Things to do with kids in The Wimmera

Murtoa's Stick Shed was built during World War II to store wheat, and rows of tall timber poles hold up its 265m roof. It took just five months to build and is on the National Heritage List. It opens daily, 10am to 3pm; a family ticket is $24.

The 1886 railway water tower has four floors of displays, including James Hill's collection of more than 600 birds, eggs, nests and reptiles. The top floor shows the underside of the iron tank that once fed steam engines. Next door, the old station has a model of the 1960s railway yards.

Lake Tyrrell is Victoria's largest salt lake, 7km north of Sea Lake. Its dark skies are ideal for spotting the southern constellations, and the shallow water mirrors the sky. There's a viewing platform and information bay; drive only on the marked roads.

Mount Wycheproof rises just 42m above the flat farmland around Wycheproof. Kids can hike the trail to the top, or you can drive up to the summit picnic area. The view takes in the town and the farms below.

Lake Lascelles is 500m from Hopetoun and has reliable water, with safe swimming areas for families. There are barbecues, grassy picnic spots and artwork by local artists and school children. Trails around nearby Lake Coorong include a bird hide.

The Wimmera River Discovery Trail runs 56km between Dimboola and Jeparit. Plenty of road crossings make it easy to walk or cycle a short section. Mountain bikes suit the track best.

The Pink Lake (Loch Iel) is 6km north-west of Dimboola, beside the Western Highway. Its colour comes from a salt-tolerant alga living in the salt crust. Pull into the parking area and take the short walk down to the water's edge.

On the banks of the Wimmera River, this museum holds farm machinery, horse-drawn vehicles and pioneer homesteads. Kids can look into an old school, church, blacksmith's shop, chemist and gaol. It shows how families lived in the Wimmera Mallee in the early 1900s.