The large Mallee Bull looks out over Birchip’s main street and has welcomed visitors since 1991. The sculpture is considered a destination in its own right and honours the legend of “Big Red” and the region’s Mallee Bulls. The Silo Art offers a different focus: it depicts the story of local jockey Ray Neville and his remarkable Melbourne Cup victory on Rimfire. The two artworks highlight different local connections: the legend at the sculpture and Ray Neville’s racing victory at the silo.
Art and festival history
The Mali Hearts Art Trail was created during the 2022 Mali Heart Arts Festival and is spread across several locations in Birchip. The first Mali Heart Festival took place in March 2022 and combined live painting, augmented-reality artworks and creative workshops with music and food.
The ceramic fairy door trail runs through the town centre and may continue to develop. It comprises around eleven handmade ceramic doors, each featuring an individually designed fairy figure. Unlike the Mali Hearts Art Trail, which is spread across several locations, this trail focuses on the centre; the two trails therefore differ in their layout and themes.
History at the museum
The Birchip History Museum is housed in the former courthouse, built in 1914. Visits for individuals and group tours are available by request; arrange access in advance using the current contact details.
Activities at Tchum Lake
Tchum Lake is 8 km east of Birchip. Activities there include swimming, boating, windsurfing, fishing and water skiing; there are also walking trails and camping. Nearby facilities and seasonal conditions may change. Check both in advance.
The lake’s location makes it a separate excursion focus alongside the town’s art and museum. Water activities, trails and camping offer a different focus from Birchip’s cultural attractions. You can weigh up visits to the town and the lake as distinct itinerary options.
Getting there and farm tours
Birchip is on the Sunraysia Highway between Melbourne and Mildura. Birchip Cropping Group farm tours start at 73 Cumming Avenue in Birchip, behind the former Shamrock Hotel building on the main street. Tour dates and arrangements require advance contact.
The highway location and the farm tour address serve different purposes for orientation: the highway places Birchip between Melbourne and Mildura, while the address locates the meeting point in town. The museum and farm tours also differ in their advance-planning requirements: museum visits are available by request, while tour dates and arrangements must be agreed in advance.
Discover more destinations: Arthurs Seat, Marong, Netherby, Alma, Hamilton, Pomonal, Dunolly, Taradale.
For the broader travel overview: Victoria.
