Stawell is the closest large town to the Grampians National Park and the park's tourist village of Halls Gap, making it an ideal base to explore the natural attractions in the area.

Stawell enjoyed a rich gold mining boom during the Victorian Gold Rush days. However, while mining ceased in 1920, the Magdala Mine opened in the 1980s and is still operating as one of Victoria's largest gold mines.

The town centre originally developed along Longford Street (Western Highway), close to Pleasant Creek where gold was first discovered in 1853. The old shire hall office in Longford Street (built in 1866) now operates as the visitor information centre, while a few doors down is Stawell's original courthouse (1860), now operating as a local history museum.

Stawell's population later began to shift eastwards to the Big Hill area where quartz gold was discovered, and this is where Stawell's main commercial centre lies today. Shops line the Main Street between Layzell Street and Victoria Street, set against the backdrop of the Grampians mountain range to the south.

Notable historic buildings in Stawell include the railway station on Napier Street (built in 1877) which has been turned into a gallery showcasing paintings, sculptures and craft. The town hall, at the corner of Main Street and Joyce Lane, dates back to 1872, and there are several historic churches which grace the streets of Stawell.

Just to the east of the commercial centre of Stawell is Big Hill. The Pioneers Memorial at the peak offers fine views over the town centre and surrounding countryside.

Caspers World In Miniature tourist park, located on London Road, consists of scaled down models of landmarks and items of culture from around the world.

28 kilometres north-west of Stawell on the Western Highway is the small community of Dadswells Bridge. It is located on Mt William Creek at the northern tip of the Grampians National Park, and famous for the Giant Koala - a 14 metre high fibreglass and bronze structure, built in 1988 next to the service station and tavern on the highway.

Grampians National Park Renowned for rugged mountain ranges and stunning wildflower displays, it features creeks, lakes, waterfalls, bushwalking tracks and spectacular lookouts

Stawell Gift A professional athletics meeting with a large number of events over three days, combined with a carnival featuring a fashion parade, live music and children's entertainment

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