Berriwillock: Memorial, Store and Golf in the Mallee

Berriwillock combines a distinctive War Memorial, the story of a store with a long-standing connection to the community, and seasonal recreational activities. The town is on the Calder Highway. Those interested in local history will find several specific stories here; those looking to include recreational activities should also take their seasonality into account.

A Memorial with Several Layers of History

The Berriwillock War Memorial features a soldier figure made of pink granite from the First World War era. Four columns support the figure above a granite base. The memorial was unveiled on 6 May 1920. Plaques were added later to commemorate people who served in the Second World War, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This brings the original design and later additions together at one memorial: the remembrance extends beyond the First World War to include further conflicts. For travellers interested in history, this sequence offers a striking introduction to local commemoration.

The History of the Mills Store

The history of the Mills Store can also be tied to a precise date. Harold bought the store from Fred Higman on 1 May 1925—his 21st birthday. The Mills Store has served the Berriwillock community since 1925. A modern extension was built and opened in 1983. The purchase date and the extension mark different chapters: the first connects the store to Harold’s life story, while the second reflects a later structural change. Together, they offer a glimpse into the history of a business connected to the community, rather than pointing to just a single event.

Building Materials of the Golden Crown Hotel

The Golden Crown Hotel was built in Berriwillock in 1896 by Fairbanks and Wilson. It was constructed using local limestone and bricks made and fired on the banks of Tyrrell Creek. The materials bring the building’s history to life: the story of the hotel encompasses not only the limestone, but also the manufacture of the bricks and where they were fired. The Golden Crown Hotel is Berriwillock’s local pub. If you plan to visit specifically as a pub, check its current status before your trip, as this may change.

Seasonal Activities in the Mallee

Recreational activities include the seasonal Berriwillock Swimming Pool and the seasonal Berriwillock Golf Club. The club is a 9-hole sand-scrape course in the flat Mallee landscape. The course features Mallee trees as well as elevated and sloping sandy areas. This offers a choice of two different activities: swimming and golf on a course with a distinctive landscape and layout. Its seasonal nature makes your travel dates an important planning consideration. Check the current seasonal information if you’d like to include the swimming pool or golf course in your trip.

When choosing activities, there’s a useful distinction to bear in mind: seasonality matters for the swimming pool and golf club, while the memorial, store and hotel construction offer historical interest. If you’d like to combine both, you can first plan your travel dates around your preferred activity, then make local history another focus. This way, Berriwillock can be considered not only in terms of a single recreational option, but also by the kinds of discoveries you’re looking for during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Axedale, Maiden Gully, Alexandra, Bendigo, Wahgunyah, Lysterfield South, Tarwin Lower, Avoca.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.