Population 2,486 (2006 census) LGA(s) Golden Plains Shire Bannockburn Gheringhap Local time Thursday 1:07 PM | Postcode(s) 3331 State electorate(s) Polwarth Postal code 3331 Federal division Division of Corangamite | |
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Location 88 km (55 mi) from Melbourne
23 km (14 mi) from Geelong
72 km (45 mi) from Ballarat Weather 22°C, Wind S at 21 km/h, 65% Humidity | ||
Bannockburn is a rural township near Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 93 km southwest of Melbourne. It is located in Golden Plains Shire. In the 2006 census, Bannockburn had a population of 2486.
Contents
Map of Bannockburn VIC 3331, Australia
History
The township, originally named Leigh Road, was founded in the early 1850s. It is presumed to have been named after the 14th century battle site in Scotland, and grew as a coaching stop during the 1850s and 1860s, when the main route to the Ballarat goldfields was via the port of Geelong. The railway came to the town with the opening of the Geelong-Ballarat line in 1862. The local railway station was originally called Leigh Road but the name was changed to Bannockburn in 1904. Today, only grain and freight trains use the line.
The township grew around the station and a Post Office, called Leigh Road Railway Station, opened on 18 May 1863. It was renamed Leigh Road in 1873, Wabdallah in 1875, and finally Bannockburn in 1892.
Bannockburn township contains notable examples of Victorian colonial architecture, such as the former Somerset Hotel (1854), now a private home, and the Bannockburn railway station (1863). The station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Bannockburn today
The nearby Bannockburn Vineyards is a 25-hectare vineyard on the Midland Highway, established in 1974 by Stuart Hooper. Grapes grown include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, malbec, merlot, pinot noir, riesling, sauvignon blanc and shiraz.
The Golden Plains Farmers Market occurs at Bannockburn on the first Saturday of every month. The market sells produce made by local business, wineries, jam makers, plants, baked produce, and meats and vegetables included. The market also feature local musicians such as 'The Johnson trio'.
Bannockburn is also home to a branch of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, which replaced the once to twice a week visit by the Mobile Library Service.
The central area is populated by small businesses, among them, a hardware store, as well as a Woolworths supermarket, petrol station, Bendigo Bank, doctor's surgery, pathology, dentist, hairdressers, Take Away shops, a gym, mechanics, Newsagent, The Railway Hotel and chemist.
A bike trail is available for those that wish to use it. It extends from the railway crossing, along the highway. Near its starting point is a Lions Club founded park, with play equipment.
Local landmarks include a bridge, some old and distinctive Gum trees, and a local wind power generator. Bannockburn is unofficially divided by the railway line, with locals using it as a landmark to guide others to certain locations.
The Bannockburn Lagoon is used for fishing, and picnic activities. It is not recommended for swimming.
Council offices, and a Family Services Centre, are located on Pope Street.
Sport
Bannockburn has Football team called Golden Plains Soccer Club, formed in 2012 they are competing in the Victorian State League Division 5 which is the seventh level of soccer in Victoria, Australia, and the eighth nationally. The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Geelong & District Football League known as the Tigers and a cricket club called the Bannockburn Bulls. There is weeknight netball and basketball competitions available at the local indoor center.
Golfers play at the Bannockburn Golf Club on Teesdale Road. Lawn bowls are on Burnside Road.