BIRCHIP
Birchip is a small crossroads town in
the north central region of Victoria. The town has big wide roads, and
has most essential services. If traveling from Melbourne to Mildura,
Birchip is just short of the two-thirds mark.
A pastoral run was established in the region named
Wirmburchep and when surveyed a parish was gazetted as
Wirmbirchip. Birchip is the home of the big Mallee Red Bull.
Closer settlement began in the area by then known
as Wirrimbirchip around 1882 and a Post Office under that name opened
on 2 July 1883 (Birchip from 1 January 1890).The town was surveyed as
Birchip in 1887 though known by the inhabitants by the original name
for quite some years later.
The farms in the area typically grow grains, and
other cereals. Some people have pig sheds, though most livestock in
the district are sheep. There is a hospital which shares a lodge for
elderly care and there is an aerodrome for light aircraft.
The Catholic Church is a new and imposing building.
Likewise
the Anglican
and United Churches are modern offers.
Sad that all of the traditional offers have not survived.
The Birchip Museum is on the southern edge of the town.
The Memorial Gardens are central cbd.
The Birchip Hotels are a mix of old, classic and traditonal types of
pubs.  
Birchip would be considered a drive through town,
but there are some aspects about the place that says a few hours stay
are required to get the best about this nice country town. 
Heritage diary 
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