Victorian Central Highlands: A History

The region of Central Highlands in Victoria, Australia is located about 100 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. It is renowned for its spectacular scenery, lush forests, and wildlife. The region has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. Here is a brief overview of the local history of Central Highlands.

Indigenous History

The traditional owners of the Central Highlands region are the Dja Dja Wurrung people, who have lived in the area for over 40,000 years. They have a rich cultural history and a strong connection to the land. The Dja Dja Wurrung people were skilled hunters, and they used a range of tools and weapons, including spears and boomerangs.

European Settlement

The first Europeans to explore the Central Highlands region were pastoralists and gold prospectors in the 1800s. They found rich deposits of gold in the area, and this led to a gold rush in the 1850s. Towns and settlements were established, and the population of the region grew rapidly. The gold rush attracted people from all over the world, including Europe and America. Many of them stayed in the area and established businesses and farms.

The Logging Era

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Central Highlands region became a centre for logging and the timber industry. The dense forests of the area provided a ready supply of wood, which was used to build homes, furniture and ships. The timber industry was a major employer in the region for many years, and it helped to fuel the growth of the local economy.

Conservation and Recreation

In the mid-1900s, the Central Highlands region began to change. Many of the forests in the area had been overexploited, and there was growing concern about the impact of logging on the environment. In response, the Victorian Government established several national parks and protected areas in the region. These parks are now popular destinations for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Today

The Central Highlands region is now a thriving and diverse community. It is home to many small towns and villages, which offer a range of services and facilities. The region is still an important centre for forestry, but it is also home to many other industries, including tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The area is also renowned for its wildlife, and it is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Leadbeater's possum and the mountain pygmy possum.

History of in Victorian Central Highlands

The history of the Central Highlands region is a story of growth, change, and adaptation. From its early days as a hunting ground for the Dja Dja Wurrung people, to its role as a centre for gold mining and logging, the region has always been a place of opportunity and challenge. Today, the region is a vibrant and dynamic community, and it continues to be a special place for locals and visitors alike.