Murtoa Museum Precinct

Murtoa is located in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, 30km east of Horsham, on the Wimmera Highway. Murtoa is a small lake side town with a population of around 850 people.

Murtoa & District Historical Society Inc (MDHS) operates the Murtoa Museum Precinct. MDHS’s primary function is to collect, display and preserve the history of the Murtoa district as well as provide a research service. The Museum is run by volunteers.

The Precinct includes:

The old Railway Water Tower (circa 1886) which has 4 floors of displays, historical artefacts and memorabilia. The Tower houses the famous James Hill Taxidermy collection comprised of over 600 birds, eggs, nests and reptiles (circa 1875 to 1932). Learn about Dr John Cade, born in Murtoa, who developed the use of lithium for treatment of Bipolar Disorder (see video). Climb to the top floor of the Tower to see the underbelly of the 40,000 gallon iron tank.

Concordia Cottage (circa 1890) is the only remaining building of Concordia College, a Lutheran seminary which was established at Murtoa in 1890. The small cottage houses a collection of antique clothing, histories of the first German settlers, War memorabilia, Coromby band history, the last manual telephone exchange board and a comprehensive research room.

Concordia Bell Tower (circa 1890), this historic bell and tower was a feature of Concordia College, the first Lutheran secondary and tertiary college in Victoria. It has served as a church bell in other churches since Concordia College moved in 1909. It has now returned to Murtoa, refurbished and ready to be rung!

Murtoa Railway Station (circa 1878), refurbished by VicTrack in 2018, houses the history of railway and industry in Murtoa featuring railway relics of a bygone era and a model replica of the Murtoa Railway precinct during the steam and diesel era of the 1960’s.

Truly an historical experience that must be explored.

OPEN DAILY 12 – 2pm

Admission cost: Adults: $9 | Children U16: Free | Membership: $14 Single / $20 Family

Research service: see Membership page

Appointments (outside usual hours): phone 0429 944 673 or 0437 920 734, or email [email protected]