Postcode(s) 3527 Federal Division(s) Mallee Population 789 (2011 census) State electorate(s) Mildura | LGA(s) Shire of Buloke Wycheproof Bunguluke Postal code 3527 | |
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Location 276 km (171 mi) NW of Melbourne
136 km (85 mi) NW of Bendigo
96 km (60 mi) S of Swan Hill
31 km (19 mi) NW of Charlton Weather 11°C, Wind NE at 13 km/h, 62% Humidity | ||
Wycheproof /ˈwɪtʃᵻpruːf/ is a small regional locality in the centre of the Shire of Buloke, in north western Victoria, Australia. As of the 2011 census, it had a population of 789. The name, Wycheproof, originates from an aboriginal word meaning 'grass on a hill', referring to Mount Wycheproof just off the Calder Highway, which is the smallest registered mountain in the world, standing at 148 metres (486 ft) above sea level or 43 metres (141 ft) above the surrounding plains. The economy of Wycheproof is driven mainly by wheat.
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Map of Wycheproof VIC 3527, Australia
The railway from Bendigo and Korong Vale reached the area in 1883 and was later extended north. The township was established beside the railway and the Post Office opened on 1 April 1884 replacing earlier offices from 1876 serving the rural area named Wycheproof (renamed to Moffat) and Mount Wycheproof. The last regular passenger service though the local railway station was from Bendigo to Sea Lake on 7 May 1977 and was operated by a Diesel Electric railmotor. The town is unusual in that even today the railway line runs in the centre of the main street.
In an attempt to attract new residents, the local community has developed a project to offer otherwise vacant farmhouses for rent at A$1 per week. Expressions of interest in the scheme have been heard from Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland as well as most parts of Australia. The project was inspired by a similar program at Cumnock, New South Wales.
Wycheproof has a proud sporting history. With its neighbouring township Narraport, Wycheproof has an Australian rules football team (Wycheproof-Narraport) competing in the North Central Football League. Many AFL stars are from Wycheproof including Corey Jones, Mervyn Keane, Greg Kennedy and Chris Pym.
Wycheproof has a horse racing club, the Mt Wycheproof & District Racing Club, whose one meeting a year is the Mount Wycheproof Cup meeting held on Victoria Derby day in late October or early November.
Golfers play at the course of the Wycheproof Golf Club on the Calder Highway.