The Kaniva Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located near the iconic big windmill at the roundabout on Commercial Street, along the Western Highway. As the first and last highway town in Victoria, Kaniva is a welcoming stop for travellers exploring the region.
Our Story
Merino sheep farming has been a part of Kaniva’s history since the 1850s and 1860s, first introduced by squatters. When the land was opened to selectors from 1875 onwards, sheep and cattle farming expanded as settlers cleared the land, though access to water remained a challenge.By the 1890s, Kaniva began to grow as a township, largely due to Fry’s flour mill. However, the windmill played a crucial role by providing a reliable water source, drawing from a deep underground aquifer. While many farms have since replaced traditional windmills with solar pumps, the region continues to depend on underground water for both urban and agricultural use, primarily from the Tertiary Limestone Aquifer. The windmill in Kaniva serves as an ornamental landmark only, while the town’s gardens are sustained by underground water. The Kaniva Wetlands also benefit from stormwater runoff, helping to maintain the local ecosystem.
Kaniva Visitor Information Centre
The Kaniva Visitor Information Centre offers a selection of brochures and a digital touchscreen to help visitors explore the region. Located next to the public toilets, the centre provides essential amenities, including accessible and baby change facilities.
Visitor services and facilities include:
For visitor convenience, an ATM is available next to Doyle’s IGA supermarket across the road. A public defibrillator is located on the Post Office wall. In case of emergency, call 000. The Kaniva Medical Centre is located in Farmers Street.
Address: 41 Commercial Street, Kaniva, Victoria, 3419
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Weekends 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone: (03) 5314 9083
Visitor Information is also available at:
West Wimmera Shire Council, Baker Street
Phone: (03) 5392 7700 (Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Walking Tours
There are several free walking tours that are available encompassing history, art, sheep art and the wetlands. Most of these leave from the Information Centre and include a variety of digital interactive gaming tours that can be accessed via your phone. Simply download the actionbound app (advert free) and search bounds near by or Kaniva. They are suitable for all ages and interest groups.
Caravan parking around town:
Local weather:
Our local weather station is sponsored by H&R Rural and can be found on this website
Visitor Information Centres:
South of Kaniva
Edenhope Information Centre
96 Elizabeth St, Edenhope VIC 3318
Ph: (03) 5585 1509 - Open Mon - Sat 10am - 3pm
Harrow Discovery Centre
1 Blair St, Harrow VIC 3317
Ph: (03) 5588 1387 - Open everyday - 11am - 4pm
West of Kaniva
Bordertown Visitor Information Centre
43 Woolshed Street, Bordertown, SA 5268
Ph: (08) 8752 1044 Open Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5pm
East of Kaniva
Nhill Visitor Information Centre
Goldsworthy Park, Victoria St, Nhill, Vic, 3418
Ph: (03) 5391 3086 Open everyday 10.30am - 3.30pm
Horsham Visitor Information Centre & Town Hall
71 Pynsent St, Horsham, VIC. 3400
Ph: 1800 633 218 Open everyday 10 - 4pm
Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre
117 -119 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap, VIC 3381
Ph: 1800 065 599 Open everyday 9 - 5pm
If you have any Kaniva news or events that you would like promoted through the Kaniva digital pages, or have a business or organisation that you would like included or details changed, please email us. Any photos, videos, audio or story contributions are gladly received. Our instagram page features an array of photos taken by travellers and locals alike. You can also tweet us with your photos and comments, #KanivaAu or post to our facebook page.
Kaniva & District Progress Association
Website, group walking tours and general enquiries: 0429 888 250
Our Story
Merino sheep farming has been a part of Kaniva’s history since the 1850s and 1860s, first introduced by squatters. When the land was opened to selectors from 1875 onwards, sheep and cattle farming expanded as settlers cleared the land, though access to water remained a challenge.By the 1890s, Kaniva began to grow as a township, largely due to Fry’s flour mill. However, the windmill played a crucial role by providing a reliable water source, drawing from a deep underground aquifer. While many farms have since replaced traditional windmills with solar pumps, the region continues to depend on underground water for both urban and agricultural use, primarily from the Tertiary Limestone Aquifer. The windmill in Kaniva serves as an ornamental landmark only, while the town’s gardens are sustained by underground water. The Kaniva Wetlands also benefit from stormwater runoff, helping to maintain the local ecosystem.
Kaniva Visitor Information Centre
The Kaniva Visitor Information Centre offers a selection of brochures and a digital touchscreen to help visitors explore the region. Located next to the public toilets, the centre provides essential amenities, including accessible and baby change facilities.
Visitor services and facilities include:
- EV charging station
- Picnic tables
- Caravan parking
- Accessibility access, including an entrance ramp and a touchscreen information kiosk
- Accessibility parking next to the public toilets, Kaniva Pharmacy, and the ATM
For visitor convenience, an ATM is available next to Doyle’s IGA supermarket across the road. A public defibrillator is located on the Post Office wall. In case of emergency, call 000. The Kaniva Medical Centre is located in Farmers Street.
Address: 41 Commercial Street, Kaniva, Victoria, 3419
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, Weekends 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone: (03) 5314 9083
Visitor Information is also available at:
West Wimmera Shire Council, Baker Street
Phone: (03) 5392 7700 (Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Walking Tours
There are several free walking tours that are available encompassing history, art, sheep art and the wetlands. Most of these leave from the Information Centre and include a variety of digital interactive gaming tours that can be accessed via your phone. Simply download the actionbound app (advert free) and search bounds near by or Kaniva. They are suitable for all ages and interest groups.
Caravan parking around town:
- Maddern St, Long vehicle parallel parking on left hand side, near the Commercial Hotel opposite the toilets and windmill.
- Wetlands and Fauna Park, includes toilets and BBQ area. (500 mt walk to main street from toilets, or 300 mts from aviary.)
- Silo Art - front of the Band Park on Progress St. (200mt walk to the main street.)
- Kaniva Shire Hall - Alongside Commercial St, opposite the Roadhouse. (200mt walk to the main street.)
Local weather:
Our local weather station is sponsored by H&R Rural and can be found on this website
Visitor Information Centres:
South of Kaniva
Edenhope Information Centre
96 Elizabeth St, Edenhope VIC 3318
Ph: (03) 5585 1509 - Open Mon - Sat 10am - 3pm
Harrow Discovery Centre
1 Blair St, Harrow VIC 3317
Ph: (03) 5588 1387 - Open everyday - 11am - 4pm
West of Kaniva
Bordertown Visitor Information Centre
43 Woolshed Street, Bordertown, SA 5268
Ph: (08) 8752 1044 Open Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5pm
East of Kaniva
Nhill Visitor Information Centre
Goldsworthy Park, Victoria St, Nhill, Vic, 3418
Ph: (03) 5391 3086 Open everyday 10.30am - 3.30pm
Horsham Visitor Information Centre & Town Hall
71 Pynsent St, Horsham, VIC. 3400
Ph: 1800 633 218 Open everyday 10 - 4pm
Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre
117 -119 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap, VIC 3381
Ph: 1800 065 599 Open everyday 9 - 5pm
If you have any Kaniva news or events that you would like promoted through the Kaniva digital pages, or have a business or organisation that you would like included or details changed, please email us. Any photos, videos, audio or story contributions are gladly received. Our instagram page features an array of photos taken by travellers and locals alike. You can also tweet us with your photos and comments, #KanivaAu or post to our facebook page.
Kaniva & District Progress Association
Website, group walking tours and general enquiries: 0429 888 250
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria.
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