Heritage Rail Tour Showcases the Best of the Wimmera Mallee
Published on 21 October 2026
Visitors from across Victoria experienced the best of the Wimmera Mallee during a heritage rail tour coordinated by the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, providing a welcome boost for local businesses and showcasing the region’s attractions, history and hospitality.
Working closely with the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, Hindmarsh Shire Council helped coordinate the three-day visitor experience, highlighting some of the region's most iconic destinations and community stories.
The tour commenced with visitors travelling from Melbourne through Western Victoria, stopping at Seppelt's in Great Western and the iconic Murtoa Stick Shed before arriving in Horsham for their weekend accommodation.
On Saturday 10 October, approximately 70 visitors participated in a trial event in Nhill, exploring the Nhill Heritage Silo Art Project and the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre before attending a Jazz and Shiraz-inspired lunch at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre. The event was proudly supported by Luv-a-Duck and featured live entertainment from regional band The Doo Dads.
A highlight of the day was a presentation by John and Marg Millington, who shared the story of the Karen Settlement Program and its significant contribution to the development, diversity and ongoing success of the Nhill community.
The success of the inaugural Nhill event generated strong interest in making the experience an annual feature of future heritage rail tours. Organisers are already exploring opportunities to involve more community groups, businesses, and residents in future visits.
The tour continued to Rainbow on Sunday 11 October, where almost 160 visitors enjoyed the town’s attractions, businesses, and hospitality. The Rainbow Town Advisory Committee coordinated the local visit with support from businesses and community organisations.
More than 100 visitors viewed the internationally renowned Rainbow Silo Art, while approximately 50 toured the historic Yurunga Homestead. Local hospitality businesses also reported strong trade, with both lunch venues selling out.
Community groups also embraced the opportunity, with the Rainbow Lake Committee and Rainbow Lions Club operating barbecues in the main street throughout the day. Several traders opened specifically to welcome visitors and capitalise on the increased visitation, while Bow Bakery enjoyed a sell-out day.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said the weekend demonstrated the value of tourism partnerships and community collaboration.
"The tour provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase everything that makes our communities special, from our history and attractions to the hospitality of our volunteers, businesses and residents," Cr Ismay said.
"It was particularly pleasing to see the strong support for the Nhill trial event and the significant economic benefits generated throughout Rainbow. These visits provide valuable opportunities for visitors to experience our region and encourage future return visitation."
"The success of the weekend highlights the benefits of collaboration between tourism operators, local businesses, community groups and volunteers in creating memorable visitor experiences and supporting our local economy."
The tour reinforced the growing reputation of the Wimmera Mallee as a unique destination for heritage, arts and cultural tourism and demonstrated the importance of partnerships in attracting visitors to regional communities.
To learn more about the Seymour Heritage Railway Centre visit https://srhc.org.au/, and for local enquiries please contact Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Mark Fletcher, on 03 5391 4444, or email mfletcher@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer