The Wimmera - A journey through western Victoria featured stunning imagery and stories from Wimmera residents in areas like Rainbow, Rupanyup, Goroke and Quantong to name a few.

Author Adam McNicol, who grew up in the tiny town of Manangatang in northern Mallee, sat down with several Wimmera residents to chat about their lives, and what makes the Wimmera tick.

One such person was Stan Bolwell who worked on the railways from 1963 to 2017 and was part of the last train crew based in Horsham.

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Mr Bolwell said he first met Mr McNicol in May on a six-day steam rail tour.

"I was talking to him there about his Mallee book," Mr Bolwell

"He was already doing his Wimmera book and he actually came up here and called in."

Mr Bolwell said they spoke about silo art, different parts of the Wimmera and what Mr Bolwell did as a job.

"He was interested in the rail issue because his books follows the actual railway lines," Mr Bolwell said.

Mr Bolwell said he was excited to see the finished product and hear what people think about the Wimmera.

"I hope it's as good as the Mallee book because that got a really good response and it's a good overview of the Mallee area and talking to various people in the various towns is a bit of an insight in what the place is all about," he said.

"The photography in the Mallee book is excellent, if it's anything like that in the Wimmera book it will be pretty good."

To capture the essence of the region, award-winning photojournalists Noel Butcher, David Callow, Andrew Chapman, Melanie Faith Dove, Erin Jonasson and Jaime Murcia followed sections of a 1950s railway map, journeying along some lines that are still in use and others that have been closed for the best part of 40 years, along with the author, Mr McNicol.

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Mr McNicol was drawn to the Wimmera by it's vast and differentiating beauty.

"The Wimmera is a land full of contrasts, from dryland scrub in the north to stately trees and rolling green hills in the south, and our journey takes you to every corner of this most interesting region," he said.

"There has never been a better time to celebrate what's in our backyard, and the Wimmera is such an interesting place. On our travels, we learned about the region's Indigenous history, including the celebrated cricket team that toured England in the 1860s.

"We met fifth- and sixth-generation farmers and came across so many people who are proud to call the Wimmera home. Plus, we were extra lucky to walk away from Warracknabeal with a prized scone recipe."

Mr McNicol said he could not wait for the book to be released.

"We hope to inspire readers to check out the Wimmera for themselves," he said.

"And even if you can't travel there, The Wimmera: A journey through western Victoria can take you on a journey through the region from the comfort of your couch."

The book, The Wimmera: A journey through western Victoria, will be released in mid-August and can be purchased at www.tenbagpress.com.au.

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