Overview
If you're planning a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Western and Dukes Highway, make sure to visit Kaniva. As the first and last highway town in Victoria, Kaniva offers quality accommodation and dining options. With its big windmill, visitors can enjoy the friendly small-town charm, making it the perfect place to eat, stay, and play. The town sits on the lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples of the Wotjobaluk Nations.
Emerging arts
Kaniva is the gateway to the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail. The town is home to Sheep Art, with over forty painted sheep, murals, and interactive games. The Sheep Art Trail links the Wetlands and Fauna Park to the Silo Art, guiding you to local attractions including the Puppet Shop and two artsy pubs, showcasing Kaniva's community spirit. The Kaniva GrainCorp Silo Art celebrates the nearby Little Desert National Park, its diverse flora and fauna and the beginnings of conservation in Victoria.
Rich history
Kaniva was once home to Percy Leason, Australia's highest-paid cartoonist of the 1920s and 30s, famous for his Wiregrass series. The characters were inspired by his nostalgic childhood memories, capturing the social history of rural life in Australia during that era. The town's preserved buildings offer a glimpse into life a hundred years ago. Nearby, the historic Serviceton Railway Station tells the intriguing story of the disputed territory between Victoria and South Australia, a hidden gem just off the highway.
