Camperdown

Camperdown is a town located in Victoria, Australia, situated in the Western District region. It lies approximately 195 kilometers west of Melbourne and serves as a regional center for agriculture and commerce. The town is known for its pastoral history and is surrounded by rich farming land, primarily used for sheep and cattle grazing, as well as dairy farming.

The Camperdown area was first explored by Europeans in the 1830s, with pastoral runs being established shortly after. The town itself grew around the Camperdown Post Office, which opened in 1854. Its development was further spurred by the arrival of the railway in 1873, connecting it to Geelong and the port at Warrnambool. The town's name is believed to be derived from Camperdown in Dundee, Scotland, or possibly from the naval Battle of Camperdown.

Key landmarks in Camperdown include the Camperdown Botanic Gardens, a well-preserved Victorian-era garden, and the Camperdown Commons, a public park. The town also features a number of historic buildings, reflecting its colonial past. The local economy remains largely dependent on agriculture, with a range of services supporting the surrounding farming communities. Camperdown is part of the Corangamite Shire.