News
Fire towers on Mt Rouse
- Details
- Category: Latest
- Hits: 203
A prominant aspect of Mt Rouse, our dormant volcano, is the number of towers on its summit. The fire spotter's tower has an interesting history. Here is some of that history, related by Alex Sparks who was involved from early stages.
Model T Fords visit
- Details
- Category: Latest
- Hits: 221
Anyone driving through Penshurst on Monday morning October 31st could have been forgiven for thinking that they were visiting during the early 1900’s.
What a magnificent sight to see around thirty Model T Fords parked in front of the Volcanoes Discovery Centre in Martin Street! Whilst the owners and passengers visited our Centre, many others enjoyed just looking at the various styles of T Model Fords.
The T Model Ford Club held a rally in our district over the last weekend in October. While so many commented on the beautiful scenery and views from Mount Rouse, they were not quite so complimentary on the weather, which tended to be a bit on the cooler side that day.
Those who visited the Volcanoes Discovery Centre were treated by also being able to view the Volcano Dreaming Exhibition which was on display in the Education Room. We thank the T Model Ford Club for their visit and welcome any other groups who would like to arrange a visit to our Centre and Penshurst.
Garden work
- Details
- Category: Latest
- Hits: 458
Redevelopment work continues with a complete redesign of the front garden. The stone work is bluestone, to match the building.
Volcanoes Discovery Centre
- Details
- Category: Latest
- Hits: 489
How are volcanoes formed? What rocks come from volcanoes? What do volcanoes leave behind? How does lava flow?
There are many questions about volcanoes and we don't have many volcanoes in Australia, but they have an impact on the landscape today. Most people know little about volcanoes but a visit to the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre has people leaving with a lot more knowledge.
The Volcanoes Discovery Centre has displays of all types of volcanoes, and specific information on volcanic activity in Western Victoria. Through videos and posters the wonder of volcanoes is on show for everyone. The centre interests tourists as well as students. Many schools make a special trip to Penshurst to learn about geology.
A visit to Penshurst should also include a climb of Mount Rouse, our very own dormant volcano.
The centre is housed in the former council chambers, an historic building. The foyer has many interesting displays and information for tourists.
Mural on Mt Rouse
- Details
- Category: Latest
- Hits: 1059
Mt Rouse has blown it's top again, but this time only in a painting.
Renowned artist "Big Art Ted" Horton has completed a mural on the barbecue shelter at the Mt Rouse summit carpark. The mural was commissioned by the Volcanoes Discovery Centre as a way of illustrating various aspects of the volcano to visitors. These include a stylised eruption and its impact on native fauna, and the meeting of Europeans with the Indigenous inhabitants of the region.
The painting is already receiving enthusiastic comments from locals and visitors, both Australian and international.