Stawell, built on the strong foundations of a golden heritage, is a thriving and bustling rural city recognised throughout Victoria as the service centre for the Grampians National Park and famed for its prestigious foot race.
A pastoral shepherd in the district discovered gold in May 1853, which led to the development of this major Victorian city. By 1854, 5000 prospectors had descended upon the Pleasant Creek goldfields to seek their fortune. Later, in 1857, the discovery of incredibly rich, alluvial leads at Commercial Street and Deep Lead saw an influx of some 20000 people to the growing city and its goldfields.
The city witnessed the fading of alluvial mining and the rising of big business, reef mining, heralding an era of substantial prosperity, which continued through to the 1870's. During 60 years of mining the quartz reefs in the Big Hill area, 58000 ounces of gold were extracted and many fortunes were made.
In April 1878 the Stawell Athletic Club staged its first Stawell Gift. It is now one of the richest, professional foot races in the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the race at Central Park Oval where the excitement of the day can be taken in from the historic grandstand.
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