Population 289 (2006 census) LGA(s) City of Ballarat Postal code 3352 Federal division Division of Ballarat | Postcode(s) 3352 State electorate(s) Ripon Local time Tuesday 10:56 PM | |
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Location 136 km (85 mi) W of Melbourne
23 km (14 mi) NW of Ballarat
9 km (6 mi) SE of Waubra Weather 22°C, Wind E at 16 km/h, 54% Humidity | ||
Learmonth is a picturesque township, located in Central Victoria, Australia, 136 kilometres (85 mi) west of the state capital Melbourne, and 23 km North West of the regional city centre of Ballarat. Learmonth is located on the Sunraysia Highway, on the road to Avoca, St Arnaud and the Pyrenees wine region, and is surrounded by an agricultural, pastoral and dairy region. At the 2006 census, Learmonth had a population of 289. Today, approximately 300 people live in Learmonth.
Contents
Map of Learmonth VIC 3352, Australia
History
The township was first established in 1837. It was the original local government office headquarters of the Shire of Ballarat. Lake Learmonth Post Office opened on 13 February 1858 and was renamed Learmonth in 1860.
The town was named in reference to its position beside Lake Learmonth, which itself was named after the brothers Thomas Livingston Learmonth and Somerville Learmonth who squatted in the area in 1838.
Today
The town has a large lake, Lake Learmonth, which is popular for water sports, fishing and family activities. This lake has always been a natural water-hole and swamp, but was enhanced by human intervention in the late 1800s, resulting in a fuller and more defined lake area. Picnic areas, children's playgrounds and nature walks exist on the Eastern and Northern side of the lake. Gently rolling ancient volcanic hills surround the town, and the soil is rich and red; good for growing plants and trees. The natural birdlife in the area is well appreciated by locals.
Learmonth today has a General Store, Post Office, Pub, Cafe, Antique Store, three churches, a primary school, a shire hall & historic society, a police station, an art hall, a community garden, a lawn bowling club, a creative metalsmith, an aged care facility and a friendly and active community life. There is a free community newsletter named 'The Learmonth Thunderer', run by volunteers. There is also an Australian Rules football team competing in the Central Highlands Football League. A historic walking tour runs up and down the main street (High Street) highlighting many interesting former businesses of the early settler and colonial period.