Kaniva
Halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide the thriving township of Kaniva is the perfect place to break your journey on the Western Highway. Stroll down the compact shopping strip, which offers something for everyone.
Whether you want 4WD tours or bushwalking, Kaniva is the gateway to the Big Desert Wilderness Park to the north, and nearby Red Bluff, a red stone monolith. The Little Desert is to the south, with its myriad wildflowers, native orchids and rare birds. If time is short visit the Fauna Park and Wetlands at the edge of town, with bird hides, electric BBQ and picnic area.
History buffs can visit the Kaniva Museum or the historic town of Serviceton to explore the heritage Railway Station and Customs House. Car enthusiasts will love the Kaniva Car Museum with its large collection of Monaros and the ‘Kaniva Look at Ya Toys’ Car Show in February.
The Kaniva Visitor Information Centre is located in the Windmill Cafe, alongside Kaniva’s famous Big Windmill. The windmill signifies the abundant underground water which is the life-blood of Kaniva and it’s diverse farming district. The underground water also supports lush expanses of lawn, extensive flower beds, and tree growth throughout the town, laying claim to Kaniva’s title as Victoria’s Garden of Eden.
Birth place of many noted artists including Marcus Wills winner of the 2006 Archibald Prize, Percy Leason & Bob Marchant.
PLACES TO EAT
Club Hotel
54 Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2280 |
Commercial Hotel
39 Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2230 |
Mobil Roadhouse
Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2587 |
Windmill Cafe
41 Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2418 |
PLACES TO STAY
Colonial Motor Inn
Western Highway |
Ph 03 5392 2730 |
Commercial Hotel
39 Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2230 |
Kaniva Caravan Park
(Pets allowed)
Budjik Road |
Ph 0428 922 355
or 0427 340 828 |
Midway Motel
14 Commercial Street |
Ph 03 5392 2515 |
Facilities
- Shopping Centre: Wide range of goods and services. Two supermarkets open seven days, pharmacy, post office, EFTPOS facilities, plus arts and crafts
- Community Roadhouse: Food, petrol and Diesel
- Hospital and Medical Services: Public hospital, doctor, maternal and child health centre, auxiliary health services
- Internet and Email Access: Available at Kaniva Library, Visitor Information Centre and Learning and Information Network (LINK)
- Sporting Facilities: Gymnasium, sporting complex, SunSmart seasonal swimming pool, squash, badminton, basketball, golf course, rec reserve, football, netball, hockey & skate park
- Public Toilets: Situated at the Windmill Corner. Baby change room and wheelchair access. Public toilets also available at Band Park
GOLF COURSES
- Kaniva Golf Club: 18 hole grass green course with watered greens and fully licensed clubhouse. Main season - March to October. Telephone 03 5392 2337 for event details.
- Serviceton Golf Club: Situated at Lochiel, site of the old race course at the Victoria-South Australia border. 18 hole sand scrape course set amongst century old gums. Telephone 03 5393 1213 for event details.
Things to do
- Check out the Monaro collection at the Car Museum
- Marvel at the Shire Hall Ceiling Cameos
- Wander through the Wetlands and Fauna Park
- Visit the footware collection at the Visitor Information Centre
- Architectural splendour at the Serviceton Railway Station
- Olive groves at Telopea Downs
BUSHWALKS
- Billy Ho Bushwalk (Lillimur South Road)
- Yanipy Bush Block (Edenhope-Kaniva Road)
- Moree Historic Reserve Bushwalk (Lillimur South Road)
- Maps and information available at Visitor Information Centre.
