During 2020-21 over 13,500 people visited shed, despite it being closed for over three months due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

The Stick Shed has now become a major regional tourist attraction due to its impressive and unusual construction and significance to the history of our grains industry.

Built from 560 unmilled Mountain Ash poles or 'sticks' (56 rows of 10) to support the corrugated iron roof, it was soon dubbed the 'Stick Shed'.

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The shed is about 270 metres long, 60 metres wide and about 19 metres high along the ridge. This has inspired some to refer to it as "The Cathedral of the Wimmera."

The Marmalake-Murtoa No1 Grain Store or as it is known colloquially "The Stick Shed" was constructed in 1941 a solution for grain storage during the World War II wheat glut, when exports were restricted.

Initially, Victoria had been slow to adopt bulk grain storage solutions but by 1940 there were many concrete vertical silos at railway sidings in the Wimmera and Mallee. Crop yields had improved and 1941 was a bumper season.

Despite opposition from those with a vested interest in bagged wheat storage, a bulk store was recognised as imperative and the site at Murtoa was chosen.

Work commenced on September, 25 1941 and the shed was ready to receive wheat in January 1942, after an incredible four month construction time.

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The Stick Shed is open for public viewing seven days a week; Monday to Saturday from 10.00am until 12.30pm and Sundays from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Tour groups are welcome but should book by emailing thestickshed@gmail.com.

The Stick Shed can be found at 1465 Wimmera Highway Murtoa 3390.

Admission is $10 per adult, $9 for seniors and $5 for children over 16. Family tickets costs $20.

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