Riddells Creek

Riddells Creek /ˈrɪdəlz ˈkriːk/ is a town in Victoria, Australia, located in Wurundjeri Country and the Shire of Macedon Ranges. It is located in between the cities of Bendigo and Melbourne. Riddells Creek is also the name of the main watercourse which flows through the township, and which is a tributary of Jacksons Creek to the south. The town is served by Riddells Creek railway station on the Bendigo line. At the 2021 census, Riddells Creek had a population of 3574.

Riddells Creek Victoria
Riddells Creek seen from the air
Riddells Creek
Coordinates	37°28′S 144°41′E
Population	3,574 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	3431
Elevation	400 m (1,312 ft)
Location	29 km (18 mi) SE of Kyneton 10 km (6 mi) NE of Gisborne 57 km (35 mi) NW of Melbourne 98 km (61 mi) SE of Bendigo
LGA(s)	Shire of Macedon Ranges
State electorate(s)	Macedon
Federal division(s)	McEwen
Localities around Riddells Creek: Woodend Mount Macedon Macedon Hesket Cherokee Kerrie Lancefield Romsey Monegeetta Macedon New Gisborne Gisborne Riddells Creek Monegeetta Bolinda Gisborne Gisborne South Sunbury Bolinda Clarkefield

History

Riddells Creek falls in the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. Post colonial settlement, it was founded by John Carre Riddell and Thomas Ferrier Hamilton in 1841, when they purchased around 640 acres (260 ha) of land and leased another 2,000 acres (810 ha). The dirt road running parallel and opposite to the train station, Hamilton Street, was home to Mr John Carre Riddell whose house now demolished was also the oldest house in Riddells Creek to date. Hamilton Street and the Road between New Gisborne and Riddells Creek is named Hamilton Road after Thomas Hamilton.

Riddells Creek Post Office opened on 1 February 1859.

Environment and facilities

Riddells Creek is on the southern foothills of the Macedon Ranges. Riddells Creek is home to two historic railway bridges and is surrounded by natural bushland. There is also a small creek that runs through the town at Wybejong Park.

Riddells Creek Primary School provides education for children in the area. Sporting and clubs in Riddells Creek include Riddells Creek Tennis Club, a Pony Club, Riddells Junior Basketball Association, Riddell Football Club, Cricket Club and Dog Obedience Club. There is also a Living and Learning Centre, the Riddells Creek Winery and Riddells Creek Landcare.

Riddells Creek is home to the Dromkeen Museum, a nineteenth century homestead classified by the National Trust of Australia that is home to the Australian Children's Literature Collection. It also provides educational displays and programs relating to Australian children's literature.

To the east of Riddells Creek, adjacent to the Mount Charlie State Forest, the 74-hectare (180-acre) Rowallan Recreation and Adventure Camp is owned by the Scouts and Guides of Essendon Area. It is named after Lord Rowallan and opened in 1950.

Riddells Creek also has a Railway Station served by trains on the Bendigo Line. Sometimes trains run express not stopping at many stations including Riddells Creek.

Airfield

Riddell Airfield
IATA: none ICAO: YRID
Summary
Airport type	Private
Owner/Operator	Riddell Airfield Pty Ltd
Serves	Riddells Creek
Location	Riddells Creek
Elevation AMSL	1,150 ft / 351 m
Coordinates	35°28′48″S 144°43′6″E
Map
YRID Location in Victoria
Runways
Direction Length Surface m ft 02/20 880 2,887 Asphalt 06/24 400 1,312 Grass 15/33 440 1,444 Grass
Sources: Australian AIP

Riddell Airfield (ICAO: YRID) is a small private airfield located 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Riddells Creek.

Gallery

• 
  Station street
• 
  Historic Railway Bridge
• 
  The Mechanics Institute

External links

Media related to Riddells Creek, Victoria at Wikimedia Commons