Kangaroo Flat
vic 3555

The Town

Originally named Yankee Boat Flat which changed after the pursuit and capture of a kangaroo by miners, Kangaroo Flat is located 5km south-west of Bendigo and neighbours Golden Square, Lockwood, Big Hill, Maiden Gully, and Mandurang. The town was originally more of a tent city due to the overwhelming influx of people during the gold rush, with the popularity of Kangaroo Fat decreasing when the gold boom declined. Slowly but surely though, Kangaroo Flat began to rise once again and is now a flourishing town with a number of sporting facilities, a variety of excellent schools, and relaxed local shops and eateries. Kangaroo Flat also has three sites on the Victorian Heritage Register, including the railway station complex c1862, the former common school c1870, and the Coliban water supply system which feeds into the Crusoe reservoir.

The Numbers

(data taken from 2021 Australian Census)

Population: 11,328

Median Age: 44

Married: 44%

Never Married: 34.8%

Couple family without children: 42.9%

Couple family with children: 33.6%

Family households: 62.2%

What To Do

Crusoe Reservoir and Number 7 Park (Crusoe Road) provides locals and visitors alike with a great spot for water activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. This historic area also features ‘The Puddler’ which has remnants of horse-driven rotary machine from goldrush days as well as a native picnic lawn area and plenty of carparking options. Rotary Gateway Park (22A High Street) offers a scenic lake which will be your perfect setting for BBQs or a picnic, as well as a wide range of flora and fauna. Kangaroo Flat Reserve and Botanical Gardens (11 Camp Street) is another stunning open parkland with shaded trees, sheltered BBQ areas, and toilet facilities. It might also worth be stopping at the Kangaroo Flat Soldiers Memorial (Cnr Calder Hwy and View Street) which commemorates local ANZACs who served in World War 1.

Where To Eat And Drink

No visit to Kangaroo Flat is complete without checking into the Kangaroo Flat Hotel (130 High Street). From karaoke nights to ’Tight A** Tuesdays’ where you can enjoy $12 parmas, fish & chips, and BLTs, this no-fuss venue keeps it simple and charming by offering great pub meals and plenty of beers. The Windermere Hotel (112 High Street) is another historic pub with a welcoming vibe and specialty nights, with Curry Nights every Friday a favourite amongst locals. From beautiful fresh tarts to chicken schnitty rolls, Garlands Café and Bakehouse (124 High Street) is your only option if you’re craving a sugary treat or a hearty lunch on the go. For your coffee fix, you may want to try Rocklea Café (239-249 High Street) which is part of the Bendigo Homemaker Centre.

Where To Stay Active

Kangaroo Flat Football Netball Club

1A Station Street

0419 325 937

Kangaroo Flat Bowls Club

1 Station Street

(03) 5447 7300

Anytime Fitness

Lansell Square, 267 High Street

(03) 5447 3526

Derrimut 24:7 Gym

239/249 High Street

(03) 5447 1405

Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre

9 Browning Street

(03) 4431 1000

Where To Learn

Kangaroo Flat Primary School

60-80 Olympic Parade

(03) 5447 5100

Crusoe College

57-75 Olympic Parade

(03) 5447 7722

Oneschool Global (Bendigo campus)

155 Olympic Parade

(03) 5447 0222