Continuing our exploration of the Wimmera region, we found ourselves in Murtoa, Victoria. After admiring the town's grand old pub, we decided to delve a little deeper and discovered a rather unique landmark: The Murtoa Stick Shed.
Before venturing inside, we first took a look around the visitor centre. It gave us a good sense of the history and context surrounding the shed, which helped us understand the enormity of what we were about to see.
Stepping inside the Stick Shed is like entering a cathedral of timber. Rows upon rows of wooden posts support the vast roof, creating a truly awe-inspiring space. Built during the Second World War due to a shortage of steel, the shed provided crucial storage for the region's wheat harvest. The sheer scale of the structure is difficult to comprehend until you're standing within it, surrounded by those seemingly endless columns. It’s certainly a testament to human ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The perspective inside is simply amazing. Gazing down one of the many aisles, we could see just how massive this building is. It gives you an idea of the quantities of wheat they needed to store during the war.
We would have hated to be the poor soul tasked with sweeping up in there!
Of course, a visit to Murtoa wouldn't be complete without admiring the town's silo art by Smug. The artwork, featuring a flock of brilliantly rendered birds, adds a vibrant splash of colour to the rural landscape. It complements the Stick Shed nicely, showcasing both the agricultural heritage and the artistic spirit of the region.
It is a great reminder that there is more to Murtoa than just old sheds.
