HERITAGE

The legacy of the goldrush can be discovered throughout the Macedon Ranges – but the heritage story is much richer than that.

Central Victoria was home to a great gold rush which was instrumental in developing the Macedon Ranges region as we now know it.

The flow of human traffic that came from the docks in Melbourne to the goldfields of Castlemaine, Bendigo and Heathcote had an enormous impact on the society, architecture and natural landscape of the Macedon Ranges.

Many of the towns in the area sprung up as resting, lodging and provision areas for the thousands of diggers, traders and merchants who headed north to find their fortune.

Every village in the Macedon Ranges possesses a unique character forged during this time and the prosperous pastoral era that followed.

For the history buff, the main streets of the Macedon Ranges townships hold unique gems of history and heritage.

The physical heritage of the Macedon Ranges provides signposts to the wider story of Australia.

The Kyneton District Mounted Rifle Corps was formed in 1860 as a voluntary cordon. This unit was granted the title “Prince of Wales” in 1862 and merged with two other units to become the famous Light Horse Brigade that charged Bersheeba in World
War 1.

Famous explorers Burke and Wills passed through the region on their ill-fated way to the Gulf of Carpenteria. The Burke and Wills track outside of Lancefield traces their path.

A significant meeting held in the Kyneton Mechanics Institute in 1893 instigated the Corowa Conference that eventually led to the Federation of Australia.

J.R. Duigan flew the first Australian-made aeroplane at Mia Mia, north of Romsey.

Other famous names to have graced the area include the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, legendary Australian cricket captain Warwick Armstrong, and media matriarch Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

The Kyneton Museum on Piper Street, Kyneton provides a fascinating introduction to the rich history and heritage of the Macedon Ranges.

Malmsbury Historical Society Inc. Malmsbury Historical Society offers resources for local and family history research relating to Malmsbury, Drummond and environs. Our records room is open 9am - 2 pm most Tuesdays and at other times by prior appointment. Research enquiries can be handled on site at the Mechanics Institute or by mail.

Township: Malmsbury

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Kyneton Museum Take a step back in time and visit the Kyneton Museum in historic Piper Street, Kyneton. The collection reflects the life and times of Kyneton and district from around the 1850s to the 1930s and is housed in a fine bluestone building that was the former Bank of New South Wales built in 1856. MAP Accreditation.

Township: Kyneton

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