Whittlesea is a town in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 40 km north-east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Whittlesea. At the 2006 Census, Whittlesea had a population of 4,563.

History

The Post Office opened on 1 September 1853 as Plenty and was renamed Whittlesea in 1864.

The railway to Whittlesea was opened on 23 December, 1889 as an extension to what is now the Epping line, and closed in December 1959.

Today

Although located only a few kilometers from the outer fringes of metropolitan Melbourne, Whittlesea lies outside the urban growth boundaries of the Melbourne 2030 metropolitan development plan. It is therefore expected to maintain its status as a separate town until 2030 and beyond. City of Whittlesea planning policy for Whittlesea township envisages minimal growth over the next decade, so that the township will retain its rural character.

The town has a local volunteer fire brigade (CFA) as well as limited hours Police station. On the 22nd of January Health Minister Daniel Andrews opened an ambulance station in Whittlesea, this station operates between the hours of 10am and 10pm daily. This a 2006 state election promised made by the Bracks Labor Government

An emergency relief centre has been established at Whittlesea for the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Local attractions include the Funfields Fun Park toboggan park, Torourrong Reservoir, Yan Yean Reservoir, Bear's Castle and the old Court House (Now a tourist information center).

Sport

Whittlesea Football Club, an Australian Rules football team, competes in the Northern Football League.

Whittlesea Fire Brigade

Whittlesea Fire Brigade is the local branch of the Country Fire Authority or CFA, and serves the township as well as surrounding communities. On the 16th of October 2008 the brigade will celebrate 60 years since the formation of the Whittlesea Urban Fire Brigade. Earlier this year the brigade celebrated winning the C aggregate and the Victorian State Urban Championships held on the long weekend in March.This was the brigades first win at state in the 60 year history of competing.