Postcode(s) 3241 Postal code 3241 Local time Tuesday 3:13 PM Federal division Division of Corangamite | Winchelsea Buckley Population 1,336 (2006 census) State electorate(s) Polwarth | |
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LGA(s) Surf Coast Shire
Shire of Colac Otway Weather 22°C, Wind SE at 19 km/h, 43% Humidity Location 110 km (68 mi) from Melbourne; 37 km (23 mi) from Geelong; 38 km (24 mi) from Colac | ||
Winchelsea is a town in Victoria, Australia. Most of the town is located in the Surf Coast Shire local government area, with a small section part of the Shire of Colac Otway. Winchelsea is located on the Barwon River 115 km south-west of Melbourne and close to Geelong (37 km north-east).
Contents
- Map of Winchelsea VIC 3241 Australia
- History
- Places of interest
- Heritage listed sites
- Sport
- Notable people
- References
Map of Winchelsea VIC 3241, Australia
History
The first Europeans to reside in the area were squatters who established grazing runs there c. 1837. Thomas Austin migrated from Tasmania and occupied the present day site of Winchelsea in 1837. The area was then called Austin's Ford. Austin built up his estate of Barwon Park to 29,000 acres (12,000 ha), including a mansion which still stands today.
The town developed around the Barwon Inn, established in 1842 by Prosper Nicholas Trebeck and Charles Beal [1]. The Post Office opened as Barwon on 1 July 1848 and was renamed Winchelsea in 1854. The town was the administrative centre of the Shire of Winchelsea, which was proclaimed in 1864, and which continued until March 9, 1994 when it was amalgamated with the Shire of Barrabool to become the Surf Coast Shire.
The railway though the town was opened in 1876, as part of the line to the south west of the state. The local railway station is served by V/Line passenger services on the Warrnambool line.
Places of interest
Heritage listed sites
Winchelsea contains a number of heritage listed sites, including:
Sport
The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Geelong & District Football League.
The Winchelsea Golf Club is located between Lorne Road and Lauders Lane. The course is popular with locals and tourists alike.