Explore historic Koroit

The historic town of Koroit is a charming village and visitors can explore the town's Irish immigrant history with a stroll through the streets exploring the Koroit Heritage Trail.

Koroit Heritage Trail maps are available at the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre, businesses throughout Koroit, and can be downloaded from the Koroit Village website here.

The tour features 30 places of interest, including the historic Railway Station (pictured), which was built in 1880 and in operation until the line closed in 1977.

One of the most significant historical buildings is the former Tower Hill Lake National School on High Street. This is the most intact example of a school of the National School era in Victoria, with only three school surviving.  This is Koroit's oldest building and was constructed in 1857, the same year the town was surveyed.

Another significant site is the Koroit Botanical Gardens, which were set aside in 1862 for public gardens. In 1880 William Guilfoyle, the curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, designed the winding paths and sweeping lawns that feature. Only five conifers remain from the original plantings, but there are some rarities including six trees registered with the National Trust and the Dragon's Blood Treet, which is on the World Rare and Endangered List.

More information:

• Koroit Village website
• About Koroit and Tower Hill