Mortlake

Mortlake is situated at the foot of Mt Shadwell, 30 minutes north of Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road. There is no need to hurry through, stop for a while and enjoy what Mortlake has to offer.

As the town prospered, many fine buildings were erected. These are still evident today, particularly those in the historic Shaw Street Bluestone precinct. A map detailing the various buildings and sites is available from the Visitor Information Centre in Dunlop Street.

Tea Tree Lake area is right in the heart of town, ideal for walking, picnicking, fishing and bird watching.

Fossicking for Olivine

If gem stones are of interest the Mortlake Quarry allows fossicking for Olivine. Olivine is an olive-green, grey-green, or brown mineral occurring widely in basalt, peridotite, and other basic igneous rocks. It is a silicate containing varying proportions of magnesium, iron, and other elements. The large ejected rocks are called volcanic bombs. These bombs can contain olivine, a green crystal also known as peridot.

Mount Shadwell is located adjacent to Mortlake and was formed 25,000 years ago. It is believed that it last erupted about 5,000 years ago. You will need to complete an indemnity form (available at Moyne Shire Offices or Mortlake Info. Centre) before starting

History Trail

The History Trail takes in 20 historic buildings of Mortlake including the Mortlake Flour Mill, which was built in 1856 to satisfy the needs of hungry gold-diggers at the time. You can do it on foot, by car or a combination of both. It starts at the former Temperance Hall (1873) in Shaw St (the Hamilton Highway) which has since been used as a glove factory and RSL centre. You may wish to park your car here.

You will discover many wonderful examples of bluestone buildings which were constructed in the 1850' and 1860's. These include the Soldiers' Memorial Hall, old Post Office and former Mortlake Shire offices.

Tea Tree Lake & Botanical Gardens

Tea Tree Lake is a great place to relax for an afternoon with the family.

The expansive parkland area around the lake features an iconic historic rotunda, an early botanic garden, summerhouse and a small pier out over the lake for fishing from.

Tea Tree Lake is well stocked with fish and yabbies, along with a variety of native animals, including more than 100 species of birds.