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Where a hearty welcome and a genuine Irish community awaits you. Unique and character filled Koroit is one of Australia`s most complete examples of an early Irish settlement.
Nestled on the northern rim of Tower Hill State Game Reserve, Koroit is named for the Koroitch Gundidj people who occupied the area for thousands of years.
Rich volcanic soils lured men of the land. In the 1840s and 50s Irish immigrant farmers settled here, many as small grain and potato farmers who ‘took their produce down the slope to Warrnambool’.
The township grew, naturally taking on the lively character and culture of the settlers’ Irish homeland. Today’s Koroit honours its strong Irish catholic heritage. It flavours every aspect of life, from architecture and hospitality to a proudly close-knit community. While dairying has taken over many of the original potato fields, farming is still the mainstay.
Stroll or cycle along the main street, wandering into the side streets, and you’ll find Irish charm at every turn.
Koroit Botanic Gardens
Take a break in the refreshing, green Koroit Botanic Gardens. Meander pathways midst trees and shrubberies, and wonder at the 1857 vision of district surveyor Thomas Watson who allotted 20 acres for public gardens
With its Guilfoyle-inspired plan, the gardens now offer plenty for young and old, including a playground and public toilets. More than 100 rare and unusual trees from around the world will keep you all guessing.
Look for friendly community volunteers partnering with the Moyne Shire in a gardens restoration project.
Whether you tackle the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail on foot or on bike, section-by-section or in one 37km trek, you’ll love the scenery, freedom and knowing you’re tracking a disused railway line that once hummed with freight and passenger trains. Journey through dairy farming landscapes, country towns, native grasslands and wetlands, with seascapes never far away. In Koroit, join the trail at the old Railway Station and choose your own adventure towards either Port Fairy or Warrnambool. Click here to download the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail map
Koroit Heritage Trail
Grab a brochure online or from the Koroit Bakery and treat yourself to a journey through the town’s fascinating history. Take in more than 30 sites of interest including Koroit’s beautiful 19th century buildings and streetscapes. Discover tiny workers’ cottages, gracious public buildings, and lush gardens, all influenced by that Irish heritage Koroit is renowned for.
Go where the locals go! For toe-tapping live Irish music, home-style Irish food or smooth Guinness on tap, head to Mickey Bourke’s Koroit Hotel.
Established in 1853, and counting a pioneering Scottish carpenter, a local parliamentarian and a family of Bourke's in its 150-year history, Mickey Bourke's is the heartbeat of Koroit’s Irish heritage. It’s always been an iconic meeting place and these days it’s dancing room only during events like St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Koroit Irish festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and the annual Lake School of Celtic Song, Music and Dance.
Koroit Historic Railway Station Precinct
A window to a bygone era. The Koroit railway station began operations in 1889. Though train services ceased in 1977, the building remains a brilliant backdrop to a family friendly precinct that’s definitely worth making time to explore.
Just for fun: cross the old railway track via the railway signal lights, an authentic tribute to railway nostalgia. Let the little ones run free at the railway themed adventure playground. For the bigger kids? Head to the outdoor exercise circuit, skate park, basketball half court and BBQ area.
Where to Stay in Koroit
Koroit-Tower Hill Caravan Park
Located in the historic Irish township of Koroit you will be sure to experience Irish hospitality at its most charming.
The Bank Koroit
Here you will enjoy a beautiful, relaxing space; rich in Western Victorian history and culture. Your own private apartment above the old bank in the heart of the town.
Birch House and Studio
Birch House is an 1880’s cottage which has been lovingly maintained and generates a warm, relaxed feeling as the character of the building shines through.
Eat and Drink in Koroit
Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel
Established in 1853 and purchased by the Bourke family in 1920, this renowned hotel has retained its Irish integrity and character.
Commercial Hotel Koroit
First Licensed in July 1867, current owners Darren and Julie Smith are the 31st in that period.
The Garden Cafe at Koroit Succulents and Natives
Koroit Succulents and Natives is a small boutique nursery where they propagate their succulents and grow their native plants to suit the local environment.
Izzy's Restaurant
Izzy’s Restaurant is located in Koroit, a little township in south western Victoria, only 10 minutes from Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
Koroit Bakehouse
The Koroit Bakehouse is a popular, award-winning bakery that has been operational for over 25 years, in the main street of Koroit.
Commercial Hotel Koroit
First Licensed in July 1867, current owners Darren & Julie Smith are the 31st in that period. With its proud Irish heritage, warm atmosphere and strong sense of Community, its no wonder why everyone gathers at the Commercial.
What to See and Do in Koroit
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 Heritage Trail
The town`s Heritage Trail highlights many of Koroit`s beautiful old buildings.
Koroit Newsagency and Lotto
Koroit Newsagent and Lotto is a locally owned business located in the main street of Koroit.
The Bookworm Gallery
The Bookworm Gallery, situated in the heart of Koroit, blends tasteful art with preloved books. Dennis, the owner and local to Koroit has always been a reader and loved books...
Koroit Historical Society Museum & Archives
This small museum is located in the former Tower Hill Common School on High st, which opened in 1857. The museum is open on the second Sunday in the month...
Tower Hill Beekeeping
Located in South West Victoria, Tower Hill Beekeeping specialise in Bee Hive relocations, supplying custom built Bee Hive frames, stands and boxes and other quality beekeeping supplies.
