| Charlton |
Location: | 260km north-west of Melbourne on the Calder Highway |
Council: | Shire of Charlton |
Population: | 1182 |
Postcode: | 3525 |
This little town straddles the Avoca River, at the intersection of the Calder and Borung highways. It has always been an agricultural centre with the first run being taken up by William Kaye in 1848. In 1863 an inn was built on the east bank of the river and in 1867 James Paterson built the first bridge across the river. This was not replaced until 1925 when a steel-and-concrete overpass was constructed.
In the 1870s land was opened up for selection with new settlers to the area successfully growing wheat which was milled in the town's two flour mills. One of the mills was replaced by a new one built adjacent to the railway station in 1926. This mill ceased production in 1972 but can be seen today. The silos were purchased by the Grain Elevators Board and are now a bulk wheat handling depot.
John Curtin, Australia's Labor Prime Minister between 1941-5, was educated at Charlton State School from 1894 to 1898.
Charlton Golden Grain Museum in the former Mechanics Institute has six rooms of fascinating exhibits highlighting local history. Entry is on request at the adjacent shire offices. Golfers will be interested in Charlton's unique Golf Course which has a clover leaf design, with three arms of six holes each. Fourteen kilometres west of Charlton is Wooroonook Lakes picnic area.