Murtoa - Stick Shed
.jpg "Murtoa - Stick Shed")
The 'Murtoa Stick Shed' was constructed in 1941 as a solution for grain storage during the World War II wheat glut. The 'Shed' could store up to 95,000 tonnes of wheat at one time and is the last example of its kind. Three other similar sheds were built in Victoria, as well as one in Geraldton (Western Australia) and another in Parkes (NSW), but Murtoa is the only one still standing.
This mammoth construction has become a memorial to Aussie ingenuity. It gets it's name from the over 560 mountain ash unmilled poles or "sticks" up to 20m high that support the 260m x 60m structure and create an impression of a vast indoor forest. Listed by Heritage Victoria because of its historical significance.
Located just east of the town boundary.
Review:
The Stick Shed is not open to the general public, and will only be open at special times. It should be open during the Murtoa Big Weekend in October. Big Weekend is held annually on the first weekend in October and events include Poetry by the Pier, Graincorp Art Exhibition, Dunmunkle Sumpoilers Rally, Horse Racing, Monster Street Market and the Murtoa Agricultural and Pastoral Show.
The stick shed is a humongous size and is an awesome sight. It is necessary to get permission before entering the area and you need to be careful of grain trucks which pass the shed on a frequent basis during the season. There are some windows where you can peek a view inside, especially at the east end.
Photos:
Location
1465 Wimmera Highway, Murtoa 3390 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.thestickshed.com.au
→ Stick Shed (from Wimmeria Way Back When blog)
→ Poles apart from Notre Dame, bush cathedral has devotees (The Age)
→ Murtoas famous Stick Shed (The Grapevine)
→ The Stick Shed on Facebook
