SKIPTON Skipton is the next town encounted when traveling the Ballarat to Hamilton route. Skipton enjoys the benefit of having most essential services. Skipton is situated in a valley environment that helps to give the town character. There is also plenty of evidence that Skipton is a community oriented town. Skipton is named after Skipton in England. And is known as "the home of the Platypus.” Skipton was first established in 1839 as a pastoral run and a town site was surveyed in 1852. The town was settled some years later and the Post Office opened on 6 March 1858. Fine wool is the main agricultural product of the Skipton area. A rail trail allows cyclists to ride between Skipton and Ballarat, but this facility was not observed. A number of Skipton residences and businesses were damaged in the floods on Sunday 5 September, 2010. Skipton Hotel cellars were flooded and water damaged some of the hotel carpets on the ground floor. A nice looking and beckoning pub this. Henry Bolte the longest serving Premier of Victoria grew up in Skipton. Again there was no visual display or accord was noted. The Presbyterian Church is a magnificent and century plus building. Be sure to check out the Gargoyles, all mostly intact. The Catholic and Anglican are both near century old churches. The Skipton Museum and Historical Society is located over the bridge when heading west. The Skipton War Memorial is a modern and worthy acknowledgment to those that served. Skipton is a nice spot and there is plenty to observe. Allow time when visiting to get the most out of the visit. Heritage diary