Warracknabeal Travel Guide

Warracknabeal is a prosperous country town in the heart of Victoria's wheat-belt. In fact it is the largest receival centre in Victoria with an enormous storage area at the northern end of town which was originally part of a power alcohol distillery that operated in World War II. Recent diversification has led to the cultivation of peas, canola, lupins and beans and the establishment of emu, ostrich and deer farms. Warracknabeal is situated on the Henty Highway, by the gum-lined banks of Yarriambiack Creek. It is 113 m above sea-level and 331 km north-west of Melbourne via Stawell which is 98 km to the south. The current population is about 2500. The town's name derives from an Aboriginal expression relating to the large redgums by the watercourse. The area was occupied by the Wotjobaluk Aborigines prior to white settlement. Squatters Robert and Andrew Scott established a grazing run on both sides of the Yarriambiack Creek in 1845. A shanty and a store were established on the banks of the creek in the late 1860s and the Commercial Hotel was opened in 1870 (it is still standing). The annual agricultural show is held in October, the Warracknabeal Cup in July and a Vintage Machinery and Vehicle Rally on the Easter weekend. There is also a Christmas Carnival and the town's Rodeo is held in October.