Kinglake is a town in Victoria, Australia, north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the Shires of Murrindindi and Nillumbik local government areas. Kinglake recorded a population of 1,662 at the 2021 census. The town was one of the worst affected during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Location Kinglake, comprising forest, farmland, a national park and a township, is located north east of Melbourne, in the Kinglake Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range. The Kinglake Ranges vary in height from above sea level. Many areas of Kinglake overlook the Melbourne skyline to the south west and the Yarra Valley wineries to the south, with views of Port Phillip Bay south of Melbourne possible on clear days. Kinglake is generally colder than Metropolitan Melbourne, with the summers being very pleasant and heavy frosts and occasional snowfalls during winter. History Gold was discovered in 1861 on Mount Slide to the east of the locality at an area which became known as Mountain Rush. A Mountain Rush Post Office opened on 7 May 1862, but closed in January 1863 as the miners moved to other locations. Kinglake township was established much later and was named after British historian Alexander William Kinglake, whose eight-volume history of the Crimean War had recently been completed. Kinglake Post Office opened on 14 May 1883. There was also an office at Kinglake East open from 1914 until 1950. Population In the 2016 Census, there were 1,536 people in Kinglake. 82.9% of people were born in Australia and 89.9% of people spoke only English at home. The most common responses for religion were "No Religion" 48.5% and Catholic 15.0%. Education Education options that are available to Kinglake residents include the state secondary schools Whittlesea Secondary College and Yea High School. Private secondary schools are also available via numerous bus services that service the township. Primary schools include Kinglake Primary, Middle Kinglake and Kinglake West Primary. Sporting teams The local Australian Rules football / netball club, known as 'The Lakers', plays in Division 2 of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League. There is also a representative Basketball team that plays in the VJBL (Victorian Junior Basketball Leagues), under the Kinglake Basketball Club's guidance. These teams are also known as 'The Lakers'. Community groups The Kinglake Ranges have a large number of Community Groups: Kinglake Ranges Foundation Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges Kinglake Ranges Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood