Bannockburn, Victoria

The township, originally named Leigh Road, was founded in the early 1850s. It is presumed to have been named after the 14th century battle site in Scotland, and grew as a coaching stop during the 1850s and 1860s, when the main route to the Ballarat goldfields was via the port of Geelong. The railway came to the town with the opening of the Geelong-Ballarat line in 1862.[2] The local railway station was originally called Leigh Road but the name was changed to Bannockburn in 1904.[3] Today, only grain and freight trains use the line. l The township grew around the station and a post office, called Leigh Road Railway Station, opened on 18 May 1863. It was renamed Leigh Road in 1873, Wabdallah in 1875, and finally Bannockburn in 1892.[4]

Bannockburn township contains notable examples of Victorian colonial architecture, such as the former Somerset Hotel (1854), now a private home, and the Bannockburn Railway Station (1863). The former Bannockburn Lock Up in Victor Street (1860) was relocated from Lethbridge to its present site in 1869. In the 1940s, the lock up's adjoining police station residence became a farmhouse at a Hills Road property in Batesford. Both the railway station and former lock up are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.[5][6][7][8]

At the 2016 census, the population of Bannockburn was 5,283. Ten years prior, the population was 2486 residents. It is forecast to grow to 9,911 by 2036[9] With a growth rate of 1.3% per annum, Golden Plains Shire is the top ten fastest growing regional Local Government Area (LGA) in Victoria by percentage.[10]

The nearby Bannockburn Vineyards is a 25-hectare vineyard on the Midland Highway, established in 1974 by Stuart Hooper. Grapes grown include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, malbec, merlot, pinot noir, riesling, sauvignon blanc and shiraz.[11]

The Golden Plains Farmers Market occurs at Bannockburn on the first Saturday of every month. The market sells produce made by local business, wineries, jam makers, plants, baked produce, and meats and vegetables included. The market also feature local musicians such as 'The Johnson trio'.[12]

The town has a public college as well as a private primary school. The college teaches grades Prep to Year 10 (as of 2020).

9th of march 2020 the Bannockburn Gas station was robbed by a gang of 3 teenagers. They were able to steal 13 gold pieces, 2 packets of chewing tobacco and 4 energy drinks. This has been Bannockburns biggest Heist in almost 30 years. Bannockburn is also home to a branch of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, which replaced the once to twice a week visit by the Geelong Regional Mobile Library Service.[13]

The central area is populated by a number of small businesses serving the majority of the locals needs including: Home hardware, Woolworths supermarket, Petrol stations, Bendigo Bank, Doctor's surgeries, Pathology, Dentist, Hairdressers, Take Away shops, Pizza shops, Gym, Mechanics, Newsagent, The Railway Hotel, Pub, Chemist and Optometrist. The following emergency services are also located in the town: Police, CFA, SES and Ambulance.

An extensive concrete bike trail is available for those that wish to use it located throughout the town. Near its starting point is a Lions Club founded park, with play equipment. There is also a skate park located near the football ground.

Local landmarks include a bridge, some old and distinctive Gum trees, and a local wind power generator. Bannockburn is unofficially divided by the railway line, with locals using it as a landmark to guide others to certain locations.

The Bannockburn Lagoon is used for fishing, and picnic activities. It is not recommended for swimming.

Council offices, and a Family Services Centre, are located on Pope Street.[14][15]

• Bannockburn Railway Station