until 1908.
It is Lara's only surviving nineteenth-century hotel and remained home to five generations of the Henderson family.
After the property was purchased by Bisinella Developments in 2010, extensive restoration work was undertaken to preserve the limestone buildings.
The restored complex officially opened as a museum in April 2013.
Museum Displays:
The museum contains a changing collection of historical objects, photographs, records and memorabilia associated with Lara and the surrounding district.
Displays help visitors discover:
- The early European settlement of Lara.
- The history of the former Lake Bank Hotel.
- Local families and community life.
- Historic photographs, documents and household objects.
- The development of Lara and its surrounding rural district.
- Stories associated with local historical events.
School and Group Visits:
The museum welcomes school groups from Grade 2 upwards, with educational programmes arranged to suit the curriculum.
Volunteer guides provide a range of rotating activities, introducing students to the history of Lara and everyday life in earlier times.
Group visits are available by prior arrangement.
Facilities:
- Restored historic limestone buildings.
- Indoor historical displays.
- Gardens and outdoor heritage areas.
- Volunteer guides.
- Free on-site parking for six cars.
- One accessible parking space.
- EFTPOS and cash payment facilities.
Opening Hours:
Opening times should be confirmed before visiting. Group visits are by prior arrangement.
See current visitor information and contact details.
Cost:
See current visitor information including admission prices.
School and group programmes: Contact the museum for arrangements.
Review:
Lara Museum is an interesting small heritage attraction that provides an opportunity to explore local history inside a beautifully restored nineteenth-century building.
The former Lake Bank Hotel is a major attraction in itself, with its distinctive limestone walls and connections to the early settlement of Lara.
The displays offer an insight into everyday life in earlier times and the changes that have occurred in the local community.
For school groups, the volunteer-led educational programmes are particularly worthwhile because children can learn directly from people with an interest in preserving the region's history.
Families with younger children should be aware that this is primarily a traditional history museum rather than a hands-on children's attraction.
The low admission charge and free entry for children make it an affordable stop when exploring Lara and the surrounding area.
Location
2-10 Canterbury Road West, Lara 3212 View Map
✆ 0417 568 745
Web Links
→ laramuseum.org.au
→ Lara Heritage and Hostorical on Facebook
