Visitors will be impressed by Rainbow's historic buildings, such as Yurunga Homestead and Pella Church, as well as the vibrant murals that decorate the town. Rainbow is also the gateway to the beautiful Wyperfeld National Park, Lake Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya. These areas, and surrounding bushlands, are ideal for bush walking, bird watching, fishing, water sports and four-wheel driving.
Built in 1903 from local limestone, this single room school housed the educational requirements for local students for 78 years until its closure in 1982.
Since then, restoration works are returning this rare building to its working glory.
Lake Albacutya, designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, is approximately 15 km north of Rainbow and when full is a popular boating, fishing, yabbying and swimming location. When dry, it is still a popular camping, four wheel driving, bushwalking, bird watching and nature study destination. According to local folklore Albacutya means ‘where the quandongs grow’ in reference to the fruit of a native tree that indigenous and early settlers used to eat. For more information please visit Parks Victoria.
The largest freshwater lake in Victoria, Lake Hindmarsh, is a haven for holiday makers, fishing, water skiing and boating enthusiasts. It is also home to a wide range of water birds and other native flora and fauna. Four Mile Beach, the most popular camping area has powered sites, toilets, showers, a boat ramp and electric barbeques. Edward Eyre camped at Lake Hindmarsh whilst exploring an overland route between Melbourne and Adelaide in 1838. He named the lake after the Governor of South Australia, Sir John Hindmarsh. For more information please visit Parks Victoria.
Built in 1901 by local tradesmen using locally mined sandstone, Pella Church and the adjoining manse and primary school are a reminder of the extent of German settlement in the area. The church houses a magnificently restored pipe organ and a visit to the church to hear the local organists is a must. The manse and primary school both house historical displays of the local area.
The Rainbow Archive is situated in the old Masonic Lodge Hall and provides a fascinating look into the history of Rainbow and district. Rainbow Archive and Historical Society support the preservation, conservation and public accessibility of local historical documents, records and photographs for display and research. As part of the Rainbow Progress Association the society encourages family history research, a record of local organisations and heritage studies. Records date from district establishment in 1893 to current times.
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm.
The widely renowned Rainbow Murals provide a colourful pictorial acknowledgement and understanding of the life and history of the early pioneers, town and district. A brochure is available in town to guide visitors around the many sites.
The ‘Old School Sessions’ is a concert series that features national and international musicians. Held four times a year at ‘the Oasis’, past performers include Neil Murray, Greg Champion, Ordinary Elephant (USA), Michael Waugh, Rich Davies, Cat Canteri, Justin Bernasconi, Enda Kenny and the Beez (Berlin).
Turbo Gallery is a contemporary space which showcases the work of local and visiting artists. The gallery prides itself on providing a unique experience for participating artists and its visitors. The gallery also offers art sales, giftware, art supplies, art restoration, sublimation printing, tutoring and workshops.
Established in 1909 and declared a National Park in 1921, Wyperfeld National Park is one of Victoria’s largest National Parks and is well known for its array of native flora and fauna including kangaroos, emus, birds, spinifex, mallee scrub, heath and native pine, river red gum and black box trees. Although there is a series of lakes within Wyperfeld National Park, they rarely contain water as they only fill if the Wimmera River, Lake Hindmarsh and subsequently Lake Albacutya flood. There are various camping grounds and picnic facilities situated throughout Wyperfeld, with some accessible only by four wheel drive. For more information please visit Parks Victoria.
Yurunga Homestead is a huge Edwardian style home made of brick and limestone. Built in 1909 for Mr A.G. Cust, the homestead now displays furniture, antiques and historical displays and is regularly open to the public.
The attractions of Rainbow will be transmitted to television screens across the country after the ABC’s Back Roads came...
The market on Sunday was a hit with a few hundred people attending.