Winchelsea Heritage Walk
An intriguing insight into the town's rich history and its people. The trail commences at the Winchelsea Visitor Centre and includes features such as the Globe Theatre, Barwon Mansion, the Barwon River and heritage listed triple arched bluestone bridge to name a few historic sites.
Winchelsea is an attractive rural town by the banks of the picturesque Barwon River, steeped in the rich history of Victoria's Western District including Barwon Park Mansion and eight other national trust listed properties in the area.
The Barwon River is framed by historic churches and a series of reserves, picnic and BBQ areas as it flows through the centre of Winchelsea. A heritage trail takes in the town's older buildings and points of interest.
Name Origins
Winchelsea was originally called Austin's Ford and then, "The Barwon". Despite its inland location, the town was eventually named after the old English port of Winchelsea on the southeast coast of England. The first Europeans to reside in the area were squatters who established grazing runs here in 1837. The town developed around the Barwon Hotel and a general store, both of which were established in 1842 on the coaching route between Geelong and Warrnambool.
Winchelsea Heritage Walk Map
Heritage Locations
1. Old Public Library - Winchelsea Visitor Centre (J2)
Originally built as Winchelsea's public library, this attractive historic building now serves as the Winchelsea Visitor Information Centre. It provides information on the town's history, attractions and the heritage walk, while preserving one of Winchelsea's important civic buildings.
2. Winchelsea's First Church (J3)
One of the oldest surviving places of worship in the district, Winchelsea's First Church reflects the strong religious foundations of the early settlement. It is an important reminder of the town's pioneering years and the close-knit rural community that developed along the Barwon River.
3. Globe Theatre (J2)
The heritage-listed Globe Theatre has entertained generations of Winchelsea residents since the early 1900s. One of the few surviving country theatres of its era, it continues to be a treasured community landmark and an important part of the town's cultural heritage.
4. Bluestone Shop - Austin Street (J2)
Constructed from locally quarried bluestone, this historic shop is a fine example of the durable commercial buildings erected during Winchelsea's prosperous nineteenth-century years. It reflects the craftsmanship and architectural character that still define much of the town centre.
5. Eastern Reserve Grandstand (K2)
The historic grandstand at Eastern Reserve has overlooked local sporting events and community gatherings for generations. It represents the long tradition of country football, cricket and recreation that has played an important role in Winchelsea's social life.
6. 300 Year-Old Tree (L1)
This magnificent River Red Gum predates European settlement by centuries and is one of Winchelsea's oldest living landmarks. Estimated to be around 300 years old, it provides a glimpse of the landscape encountered by the district's Traditional Owners and early settlers, and remains a striking feature of the heritage walk.
7. Barwon Park Mansion (K1)
This majestic 42-room bluestone National Trust mansion and stables is largely in its original condition, resonating with the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage.
The mansion was built for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin (founder of the Austin Hospital) who had lived in the Western District at Barwon Park since their marriage in 1845. Barwon Park at Winchelsea, when completed in 1869, was the finest and most celebrated mansion house in western Victoria and, having established the reputation of architects Davidson and Henderson, survives as perhaps the most notable homestead designed by this prolific practice. At Barwon Park, Thomas Austin, royal host, public figure, eminent pastoralist and leader of the Acclimatisation Society, who was the first to introduce rabbits to Australia, an achievement now universally condemned.
Barwon Park is 3 km north of town on Inverleigh Road and is signposted off the Princes Highway.
8. Barwon River Bridge (I3)
Near the hotel is a three-span bluestone arch bridge (1867) over the Barwon River which is considered one of the most impressive stone structures in Victoria. There are a number of picnic spots beside the river. A platypus has frequently been spotted on early mornings close to the bridge.
9. Shire Offices (I3)
The former Shire Offices were the administrative heart of the Winchelsea Shire for many decades. The building reflects the town's importance as a regional centre and stands as a reminder of local government before council amalgamations in the 1990s.
10. Winchelsea Railway Station (H2)
Opened in 1876 as part of the Geelong–Warrnambool railway, Winchelsea Railway Station transformed the town by improving transport for passengers, livestock and agricultural produce. The station remains an important transport link and a reminder of the railway's role in the district's development.
11. First Bank Building (I3)
This handsome former bank building reflects Winchelsea's prosperity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Banks were an essential part of country towns, supporting local farmers, businesses and the growing pastoral industry.
12. Barwon Hotel (J3)
Established in the 1840s, the Barwon Hotel is one of Winchelsea's oldest continuously operating businesses. Originally serving travellers on the busy coaching route between Geelong and Warrnambool, it remains an important landmark overlooking the Barwon River.
13. Vicarage (I4)
The historic vicarage provided accommodation for the local Anglican minister and forms part of Winchelsea's religious heritage. Together with the nearby church, it reflects the important role churches played in the social and community life of early rural settlements.
14. Golf Course (I4)
Winchelsea Golf Club has been part of the community for many years, providing recreation and social opportunities for local residents. The course also offers attractive views across the surrounding countryside and Barwon River valley.
Location
28 Hesse Street, Winchelsea 3241 View Map
