WINCHELSEA
Winchelsea is close enough to both
Geelong and Ballarat to be a commute satellite. It isn’t. Winchelsea
is an old town that has its roots in the gold rush era, and was a half
way point for many a traveler.
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 The Post Office opened as Barwon on
1 July 1848 and was renamed Winchelsea in 1854. The railway though the
town was opened in 1876, as part of the line to the south west of the
state.
The town is located on the Barwon
River. The Barwon Bridge was an old and famous landmark.
The Barwon Hotel, that also doubles as
a museum is a great pub that has its history on display. Time your
visit so as to enjoy refreshment at this historic hotel.     
The Winchelsea Hotel is on the east
bank.
All of the denominational churches
practice in century old and more heritage structures.    
The Winchelsea War Memorial is mainly
acknowledged within the ‘old’ shire building. Now a café.    
Be sure to check out
the Barwon Hotel. All types of beverages are on offer.
Heritage diary
 |