wimmera mallee pioneer museum

If you can take the time to detour from the Western Hwy to Jeparit, do visit the Pioneer Museum as it is such a hidden treasure and everything is from 'yesteryear' and the volunteers who tend the Museum are very welcoming elderly men of the town. don't forget Sir Robert Menzies was born in this little town of Jeparit on the edge of Lake Hindmarsh with the Wimmera River flowing through with good fishing.

The Queen's Birthday weekend in June is a bumper time for a visit to this attraction. The 6th Vintage Rally took place in 2013 on the 8th and 9th of June and it was a great day at the Pioneer Museum. There was something for everyone and lots of great food and local crafts to buy at the stalls set up. All year round you will see a large range of permanent exhibitions of what life was like in the pioneer days, but the during the Vintage Rally lots of people came to show off their old machinery, tractors and engines and there was a car club display as well. There was live music, the blacksmith shop was operating, the sheep were shorn and there was a definite feeling of life and enthusiasm. This museum is run totally by local volunteers and is a credit to this tiny community. The displays in various relocated buildings from the surrouinding areas are extensive and there are lots of stunning photos to be taken if you have the eye for it! It is a fine example of country people being proud of their heritage and wanting to preserve their history. There is camping at the Jeparit Caravan Park or Lake Hindmarsh if you're a camper or just a nice break for a couple of hours as you drive through the Wimmera Mallee.