Population 1,138 (2011 census) LGA(s) Shire of Nillumbik St Andrews Yarra Glen Postal code 3761 Federal division Division of McEwen | Postcode(s) 3761 State electorate(s) Eildon Elevation 209 m Local time Friday 10:12 AM | |
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Location 46 km (29 mi) from Melbourne
10 km (6 mi) from Hurstbridge Weather 11°C, Wind S at 6 km/h, 85% Humidity | ||
St Andrews is a town in Victoria, Australia, 36 km north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. Its local government area is the Shire of Nillumbik. At the 2011 Census, St Andrews had a population of 1,138.
Contents
Map of St Andrews VIC 3761, Australia
St Andrews is well known for its alternative market, which is open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. It also contains a hotel, primary school, bakery, CFA, general store and a community centre.
History
Originally called Queenstown, the area was surveyed in 1858 and a town proclaimed on 25 February 1861.
St Andrew Post Office had opened earlier on 1 January 1856 and was renamed St Andrews in 1923.
It experienced population growth during the Victorian gold rush, when prospectors mined the hills around the town. The first discovery of gold in Queenstown was recorded in The Herald on 9 and 11 March 1855 and was attributed to a George Boston and two Scotsmen.
In April 2015, it was named Victoria's Wealthiest Town, as a result of ATO statistios. The town beat Toorak and Portsea, traditional leaders in this ranking.
St Andrews has a great community feel and is much loved by its residents and visitors alike.
Bushfires
On 7 February 2009 a major bushfire destroyed houses on Ninks, Muller, Jacksons and Wild Dog Creek Roads, as well as Buttermans Track and Olives Lane. Its progression toward the town centre was halted by a southerly wind change, which saved the rest of the town, but drove the fire front further east, destroying the towns of Kinglake and Marysville.