Rochester combines public art with an active connection to the Campaspe River. The town has more than 50 artworks to discover, including painted silos, murals, street art, wood carvings, statues and sculptures. Sporting history, older buildings and riverside activities also offer different ways to shape your stay. Depending on your interests, you can focus on public art, the town’s history or getting active by the water.

Public Art

The Rochester Mural Festival takes place in Mural Park near Moore Street. During the festival, eight artists spend a week working on a 2.1 × 4.8-metre mural. The festival was held annually in the last week of February or the first week of March. If you’d like to plan your trip around it, check the current dates.

A mural in Iddles Lane tells the story of Rochester local hero Ron Iddles, a respected former homicide detective from Victoria. It was painted by Tim Bowtell. A walk around Rochester also reveals three hand-carved wooden sculptures by Brandon Kroon. The Oppy statue stands in Moore Street.

Sporting History and Older Buildings

The Rochester Sports Museum is housed in Rochester Railway Station and holds more than 4,000 memorabilia items. Rochester Court House is also among the town’s older buildings. Red Bridge was built in 1876 and is located on the Campaspe River. The museum, courthouse and bridge each represent a different aspect of the town’s history: sporting memorabilia, older architecture and a riverside structure.

By the Campaspe River

By the Campaspe River in Rochester, you can walk, cycle, jog, picnic and fish. Platypuses are found at various spots along the river near Rochester. Greater gliders, sugar gliders and feathertail gliders are also occasionally found there; their presence may vary seasonally.

Kayaking is another option on the river. Access information from March 2021 names Rochester Riverside Caravan Park as the access point for the kayak launch ramp. The ramp is designed for people of all ages and abilities; users must bring their own kayak. Check that access is currently available before setting out.

Sports Facilities and Play Area

Rochester Recreation Reserve includes two sports ovals, two cricket practice facilities, five netball courts, three sand equestrian arenas and a cross-country course. The facilities cater to a range of sports; if you want to use a particular area, you can plan accordingly.

Wirima, a nature-inspired play area with a play kitchen, the Mouse House and a park library, is located in Rotary Park. This adds another place in town to Rochester’s sporting and cultural attractions, without focusing on riverside activities or public art.

Discover more destinations: Yea, Faraday, Bridgewater On Loddon, Geelong, Jumbunna, Mansfield, Pyalong, Strathbogie.

Go to the main travel guide: Victoria.