KOOWEERUP Kooweerup is now a by-pass town for the Melbourne to southern Victoria traveller. That said Kooweerup is nearly a suburb of Pakenham or even Cranbourne. The beaut thing about Kooweerup is the town has maintained country status. It is from aboriginal language that the town's name is derived. Ku-wirup is believed to mean "plenty of blackfish" or "blackfish swimming". Koo Wee Rup is a town 63 km south-east from Melbourne. Prior to December 1994 the town was part of Cranbourne. Built on former marshland now converted to market gardens, the town has a population of about 2,900. The post office opened on 7 January 1891 so there is plenty of evidence of heritage. In the early 1950s many Dutch and Italian families settled in the area, so now Koo Wee Rup is Australia's largest asparagus growing district. It is also a beef farming and potato growing area. The town was previously well-known for its potato festival, which was held each March to raise funds for the Westernport Memorial Hospital (now Kooweerup Regional Health Service). The beaut thing about Kooweerup is the town has maintained country status and so there is evidence of both heritage and community wellbeing. The Clock tower gives a great insight to the past. So too the museum. The Kooweerup  (Royal) Hotel is a century plus old great pub. The congregational churches are all represented. The Anglican is the standout from a heritage factor. The Presbyterian is also old. The others modern. The Kooweerup War Memorial is on the western fringe of the cbd. Appropriately there is also a kids play ground. There is enough reason to visit, so take the diversion from your respective M or C4. Heritage diary