Patchewollock, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do

Located in an agricultural area of the Mallee district, 456 km north-west of Melbourne, 52 km north of Hopetoun (1 km west of the Hopetoun-Walpeup Rd) and 41 km south of Ouyen, Patchewollock is a relatively recent township having been settled as late as 1912. Over the years it has become an important rural producer and is now an important part of the fabric of the Mallee. The Spring Flower Show is held in October.

Things to see

Wall Mural
The Textile Wall Mural (5 x 4.5 m) in the Memorial Community Centre is a project of the Arts and Crafts Group. It depicts the environmental factors which have impacted on the lives of Patchewollock's women over the years. Special lighting recreates the tones of the passing day. There are electric barbecues adjacent the centre and a wood barbecue in Lions Park, located in the main street, opposite the hotel.

Historical Park
Also near the hotel, in the grounds of the old railway yards, an historical park is under construction. The railway station and goods shed, classified by the National Trust, have been restored as part of the project.

Wyperfeld National Park
The biggest attraction on the area is Wyperfeld National Park, one of Victoria's largest national parks. It contains a series of lakes which are linked by Outlet Creek, though they are usually dry, filling only when the Wimmera River floods, which is about once every few decades. It fills Lake Albacutya which overflows into Outlet Creek, once frequented by Aborigines.

European settlers moved into the area in 1847. The first reserve was established in 1909 as a result of lobbying by naturalists (the park was declared in 1921).

Wyperfeld is known for its fauna and flora. There are plenty of kangaroos, emus and birds in the park which consists of semi-arid landscapes of sand dunes and spinifex, mallee scrub, heathlands and native pine woodlands of river red gum and blackbox.

The northern section can be accessed by heading due west from Patchewollock for about 20 km (sealed for 9 km) along the Pine Plains Track. Just after you enter the park a signposted road on the right will take you to Casuarina Campground, a secluded and sheltered campsite with picnic-barbecue facilities, toilets, fireplaces and drinking water.

If you avoid this turnoff and continue along the main track it leads to Pine Plains, a section of freehold land taken up in 1847. There are opportunities aplenty for bushwalkers, 4WD exploration, an enormous sandhill called The Snowdrift, O'Sullivan Lookout and several accommodation possibilities. For those seeking comfort, private accommodation with hospitality is available by ringing (03) 5084 1216.

Those with a 4WD can make their way south to Wonga, the park's main campground (see entry onHopetoun for further details on the southern section of the park). The route is clearly signposted.

For further information ring (03) 5395 7221 or 131 963.

Wathe Reserve
Wathe Flora and Fauna Reserve is a breeding ground for the Mallee fowl which is indigenous to this semi-arid portion of Victoria. Its presence is signified by a mound up to five metres in diameter and one metre high.It lays its eggs inside the mound which is adjusted daily to maintain its temperature at 33 degrees celsius. The chicks emerge already self-sufficient. Wildflowers bloom all year round. The sandy tracks render this a 4WD-only zone. It is signposted off the Patchewollock to Hopetoun Rd. For further information on the reserve ring (03) 5083 3411.