Rupanyup

Taking its name from the local Aboriginal for 'a tree at a campsite near a swamp', Rupanyup is a small attractive town 285km north-west of Melbourne.

The town was started in 1870 by British and German land selectors who had a long running-battle with Murtoa settlers over who had stronger claims to leadership over the Dunmunkle Shire. In fact, at one stage the Rupanyum burghers accused their Murtoa counterparts of stealing their town hall.

The feud finally ended when Dunmunkle was absorbed into the Yarriambiack Shire and Warracknambeal was declared the administrative centre.

Rupanyup's pride is the restored Cromie Road streetscape which includes garden boxes, shade trees, pergolas, a walkway and a replica of the town's first store, opened by William Cust in 1872.

Whistlestoppers can stretch their legs in a Lions Club Park at the northern end of the township. The park features gardens, lawns, picnic and barbecue facilities.