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Step back in time and indulge in the charming history of a tranquil country town
Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Winchelsea is a picturesque gateway to the Otway Hinterlands and Western District. Located on the banks of the Barwon River, Winchelsea is steeped in history and surrounded by fertile farmland and historic buildings. Be whisked away to days of old by the town’s fresh natural environment and elegant country lifestyle.
Winchelsea offers romance, charisma and an immersion into the tranquil, gentle beauty of the countryside. Indulge yourself with a range of intriguing historic attractions and activities, delicious cafes, traditional pubs and charming antique and gift shops.
See and Do
Winchelsea’s rich cultural heritage and country village feel will delight and enthral you.
What do Australia’s first rabbits, a Prince and the Austin Hospital have in common? Find out at Barwon Park Mansion, Winchelsea’s star attraction.
Fine Fare
Winchelsea offers a range of delicious and delectable eateries as it embraces a rapidly expanding café culture.
Discover whose coffee is lauded by commuters as the best in the Western District.
The fertile fields surrounding Winchelsea produce boutique food and wines, with opportunities to sample and even pick your own. Take a drive through the countryside to explore these local delights.
A RURAL TOWN STEEPED IN HISTORY
Picturesquely located on the banks of the Barwon River, Winchelsea is a rural town steeped in history and surrounded by the fertile farmland of Victoria's Western District.
Fishing is popular in this section of the Barwon River, with brown trout, redfin and eels commonly caught nearby. There are also lakes and reservoirs close by that are popular with anglers.
Winchelsea's historic origins are clearly visible in town, with some grand buildings including the National Trust property Barwon Park, built in 1871. The magnificent building and grounds are on the town heritage trail, as is the Winchelsea Railway Station which houses a steam-hauled passenger train.
As you'd expect there are a collection of antique, gift, art and craft stores in town, and traditional and contemporary fare can be found in tea houses and cafes in town.
Near the hotel is a 3 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 and walks along the river. Early morning walkers have, on occasion, spotted a platypus close to the bridge.
WINCHELSEA HERITAGE TRAIL
Don't forget your camera! Spending an hour to explore the Winchelsea Heritage Trail is well worth it. The trail commences at the Winchelsea Visitor Centre and includes landmarks such as the Globe Theatre, the Barwon River, the triple-arched bluestone bridge and the Winchelsea Railway Station, which houses a steam-hauled passenger train. Visit the Winchelsea Visitor Information Centre for details.
Beside the banks of the Barwon River at the Riverside Reserve there are picnic tables & toilet facilities and an undercover BBQ area. Gather supplies from one of the local cafes and enjoy the ambience.
Picnic tables & public toilets are located next to the river beside the Barwon Hotel.
FOOD & LOCAL PRODUCE
Looking for a bite to eat? With a selection of great cafes (Try Cafe La Hoot, Sweet Thyme, The Winchelsea Tea Rooms or Run Rabbit Run), two hotels serving local fare or for a quick bite there's take-wawy food and a delightful bakery.
The Otway Harvest Trail is a celebration of the seasons that bestow their rich bounty on a luscious part of Victoria.
Offering farm gate produce, award-winning wineries, delicious food, hand crafted beer, beautiful accommodation and artisan products.
PLAYGROUNDS
Riverbank Reserve - A multi-age playground that includes junior area with double swing, 3 slides, bridge, fireman’s pole and climbing area. Location: Barwon Terrace, Winchelsea
Dwyer Street Playground Playground includes combination unit with slide and fireman’s pole, double swing set, two spring rockers. Location: Dwyer Street, Winchelsea
Winchelsea Skate Park, Hesse Street Winchelsea (next to community house)
The growing township and strong community spirit in Winchelsea has the events calendar heating up. See what’s on and plan your trip for a true country experience.
WINCHELSEA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Need help planning your visit to Winchelsea and the Great Ocean Road? Drop in or phone for more information on all of the above attractions and more.
Open Friday 1pm - 4pm │ Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm │ Open public holidays (except Christmas Day)
Phone 1300 891 152 │ Visit 1A Willis Street, Winchelsea │ Email visitwinchelsea@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
Take a break at the Gateway to the Otway Hinterland in Winchelsea and surrounds. Relax and unwind knowing the treasures of the Otway Harvest Trail, Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Road are at your doorstep.
Where To Stay
Countrywide Cottages
Countrywide Cottages have a lot to thank their fabulous guests for as they have just been reviewed the second most popular self cater accommodation in Australia.
Roberta's Cottage
Built in 1910, Roberta's Cottage is a quaint little cottage with a country outlook. It is set on two and a quarter acres with an orchard and many gardens to...
What To See and Do
Barwon Park
Feeling all too inadequate after entertaining the visiting Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, at their more modest single-storey homestead, prominent Western District squatter Thomas Austin and wife Elizabeth set to...
Dinny Goonan Wines
One of a handful of families pioneering grape and wine production in the Otway hinterland, Dinny Goonan Wines have won numerous awards since the first commercial release in 2001.
