Harrow is a picturesque little town settled on the banks of the Glenelg River. Nestled beneath rolling hills and grand old red gums, it is reputed to be one of the oldest inland towns in Victoria. In its heyday it was a thriving town with three hotels, a courthouse, a log jail, stabling for the trooper's horses, brickwork's, Chinese market gardens and a depot for Cobb & Co. Harrow today is a journey into living history. History The first business was established at Harrow in approximately 1840 on the common boundary of three major grazing properties. The town grew to accommodate the expanding workforce and there was at one time two hotels in Harrow as well as three general stores, a drapery business, a blacksmith, a saddlery shop, a bakery, a shoemaker, flour mills, Chinese market gardens and a brickwork's. The migration of people to larger centres and the reduced workforce on the land have seen Harrow decrease in size but it still holds it's quaint beauty and old-world charm. Things to Do and See The Harow Sound and Light Show has quickly become a major tourist attraction for the small town. Developed entirely by members of the community, the show sees the town come alive at night as you mingle with characters typical of the 1800's. The Hermitage Hotel (1884) is the starting point. There are Pioneer Market Days every third Sunday, and many other notable places to visit including the Kalang Cottage -a restored cottage built in 1876 and the Log Gaol (1859) which is a fine example of pioneer craftsmanship. Don't miss the annual Billy Cart Races on the Labour Day weekend in March. Other Points of interest Harrow claims to have Victoria's oldest 'inland' pub, but watch your head! The Red Hill Museum is a pastoral museum, showcasing old world machinery, horse gear, and buggies. The Harrow Transport Museum in Blair St, offers an insight into motoring history with a selection of rare vehicles, garage equipment and transport memorabilia. The old Police Station: Built in 1886. The police were first stationed in Harrow in 1853 and the site of the first station is near the present hotel. The Original Post Office (1885- 1993) and the R.S.L. Hall (1877) which was originally the Court house and was used for hearings until 1960, Memorial Hall (1977), built on the site of the original Mechanics Hall which was destroyed by fire in 1976. The Johnny Mullagh Memorial Park, which commemorates the memory of Johnny Mullagh, a well known koorie from Western Victoria. He was a famous cricketer from Harrow who played with the first koorie cricket team to visit England, in 1868. How to Get There Harrow is 390km north-west of Melbourne Melways Ref: 519 K11 Pop: 200 Visitor Information Edenhope Visitor Information Centre 98 Elizabeth St, Edenhope Tel: (03) 5585 1509 Back to Top     Wimmera country