From coastal glass to historical textile collections: Seven West Vic galleries worth visiting this winter

When the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, things can slow down around West Vic. Why not take the time to stroll through a local gallery? 

Think we missed something? Reach out to [email protected] with your suggestions. 

Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery

Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery has bi-monthly exhibitions. A current exhibition sees 19 artists employ various mediums - ceramics, charcoal, watercolour, oil, mixed media - to contribute to a portion of a “collective cultural weaving” tapestry. 

Where: 48 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet 

Ararat Gallery TAMA

The permanent collection of textiles has been curated since the 1970s. There are also  visiting exhibitions. 

Currently, the work of First Nations artist Lisa Waup is on display. Waup specialises in blending printmaking, sculpture, textiles and weaving. 

Where: 82 Vincent Street, Ararat 

Warrnambool Art Gallery 

This gallery, constructed in 1886, is the fifth oldest institution of its kind in Australia collecting public works. Uncertain Vistas is currently the centrepiece of the gallery, showcasing works from several artists that revisit the same location, idea or concept to examine perspective. 

Where: 26 Lieberg Street, Warrnambool 

Bromley & Co 

David Bromley is a well-known name across the country, and on Daylesford’s main street paintings, multimedia and sculpture showcase different phases of his 20-year career. 

Where: Shop 8/47 Vincent Street, Daylesford  

Hamilton Gallery 

Hamilton Gallery opened in 1961, and currently hosts a permanent collection of 10,000 artworks from Europe, East Asia and Australia. 

Some of this collection is currently part of the Forces of Nature exhibition, highlighting Chinese and Japanese pieces that centre around the natural world through seasons and elements. 

Where: 107 Brown Street, Hamilton 

The Convent Daylesford 

From 19th-century nunnery to multi-level art gallery. The Convent displays a variety of visiting and local artists on an eight-week rotation. Each level features artwork, alongside museum-like displays of the building’s history. 

It’s surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding Daylesford and Wombat Forest. 

Where: 7 Daly Street, Daylesford 

Backspaces Gallery 

While the Art Gallery of Ballarat is under construction, the team behind the scenes have moved to the old Blockbuster store on Mair Street to display a variety of small exhibitions by local Ballarat-based artists. 

Where: 43 Mair St, Ballarat Central