TRAVELS WITH KINGDEANO ADVENTURES
Because we travel with our cavoodle , Twyla , we ’ re always on the lookout for pet-friendly attractions and points of interest . Murtoa didn ’ t disappoint ! About a 20-minute walk from the caravan park is the Murtoa Stick Shed , an old grain storage shed built in the 1940s . Entry costs a small fee , and the shed is pet-friendly ! There ’ s a gift shop , photo memorabilia , and a presentation video telling the story of the shed ’ s construction .
When you walk through the shed doors , you ' ll be in awe of the structure . It is supported by 560 unmilled mountain ash poles ( 56 rows of 10 ) in auger-dug footings in the ground . Sunlight pierces through old nail holes in the tin roof above , casting shadows and rays of light within the space . There ’ s no visitation time limit and the shed is a favourite with photographers .
A short stroll from the Stick Shed is the Murtoa Museum Precinct . The Precinct includes the 1886 Railway Water Tower , the 1892 Concordia Cottage , and the 1886 Murtoa Railway Station . Again , entry required a small fee ( with one fee for the whole precinct ), and it is also pet-friendly .
The Murtoa Stick Shed is supported by 560 mountain ash poles !
The multi-level Water Tower Museum displays local historical artifacts and memorabilia . You ’ d be surprised to learn that the first floor showcases James Hill ’ s taxidermy collection of 600 birds , mammals , reptiles , and bird eggs ( circa 1875- 1932 ) with some species now extinct . It is believed to be one of the best collections in Australia .
The final floor of the tower reveals the underbelly of the 40,000-gallon iron tank . From the water tower , we then checked out Concordia Cottage and the railway station precinct attractions .
What we learned from Murtoa is , you may not know where you ’ re heading – but you may just find yourself in a gem of a town with interesting things to see and do , and friendly locals to meet . When we left Murtoa , we hoped the next town was just as enjoyable .
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