Patchewollock

Established in 1914, Patchewollock originated from two aboriginal words “putje” meaning plenty and “wallah” meaning porcupine grass. Nearby “Pine Plains” is now part of Wyperfield National Park but its history dates back some 140 years to the early occupation of the Mallee by pastoralists and the development of Pine Plains Station by the O’Sullivan family. Pine Plains is the favoured breeding ground for Mallee Fowl, Major Mitchell Cockatoos and Wedge tailed Eagles and you can see kangaroos, emus and other native fauna on the vast ancient flood plains that dominate this area. The Wirrengren Plain is the last link in a chain of dry creeks and lakes that in times of severe flooding, receive the runoff from the Wimmera River system after is has filled Lake Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya – very rare but spectacular events. Also of particular interest are the spectacular rolling sand hills with the unusually high “Snowdrift” and “Mt Jenkins” being popular picnic spots offering views of the surrounding countryside.