Werribee: Population, real estate, Open Range Zoo, farming, mansion and ghost
From haunted mansions to rich farmlands, affordable property prices and Victoria’s most famous zoo, there’s a lot to love about Werribee. Here’s a look at postcode 3030.
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Werribee is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs and a popular destination for first-home buyers and young families.
Positioned 30km southwest of Melbourne, the area has a population of 40,345 according to the latest Census data and its affordable property prices and new housing developments are big drawcards for new residents.
The area was originally called Wyndham after the Scottish soldier Sir Henry Wyndham, but in 1909 the suburb’s name was changed to Werribee after the famous river that snakes through the area.
The word “Werribee” is thought to come from a word used by the Land’s traditional owners, the Wathaurong people, and means “spine” or “backbone”
Werribee South farmers use the river today to irrigate crops that supply more than half of Australia’s broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and cabbage.
Farming has been a staple in the area since Thomas Chirnside settled in the area in the 1840s, later followed by his brother, Andrew.
Together, the Scottish brothers amassed a huge land holding of about 80000 acres, which they used for livestock and crops.
They built the now famous Italianate bluestone Werribee Park Mansion, completed in 1877, which is today used for events and festivals.
Both men were successful and astute businessmen and very popular with locals, but in 1887 Thomas committed suicide and some believe the mansion is haunted by his ghost.
Notable locations in Werribee include its beautiful mansion, the Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee River Park, Wyndham Harbour, the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands and the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration.
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