Magpie Property Market
& Suburb Profile

The locality’s name is a straightforward tribute to the abundant local birdlife that has occupied the area since before European settlement.

The character of Magpie was forged in the mid-1850s with the discovery of gold at Frenchman’s Lead. This triggered a sudden influx of thousands of prospectors and the establishment of a bustling, albeit temporary, township. During this era, the landscape was a hive of industrial activity, dominated by quartz mills and famous diggings such as White Horse, Cobblers, and Long Gully. Much of the original township site is now submerged or repurposed, but the legacy of the era remains in the scattered mine relics and the historic red-brick Magpie Primary School. Originally established in 1857, the school remains the primary social and architectural anchor of the community today.

Following the decline of the gold fields, Magpie transitioned into a secluded agricultural and pastoral district, a state it maintained for much of the 20th century. In recent decades, it has evolved into a popular residential retreat for those seeking a "bush-living" atmosphere within close reach of urban Ballarat. The modern landscape is characterised by homes built into the hilly terrain, often surrounded by mature eucalypts and native bushland that provide a high degree of privacy and a strong connection to the local environment.

Life in Magpie is private and community-oriented, with residents sharing the area with a diverse range of wildlife. The locality lacks a commercial centre, instead relying on the nearby services of Sebastopol and Ballarat Central, which reinforces its identity as a peaceful sanctuary. Its proximity to the Yarrowee River and various bush tracks makes it a favored spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the rugged, natural beauty of the White Horse Range.