“Running creek” or “plenty water” is said to be the meaning of Woori Yallock. The name may come from Aboriginal words. The name refers to the Woori Yallock Creek or the Yarra River flats.
Woori Yallock is a town in Victoria. It sits 56 kilometers east of Melbourne. We are in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The 2021 census recorded a population of 2964.
The Woori Yallock Post Office first opened in 1886. Back then it was named Woori Yalloak. The spelling changed to the current version around 1911.
Woori Yallock sits at the intersection of Warburton Highway and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road. The Woori Yallock Creek is two kilometres away. It rises in the Yarra Ranges near Emerald. It flows into the Yarra River. This happens a few kilometres north of Woori Yallock.
In the early 1860s, the Wooriallock pastoral station covered 12950 hectares. It was situated on the creek. Farmers settled here in the 1870s. A primary school opened in 1874.
A hotel was built near Woori Yallock Creek. In 2014, that Woori Yallock Hotel sadly burnt down. It once served as a Cobb and Co coach stop. The coaches ran between Lilydale and Warburton. A shopping area and a Presbyterian church are nearby. You’ll also find a kindergarten here.
The railway arrived in 1901. It brought tourists to Woori Yallock. The railway also boosted timber milling. Narrow gauge trams carried logs from the hills.
The Woori Yallock football team formed in 1906. It joined the Upper Yarra League. A recreation reserve opened south of the township. It included an oval.
Woori Yallock remained a small rural town until the 1970s. Then residential subdivisions caused the population to more than double.
Today the town centre offers many businesses. You can find trade and beauty services here. Op-shops, homewares and cafes are also available. Yarra Valley FM 99.1 Community Radio Station broadcasts from here.
The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail passes near Woori Yallock. It follows the old railway line. Cyclists, walkers and horse riders enjoy the trail.
The Woori Mural Project is at the former railway station. It is next to Symes Road. A steam engine sculpture marks the spot. Photographic panels show the town’s history.
Woori Community House offers services to locals. It provides affordable courses and social groups. Venue hire, computers and internet access are available.
The WHYLD Community Group connects valley communities. WHYLD represents Woori Yallock. It also includes Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley.