Summary

A good spot for a break travelling to or from North East Victoria along the Maroondah Hwy or east - west via Merton and Euroa. Stop to refresh or run off a bit of kid and pet energy.

Description

175km from Melbourne is the Merton Racecourse. Merton Amateur Turf Club has been in operation here for an impressive 156 years to 2021. Every New Year's Day sees the site host the area's major annual event, Merton Picnic Races. Locals gather to celebrate the year and visitors are welcomed from near and far.

In between meets the racecourse is largely dormant except for the cricket season, when the site fulfils its role as the MCG - home of Merton Cricket Club. The Club is part of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association.

Otherwise, the racecourse offers year round public conveniences for locals cyclists from the nearby Great Victorian Rail Trail and others stopping for a visit or a break when passing through. As a traveller's fresh air stop it ticks the boxes with an easy walking track to follow (the race track), pleasant surroundings, public BBQ, picnic tables and public toilets.

Dogs are not permitted on race days and must be leashed and under the owner's control at all other times because of the presence of grazing stock on site.

834 Views

Points of Interest

1. Public BBQ and picnic shelter

A modern public BBQ and picnic shelter are in site.

2. Playground

The addition of a playground makes a Merton Racecourse family visit all the more attractive.

3. Clean public toilets

The public toilets here cater to the locals, travellers and cyclists from the Great Victorian Rail Trail running parallel to the Maroondah Highway nearby.

4. Aged picnic tables

These picnic tables look a bit weathered and exposed under leafless deciduous trees. However, in summer they would present quite a shady, rustic setting.

5. Tennis Courts

The old Merton Tennis Club is looking a bit on the neglected side.

6. Mobile starting gates

Easy to move to the various starting positions for different race lengths.

7. Evidence

Horses still train here in the off season.

8. Sheep run

There is no better way to keep the grass down between meets than to use the racecourse as a sheep run.

9. Equestrian course and water feature

Sure it looks a bit disused in the off season, but the view of surrounding hills compensates.

10. Judge's Boxes

There are four character building Judge's Boxes around the track.

11. Practice nets

Come summer this is the practice base of the Merton Cricket Club.

12. The MCG

Merton Cricket Ground entry opposite the Club building.

13. Seating for racegoers

Expect the champagne to flow under shady boughs, but maybe not all of the time.

14. Publican's Booth

On race day you can share a drink right beside the track.

15. Catering shed

On the day, put on your nose bag and be watered from here.

16. Merton Amateur Turf Club and Merton Cricket Club Building

Where the rest of the action occurs during racing or cricket.

17. Stables

Where champions and also rans can be admired.

Features

Public Transport

Playground

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Historical interest

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden