Located on the northern rim of Tower Hill state park, Koroit derives its name from the Koroitch Gundidj people, one of the original occupiers of the area. Irish immigrant farmers and pastoral lessees originally settled the area in the 1840’s and 50’s and the town grew to supply the needs of the local small grain and potato farmers who “took their produce down the slope to Warrnambool”, until the railway arrived in 1890.
The town and district was characterised by a strong catholic Irish contingent, close settlement and intensive agricultural activity in the rich volcanic soil surrounding the town. Koroit still maintains its fascinating Irish charm as can be seen by a short walk or cycle along the main street and into the side streets.
Dairying has slowly taken over much of the earlier agricultural land making it the major farming activity of the region.
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail
Covering 37 kilometres of scenic rural landscape, the rail trail offers bike riders a scenic look through farmland around Port Fairy, Koroit, Illowa and Warrnambool. The rail trail passes through Koroit at the old Railway Station which began operations in 1889, with a brick building replacing an original timber structure in 1907. Train services to Koroit ceased in 1977.
Click here to download the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail map
Heritage Trail
A township of both historical and architectural significance, Koroit lies midway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, nestled against the northern slopes of Tower Hill. Koroit has a strong Irish herritage with immigrants lured by the availability of land and the rich volcanic soil in which to grow crops such as potatoes, onions and wheat. The Koroit Heritage Trail takes walkers around the edwardian architecture, gracious public buildings, tiny worker’s cottages and gardens littered throughout town.
Koroit Botanic Gardens
The Koroit Botanic Gardens includes trees and shrubberies, pathways, a playground, toilets, significant trees and the 1880 Guilfoyle inspired provincial botanic garden plan.
In 1857 the district surveyor Thomas Watson provided a 20 acre allotment for public gardens in Koroit immediately south of the National School reserve and in 1873 the site was permanently reserved as a Public Gardens and Recreation area. The gardens contain over 100 rare and unusual trees from around the world and are now being restored by a partnership project between Moyne Shire and local community groups.
Wooden Statue of a Spud Picker
SPUDS have been at the root of Koroit for 150 years and now the town has a statue to honour the humble potato's historic contribution. A wooden statue of a spud picker, carved over two days from a 100-year-old cypress tree that once stood in the Koroit Botanic Gardens. A tribute to the largely Irish pioneering workers.
Original post and rail fence
A surviving part of the original post and rail fence built at the Koroit Railway Station in the late 1800s.
Recreational Facilities
- Bowls Club
- Picnic and playground areas
- Football and Cricket Oval
- Walks around Tower Hill
- Botanic Gardens
- Skate Park
Services Available
- Hotel's
- Restaurants
- Cafe's
- IGA Supermarket
- Newsagency
- Community Health Centre
- Post Office
- Chemist
- Churches
- ANZ ATM
- History Society
Location
What to See and Do in Koroit
Port Fairy - Koroit - Warrnambool Rail Trail
The Port Fairy to Koroit to Warrnambool Rail Trail is fantastic. The trail is a continuous 37.32km walking/cycling pathway which meanders through a highly scenic, diverse and relaxed part of south-west Victoria.
Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel
Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel EST 1853 has retained its Irish integrity and character. Take pleasure in a good yarn with a local over a smooth Guinness on tap.
Tower Hill Reserve - Victoria's First National Park
The Tower Hill Reserve was declared Victoria's first National Park way back in 1892. The area is the site of a volcanic formation known as a nested maar and it is the...
Koroit Historical Society Museum
This small museum is located in the former Tower Hill Common School which opened in 1857. The museum is open on the second Sunday in the month from 1pm -...
Koroit Succulents & Natives
Koroit Succulents and Natives is a WATER WISE NURSERY that caters for drought tolerant conditions. Here you can wander around the gardens to look at how both natives and succulents...
Koroit Heritage Trail
The town`s Heritage Trail highlights many of Koroit`s beautiful old buildings.
What's On in Koroit
Koroit Agricultural & Pastoral Show
Experience all the spectacle, excitement and fun of a country show including cattle competitions,horse events and art and craft competitions.
10 Nov 2018
08:00am
10 Nov 2018
05:00pm
Lake School of Celtic Music - Koroit
Lake School of Celtic Music annual event where you learn to play Irish Music, learn Irish dance steps and sing Celtic songs.
02 Jan 2019
07 Jan 2019
