sew what

Based on the previous review and current tourist information I visited this place during a busy weekend in town only to find it very closed. Permanently?

The original plan was for my wife (keen/obsessed seamstress and embroiderer) to be dropped off at this attraction while 21 year-old railway-obsessed son and I toured nearby historic Maryborough railway station and did 'blokey' things. Well, within 10 minutes of entering Sew What we were all spellbound, bought the package deal including hot drinks and biscuits and stayed for the entire tour and then some.This triple-level museum and antiques complex is really interesting... a given for the sewing enthusiasts amongst you but a complete surprise to people like me that had no prior interest in sewing.The owners Wayne and Judi are passionate and knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. The history of sewing turns out to be significantly interwoven with the history of Victoria and Australia (pun intended) but to find out more you will have to visit... I am not going to write spoilers here.I highly recommend Wayne's 1 hour+ personally guided tour (included in the modest $5 entry price) of the over 450 sewing machines dating back to 1856. Most are in amazingly well-restored working condition courtesy of Wayne and Judi personal handiwork, including the exquisite cabinetry. The tour includes lots of hands-on interactive demonstrations. This is one museum where you are definitely encouraged to touch the exhibits and use them under supervision.And it's not just about the sewing machines... there is old printing equipment, world war 2 model trains and tanks, a model railway being built, and a vintage/antiques/collectibles area where you may well find items not obtainable elsewhere.I speak from experience.. spent months in many antique stores trying to find the good-quality second-hand Gillette double-edge safety razors from the 1960's-70's. Unexpectedly found what I was looking for at Sew What for the princely sum of $20.. cheaper and more robust than the brand new imported stuff being flogged nowadays.. but I digress... From the outside it's obvious that the Flour Mill Gallery building is no work of art and you may be tempted to drive past. All I'm saying is ignore the state of the unsealed car park, step into the building and meet the owners. You will be hooked within minutes and glad you included this attraction in your travel plans.Note that there is no lift and to see all the exhibits you will need to walk up and down several staircases.If visiting in the cooler months be aware that the building has minimal heating. Dress warmly and take up their great value package deal which includes entry+tour+hot beverage (tea/coffee/hot chocolate) and biscuits for a modest $8 per person. Do check their website before visiting as there are frequent updates.And finally for the railway enthusiasts amongst you, whilst Wayne is the sewing machine go-to man it turns out that Judi is a keen train-spotter from way back and will match you rivet for rivet.Something for everyone. Great Value.As always, if you have found this review helpful please click the Yes button as it encourages me to continue putting effort into thorough reviews.