Postcode(s) 3971 Federal Division(s) Gippsland State electorate(s) Gippsland South | LGA(s) Shire of Wellington Population 2,168 (2011 census) | |
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Weather 15°C, Wind SW at 26 km/h, 71% Humidity Location 221 km (137 mi) E of Melbourne; 59 km (37 mi) S of Traralgon; 72 km (45 mi) SW of Sale | ||
Yarram (formerly Yarram Yarram) is in Victoria, Australia, in the Shire of Wellington, located in the southeast of Gippsland. At the 2011 census, the population of the town was 2,168. The town is the regional centre for a prosperous farming district, has a vibrant community, which remains particularly dedicated to a strong sporting culture. The town also has a strong tourism industry and Tarra Bulga National Park, Historic Port Albert Ninety Mile Beach and Beautiful Agnes Falls are all within a 30 minute drive from Yarram. The town is located about one and half hours from Wilsons Promontory. Nearby towns include Welshpool, Alberton and Foster.
Contents
Map of Yarram VIC 3971, Australia
Etymology
The term 'Yarraam Yarraam' is thought to be an Aboriginal phrase meaning 'plenty of water,' however it is not known which language group the name is taken from.
History
The traditional custodians of the land surrounding Yarram are the Australian Aboriginal Kurnai people, who resisted the invasion of their lands, and sustained heavy casualties as a result.
Being close to one of the first Victorian trade ports, Port Albert, the town grew quickly after settlement, as a result of the rich dairy country that supplies milk products to Australia, and to the timber industry. In 1841 the site, originally a low-lying swamp, was chosen by a Scottish clan leader, Aeneas Ronaldson MacDonnell, who, with his fellow Scots, attempted to set up a feudal-style court. However, the experiment folded and he subsequently moved to New Zealand.
The post office opened on 1 February 1861 as Yarram Yarram and was renamed Yarram in about 1925. The railway arrived in 1921; the line between Welshpool and Leongatha was closed in October 1987.
Today
Yarram is known for its proximity to Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, neighbouring Tarra-Bulga National Park and heritage architecture in its Main Street, including the historic Regent Theatre. It has a well known local bakery, which has won the Great Australian Meat Pie competition for several years running.
The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the North Gippsland Football League. Yarram is the home of several former AFL footballers, including Royce Vardy and Anthony Banik (Richmond Tigers) and Andrew Dunkley (Sydney Swans).Current AFL players from the town include Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs), Nathan Vardy (West Coast Eagles) and Jed Lamb (Carlton).
Golfers play at the course of the Yarram Golf Club on Old Sale Road.
Yarram hosts an annual eisteddfod every August showcasing the area's artistic talents in music, speech and drama.