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Dadswell's Bridge is located along the Western Highway with the majestic Grampians mountain range as a backdrop, and is famed for the Giant Koala. The tourist precinct consists of three separate businesses. The Giant Koala, cafe and take-away business also offers information on the area. Next door is the hotel / motel and includes the delicious Indian cuisine at Namaskaar. A range of accommodation is also available at Dadswell's Bridge.

Dadswell's Bridge was named after the engineer T.W. Dadswell who constructed the bridge there over the William Creek.

In 1988, then Koala Motor Inn and roadhouse owner, Beryl Cowling commissioned internationally renowned sculptor Ben van Zetten to construct a giant koala beside the highway at the roadhouse to attract passers-by and enhance the property. At 14m. high, it houses a souvenir shop and information centre for the area, and is among the most photographed attractions in The Grampians. Some 12 tonnes of material went into its construction which is of cold-cast bronze, set on a steel frame. A paste of fibreglass and bronze was used to create a rough, hairy effect to the exterior.

Dadswell Bridge is the gateway to the northern Grampians and the turn-off to Roses Gap is less then a kilometre east along the highway. There is also an emu farm on this corner.

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TOWNS

POPULATION

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DISTANCE FROM MELBOURNE

240kms north-west of Melbourne

Namaskaar Indian Restaurant/Graze Cafe

Western Highway
Dadswell's Bridge Hotel/Motel
Dadswell's Bridge VIC 3385
P: +61 3 5359 5251

F: +61 3 5359 5302

Email: noelmasla@bigpond.com.au

Horsham Visitor

Information Centre
Address:  20 O'Callaghan Parade
Tel: (03) 5382 1832
Website:  http://www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

© 2009 William D Fedor