Rupanyup (pronounced with a stress on the second syllable) is a small and attractive country town of some 400 people on the Stawell-Warracknabeal Road. It is located 46 km north-east of Horsham and 285 km north-west of Melbourne.
The town's name comes from the Aboriginal word 'rubunyup' supposedly meaning 'a tree at a campsite by a swamp'. The settlement was established by British and German selectors in 1870.
The town experienced a long-running feud with Murtoa over which centre was to be the headquarters of Dunmunkle shire. In fact it has been alleged that Murtoans once stole the entire town hall from Rupanyup. However, time has stripped the honour from both as they now fall within Yarriambiac Shire, based in Warracknabeal.
Things to see
Cromie Street
After a major renovation of the streetscape in the 1980s, the wide main thoroughfare is the town's major attraction. There is a fine garden area in the median strip with pergolas, shady trees and a walkway.
Also in Cromie St is a replica of the town's first store, opened by William Cust in 1872. It is generally used for community purposes.
At the northern approach to town, a lagoon and garden area with picnic and barbecue facilities is being established by the Lions Club.
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