Welcome to Rochester – the Gateway to the Murray
Located 2 hours from Melbourne and Ballarat, and 2.5 hours from Geelong, Rochester is a charming town nestled on the banks of the Campaspe River, and your Gateway to the Murray.
Though small in size, Rochester fits a lot in. Inspired by a vibrant arts community and our iconic local legends, Rochester is no longer a place to drive through on your way to Echuca. It’s a place to stay a while, and the starting point for your Murray adventure.
Rich in history, art and nature, engage with our stories as you explore our outdoor gallery of painted silos, murals, street art, wood carvings, statues and sculptures, with more than 50 exhibits to discover around town.
Re-live some of Australia’s most memorable sporting moments at the Rochester Sports Museum, housing more than 4,000 pieces of memorabilia, and spend time in nature’s gallery, where you can view our wild and roving exhibitions.
Rochester is part of the Victorian Silo Art Trail, with the local section taking in the artworks at Rochester, Colbinabbin and Kyabram. With the world-renowned Heathcote wine region on our doorstep, there is no shortage of first class foodie experiences.
Stay a while in Rochester. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Where to stay
Rochester Motel
Recently renovated, the Rochester Motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation with all the creature comforts of home. Each room includes the convenience of a fridge, toaster, microwave, kettle and complimentary tea and coffee to help make your stay more enjoyable. There is also an inground pool, BBQ facilities, spacious lawn and outdoor eating area. A stone’s throw from the silo art.
Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
Located on the banks of the Campaspe River with absolute river frontage, the Rochester Riverside Holiday Park offers powered and non-powered sites (including ensuite and river frontage sites), as well as deluxe cabin accommodation. Hire a kayak from the park and launch it from the pontoon ramp, or wet a line from the riverbank. Friends of the furry kind are also welcome. Located an easy two minute walk from all the attractions, shops and cafes.
The Rochester Tavern
Located in the historic 1870s Commercial Hotel building, the Rochester Tavern has been recently renovated, offering four modern rooms with ensuites and balcony access. The rooms are located on the first floor of the building, above the bar and dining room with its crackling fireplaces in winter, a menu flavoured with local produce, and an extensive regional wine list.
Location
Rochester is around 2 hours drive north of Melbourne and Ballarat, and 2.5 hours from Geelong. As the gateway to the Murray, we are conveniently located just 25 minutes drive from Echuca Moama.
Population
Approximately 3,100
Climate
Hot and dry summers, mild winters with blue sky days, and warm springs and autumns.
Target Market
This itinerary has been designed for the mature, retired or semi-retired couple, aligning to Visit Victoria’s ‘Regional Rachel’ and ‘Reliable Rhonda and Rick’ personas. This is a strong and loyal overnight market for Rochester.
They are aged 50+ and live in the Melbourne suburbs and large regional Victorian cities. They have a preference for travel in regional Victoria and take regular short breaks and mini holidays. A segment of this market also falls into the ‘grey nomad’ demographic, travelling through Victoria with or without caravans, heading north for extended breaks.
They are lifestyle leaders: affluent, cultured, and active. They are nature lovers, quality seekers and enjoy learning the stories of the places they visit.
Previously, they may have driven through Rochester on their way to a larger Murray destination, however after learning of the ever-growing tourism offering in Rochester, they will now stop and stay a while, spending a night or two exploring the town and its surrounds.
Today you will explore Rochester’s outdoor art gallery of murals, sculptures and carvings, before spending some time unwinding by the Campaspe River in nature’s gallery, featuring our ‘wild’ and ‘roving’ exhibitions.
Highlights
- Rochester GrainCorp Art Silos
- Mural Trail, including Mural Park, Iddles Lane & the Bluey mural
- Café Rochester
- Wood Carving art installations
- Campaspe River and sunset picnic
Morning
Start your day from 7 Beans, with views of the magnificent Rochester GrainCorp Art Silos. When you’re well nourished, wander across the road to view the silos up close and marvel at the skill and talent of mural artist, Jimmy Dvate. The silos tell the stories of three endemically threatened local species – the azure kingfisher and wrist-wringed squirrel glider, painted in 2018, and the duck-billed platypus, painted in 2022.
Continue back to Moore Street to the Rochester Visitor Centre at the Rochester Sports Museum. Collect your Mural Map and talk to our knowledgeable visitor centre staff for local tips and recommendations while in town. It is now time to explore!
Spend the rest of the morning strolling around town, following the mural map and discovering more than 50 hidden artworks, murals, statues, sculptures and wood carvings that make up our outdoor gallery. Highlights include:
- Mural Park, showcasing artworks from the Rochester Mural Festival (held annually in March)
- Iddles Lane, telling the story of Rochester legend and highly respected former Victorian homicide detective, Ron Iddles, painted by renowned mural artist, Tim Bowtell
- Bluey Mural, the oldest dog in the world!
Afternoon
Continue with the gallery theme by lunching at The Café Rochester, where you will not only receive a delicious home cooked meal and exceptional country hospitality, but can also browse – and buy – the auction items and collectibles that are on display around the café. View the growing collection of wood carvings on the corner of Gillies and Moore Street, including the azure kingfisher at Rotunda Park and the wedge tailed eagle and story tree in Wirima Park. If you have time, you can also visit the squirrel glider sculpture outside the Rochester Shire Hall further down Gillies Street, and the WWII carving at the entrance to the Rochester hospital on Pascoe Street.
The rest of the afternoon will be spent in nature’s gallery, viewing our wild and roving exhibitions of ducks, birdlife, and squirrel gliders. Head to the riverside picnic spot in Rotary Park on Campaspe Street – look for the platypus wood carving! If fishing is your forte, there is no shortage of excellent spots to wet a line along the banks of the Campaspe.
Evening
We know you will have such a relaxing afternoon by the river that you won’t want to leave, so duck back into town, pick up some fish and chips, and head back to the river for a cruisey picnic dinner as you watch the sun set over the water.
Rochester is part of the Victorian Silo Art Trail, with three installations within easy driving distance. This trail will also take you into the world-renowned and highly awarded Heathcote wine region, where you will meet the makers, sample extraordinary wines and experience local produce at its finest.
Highlights
- Colbinabbin Art Silos
- Heathcote wine region
- Kyabram Goulburn Valley Water Tank Art
- Rochester GrainCorp Art Silos (by night)
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Willow Café, before jumping in the car for the 20 minute drive to Colbinabbin. Stop to call into the Colbinabbin General Storefor a coffee and cake. The store is owned by the Colbinabbin community, which formed a co-operative and raised $400,000 to purchase the store in 2020 to save it from closure.
Leave the car at the store and take the short two minute walk to Station Street to the Colbinabbin Art Silos viewing platform. Marvel at the six-silo work of art by artist, Tim Bowtell, who also created Iddles Lane.
The silos were painted in 2020 and tell the stories of significant moments from the town’s history, including its important links to agriculture, community, environment and the construction of the railway. Walk back to the car and prepare to wine and dine!
Afternoon
The world-renowned Heathcote wine region is just minutes away from the Colbinabbin Art Silos. Spend the afternoon savouring local produce and sampling handcrafted wines at one of the many cellar doors, including Shiraz Republic in Cornella, Silver Spoon Estate in Mt Camel, and Tellurian Wines, Peregrine Ridge, Domaine Asmara and Heathcote II in Toolleen. Be sure to check websites for opening hours.
After a delightful lunch experience, it’s time for the one hour drive to Kyabram to view the last stop on the trail, the Kyabram Goulburn Valley Water Tank, located on the corner of Union and Drum Streets. Painted in 2021 by Jimmy Dvate, the artwork features the Kyabram Fauna Park wetlands and some of the wildlife that inhabits them, including the eastern long neck turtle, golden whistler, red-capped robin, yellow crimson rosella, Major-Mitchell’s cockatoo, endangered plains-wanderer, spotted-tail quoll, blue skimmer dragonfly, brolga and a bush tone-curlew. Can you spot them all?
Got more in the tank? Visit the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery in Allan Street, showcasing regional artists, touring exhibitions and a changing exhibition program of vintage clothes. Otherwise, enjoy the 25 minute drive back to Rochester, reflecting on a day well spent!
Evening
After freshening up at your accommodation, head over to The Tavern in Moore Street for a pre-dinner drink. View the extensive regional wine list from Heathcote and beyond, and try a glass – or two! When you’re ready, order dinner from the Tavern menu, featuring local produce, such as Echuca Gold Murray Cod, and delicious wood fired pizzas.
Today you will learn more of our stories, connecting with some of our local and national sporting icons at the Rochester Sports Museum, meeting some local characters at one of our historic pubs, and visiting the heritage museums in Rochester and the neighbouring hamlet of Lockington.
Highlights
- Campaspe River – walk or kayak
- Rochester Sports Museum & the Oppy Statue
- Shamrock Hotel
- Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society Museum
- Ciurleo’s Ice Cream and Waffle House
- Lockington Living Heritage Complex
Morning
Today you will experience the magic of the Campaspe River at sunrise, watching it wake up and come to life. Choose your own adventure – take a leisurely kayak on the calm Campaspe waters (hire from the caravan park or BYO) or admire the river from the bank on the 2km Campaspe River trail walk. Look out for the nesting boxes that were built as habitat for the squirrel gliders.
Breakfast is at the Rochester Bakery – because you can’t visit a country town without eating at the bakery! We highly recommend picking up a vanilla slice to takeaway for morning tea!
After breakfast, wander down Moore Street to the Rochester Sports Museum. View the Oppy Statue that pays tribute to Sir Hubert Opperman, a Rochester born Tour de France cyclist and politician. ‘Oppy’, as he was affectionately known, is one of the greatest cyclists the world has ever seen, having held more than 100 distance cycling records and being voted Europe’s most popular sportsman in 1928.
Spend an hour or two browsing the 4000+ exhibits in the Rochester Sports Museum, housed in the Rochester Railway Station building. The Museum is primarily made up of the private collection of the late John Forbes, who amassed the memorabilia during his 22 year career at PUMA. Highlight pieces include Adam Gilchrist’s wicket keeping gloves, an iconic Greg Norman hat, Merv Hughes’ knitted vest and helmet, and a tennis dress worn by Martina Navratilova at the Australian Open. Read about each piece and re-live some of Australia’s most memorable sporting moments.
Afternoon
Have lunch in the historic Shamrock Hotel – if these walls could talk! Located on the corner of Gilles and Moore Street, this grand Victorian-style building commands attention. More than just a pub meal, the Shamrock serves exceptional food and creative specials designed with in-season local produce, all with Rochester’s signature country hospitality. You might even hear some urban legends and tall tales from the locals while you’re there!
After lunch, visit the Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society Museum on High Street. View the artefacts, photos, early newspapers, farm machinery and dairy display, and discover what life was like in Rochester during its early European settlement through to the modern day.
It’s afternoon tea time. Drive to Lockington, a quaint town 15 minutes from Rochester. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Ciurleo’s Ice Cream and Waffle House. The waffle menu is to die for! Grab an ice cream to go, and take a stroll along the channel in the main street. If you’re visiting in spring, you might be lucky enough to see the wildflowers in bloom!
Visit the Lockington Living Heritage Complex to learn the stories of the region. Exhibits include a shearing shed, blacksmith shop, dairy shed, historic classroom, a restored tram, Australia’s first pop-top caravan, a locally-built tractor and other agricultural displays.
Your time exploring Rochester and surrounds has come to an end. If you’re continuing your journey, we suggest you travel on to Echuca Moama, just 25 minutes north of Rochester. The twin towns are located on the Murray and Campaspe Rivers and surrounded by river red gum forests and national parks. Discover the Murray’s living legend as you cruise the Murray River aboard an historic paddlesteamer, explore the wine trail, visit award-winning attractions, connect with nature on the walking and cycling trails, browse the many galleries and museums, and watch the sun go down beside a riverside campfire. Find out more by visiting www.echucamoama.com
If it’s time for you to return home, we bid you farewell, safe travels, and hope to see you again in Rochester soon.