The Murtoa Stick Shed is a real Aussie legend and one of the Grampians region’s top historical attractions. This massive structure is 265m long and 20m wide and was built during World War II to store emergency grain. Now a Heritage Listed site, the Murtoa Stick Shed is a must see and has heaps of history and culture.
Stick Shed History
Built in 1941 as part of the wartime grain store project, the Murtoa Stick Shed was built to deal with a wheat glut that couldn’t be exported due to the war. Australia had a big wheat surplus; tons of wheat needed to be stored. The Murtoa Shed, originally called Murtoa No. 1 Grain Store, was the answer, storing loose grain for the Australian wheat industry. The shed’s role as a grain storage facility shows how important agriculture was in wartime and the area’s rich history.
Construction and Design
The Murtoa Stick Shed is like nothing else in Australia. Built with over 560 unmilled timber poles it’s like a giant wooden cathedral with a high vaulted ceiling supported by the towering poles or “sticks”. The timber was left rough hewn from local forests and the shed is 265m long and 20m wide. Practical and artistic, it combines the rawness of timber with the scale to store tons of grain. A piece of rare industrial heritage.
Why Visit the Stick Shed?
For visitors the Murtoa Stick Shed is more than just a grain store – it’s a giant piece of history. This Heritage Victoria listed site is important for its architecture and the Australian wheat industry. Tourists come to see the scale and learn about its role as a major grain storage facility in World War II. Lake Marma is nearby, and it’s a dog-friendly attraction for travellers who want to combine history with nature—one of the top attractions in the area.
Events and Tours
Guided tours with local District Historical Society experts. Tours will show you how the shed was built, how it was used as a grain store and what was stored in it. Annual events are held at the site, and generations of families come to visit and enjoy its history. It’s a great inclusion on any Grampians day trip. It is a popular spot for historical reenactments and school excursions and attracts history buffs from all over the world.
The Stick Shed in Australian War History
In World War II, the Murtoa Stick Shed was part of the Australian war effort. Built to store excess wheat, it was a bulk wheat storage solution that kept the country’s food reserves safe. The shed stored heaps of grain that would have otherwise gone to waste because of no export options. Its role as a wartime emergency grain store has put it in the history books as the time Australia had to adapt to the global crisis. Now, it’s a reminder of the amazing history of the Wimmera Mallee.
Restoration and Conservation
The Murtoa Stick Shed has deteriorated over the years but thanks to Heritage Victoria and the Bruce Thomas Heritage Foundation it’s been saved as a cultural heritage site. Restoration has focused on the wooden pole supports and the circular brick base of the shed. Now the Stick Shed Committee of Management looks after it so this piece of Australian engineering is kept intact for future generations.
The Murtoa Stick Shed is on the Wimmera Hwy, so it’s an easy stop if you’re passing through the Grampians region of Victoria. The shed is open all year round but has specific hours for guided and self-guided tours. If you want to see the shed up close, you should join a tour to learn about the grain silos, loose grain storage systems and the shed’s role in the Australian wheat industry. While in Murtoa, you can also visit the Murtoa Museum Precinct or have a picnic at Lake Marma.
Nearby
While at the Murtoa Stick Shed, you can also see the Silo Art Trail, famous for murals on local grain silos. The Silo Art Trail is one of Wimmera Mallee’s top tourist attractions and features work from generations of artists. The Murtoa Water Tower Museum is nearby, and the Ararat Town Hall in the middle of town provides more details on local history and culture. All three of these will give you the full historical and cultural experience.
Eat and Stay
After the Murtoa Stick Shed, you will find plenty of places to eat. Local eateries like Murtoa’s Big Fish Café have a casual and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh local produce. If you want to stay overnight, you can find budget motels in Horsham or charming B&Bs. Whether a day trip or longer stay, the Wimmera Hwy has it all for comfort, food and local hospitality.
FAQ
What is the Murtoa Stick Shed?
The Murtoa Stick Shed is a wartime emergency grain store built during World War II to store surplus wheat. It’s a timber icon and heritage listed.
How was the Murtoa Stick Shed built?
Unmilled mountain ash poles and wooden pole supports, 260m long and 20m wide—a bulk wheat storage facility to store tonnes of emergency grain.
Why visit the Murtoa Stick Shed?
One of the last of the cheap horizontal sheds built during World War II. Its unique architecture, heritage and part of the Australian wheat industry make it an icon.
Are there other things to see?
Yes, Silo Art Trail, Murtoa Water Tower Museum and Lake Marma. History, culture and natural beauty in the region.
Is the Murtoa Stick Shed dog-friendly?
Yes, the Murtoa Stick Shed is dog friendly, you can bring your dog with you while you visit the site and surrounding outdoor areas like Lake Marma.
Grampians Travel
