Casterton, Victoria

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Casterton is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on the Glenelg Highway, 42 kilometres east of the South Australian border, in the Glenelg Shire. It has a population of 1670.[1] The Glenelg River passes through the town. Casterton derives its name for the Roman word meaning 'walled city', due to the lush green hills which surround the town.

A picturesque rural town located between Hamilton and Mount Gambier (S.A.), Casterton nestles in pretty valleys among undulating farmland. At the heart of Australia Felix - the rich, fertile western grazing districts reported by explorer Thomas Mitchell in 1836.

Notably, the Henty family, pioneering pastoralists and merchants, established the first large sheep stations here.

The town is now a livestock-marketing centre. As a legacy of its heyday, Casterton has excellent educational facilities, health (including an IVF program [2]) and for servicing agriculture in the region.

Casterton relies on the loyal support of the pastoral community. It is in the heart of sheep and beef country.

[edit] History

The town site was surveyed in 1840, and the first hotel, The Glenelg, was built in 1846. It is known as the birthplace of the Australian Kelpie dog breed with a statue of a kelpie dog outside the Town Hall.

The Australian Kelpie breed immortalised in bronze on Town Hall forecourt, Henty Street Casterton.

[edit] Books

Big River Glenelg, by local author, photographer, and resident, Peter Leake. In a series of beautiful photographs, Mr. Leake has captured the still mighty Glenelg River in all its different moods, as it flows from the Grampians to its estuary in Bass Strait. Copies are in libraries and from rare or pioneer book shops and secondhand, through online sources like Amazon books. (1978) First Edition. ISBN 0725602031

[edit] Tradition

Casterton hosts a vintage car rally and polocrosse championships in March, horseracing in May, the Kelpie Working Dog Auction in July, a woodturning exhibition in August, and street-car drag racing in November. In December the town is home to a Christmas lights festival, which attracts visitors from all over the area.

[edit] Recent Times

In recent years Casterton has become, in a sense a retirement town. With many facilities for the elderly it attracts many retiring couples. The town has a huge sense of community spirit with many activities enjoyed throughout the year.

[edit] External links

• Easy version of Thomas Livingston Mitchell's Exploration, including Casterton
• Short History of Casterton, Victoria
• ABS Census

Coordinates: 37°35′S 141°24′E