Murtoa National Events
As a small town of just under 1,000 residents, Murtoa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of nationally or globally recognised events. However, this charming town in Victoria has a surprising amount of festivities throughout the year that bring visitors from all over Australia and beyond.
One of the biggest events in Murtoa is the Murtoa Stick Shed Festival. Held annually in October, this festival celebrates the history and heritage of Murtoa's iconic Stick Shed. Built in the 1940s, the Stick Shed is a massive structure made entirely of timber, and it was once used to store wheat from the surrounding farms. Today, the Stick Shed is a beloved piece of local history, and the festival provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about it. The festival includes guided tours of the Stick Shed, live music, food stalls, and various other forms of entertainment.
Another popular event in Murtoa is the Murtoa Big Weekend, which takes place in March. This event is a celebration of all things rural, and it includes a range of family-friendly activities such as tractor pulls, woodchop competitions, sheep shearing demonstrations, and horse events. There are also market stalls, live music, and a local barbeque competition. The Murtoa Big Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to meet local farmers and learn more about the agricultural traditions that are so important to the Murtoa community.
For those who enjoy a good challenge, the Murtoa Cup is a must-see event. Taking place on Easter Saturday each year, the Murtoa Cup is a horse racing event that attracts visitors from all over the state. The event features a six-race program, with the Murtoa Cup itself being the main event. There is also a Fashions on the Field competition, which encourages attendees to dress up in their finest race-day attire for a chance to win prizes.
In addition to these annual events, there are also several smaller events that take place throughout the year in Murtoa. For example, the Murtoa Mens Shed hosts a monthly Farmers' Market, where visitors can purchase locally grown produce and homemade crafts. There are also regular art exhibitions held at the Stick Shed and the Murtoa Mechanics Institute Hall.
Finally, it's worth noting that Murtoa is located within close proximity to some of Victoria's other major events and attractions. For example, the town is just a short drive away from the Grampians National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the town of Natimuk, which is located less than an hour away from Murtoa, hosts the biennial Nati Frinj Festival, which is a celebration of contemporary art and performance.
while Murtoa might be a small town, it certainly punches above its weight in terms of events and attractions. From celebrating local history and agriculture to rubbing shoulders with the state's finest horses, there is no shortage of things to see and do in and around Murtoa throughout the year.