Heywood has several distinct visitor highlights: Apex Park lies on the banks of the Fitzroy River, the Wood Wine and Roses Festival takes place annually on a set date, and local art and memorial sites offer further perspectives. The park includes a playground and covered shelters with barbecue facilities; Heywood Swimming Pool also has a 50-metre swimming and leisure pool.

Riverside, park and swimming pool

Apex Park lies on the banks of the Fitzroy River. The park has a playground and covered shelters with barbecue facilities. This combines a riverside setting with practical options for taking a break outdoors. Heywood Swimming Pool has a 50-metre swimming and leisure pool, offering a different focus. This gives you two distinct options to consider: the riverside park with its outdoor facilities, or the swimming and leisure pool. If you’d like to include swimming in your plans, the pool is a separate activity from spending time in the park.

Wood Wine and Roses: an event in February

The Wood Wine and Roses Festival takes place every year on the last Saturday in February. The street parade officially opens the festival; wine tastings are part of the program, and a fireworks display brings it to a close. Program events may vary from year to year. If you’re travelling to Heywood for the festival, check the exact date and program for that year in advance. Attending the festival is tied to a specific date in February. When deciding on your trip, you can consider two questions separately: Would you like to experience the festival, or are the park, swimming pool and culture your main interests?

Art and memorial sites

Artworks by Adnate can be seen on the local water tower. The Indigenous war memorial mural there honours the fallen Gunditjmara soldiers. Nearby, the James Rogers VC Memorial commemorates James Rogers, who served in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment. The two memorials have different focuses: the mural honours Gunditjmara soldiers, while the memorial commemorates Rogers and his service. Heywood thus brings together art on the water tower and a memorial to a named individual, reflecting different stories.

Model railway and exhibition

The Old School houses a miniature railway depicting the surrounding area. The Pioneer Wagon Shed and Museum displays furniture made at the mill. The two attractions offer different perspectives: the railway shows the area in miniature, while the museum presents specific pieces of furniture. You can choose between a model of the local area and a particular exhibition theme. If you’d like to visit the Old School, check the current opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Swan Hill, Betley, Wonthaggi, Sunshine West, Carisbrook, Chadstone, Elmhurst, Warrnambool

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.