Botanical Reserve Stawell West with a gentleman and boat. The first committee of management was gazette in 1863. In April 1870 the reserve was placed under the control of the Borough Council. The Botanical Reserve Stawell West is now called The Grampian Gate Caravan Park.Black and white photograph of a scene of trees lining a lake. A person is fishing on the bank with a small boat nearby.A glimpse of the lake, Stawell. W.J. Chapman photo. The post card is dated Sept. 8th 1915 to Dear Les and from Jane & Frank, Les's brother and sister.stawell

This would have been taken shortly before the station was demolished.Black and white photo of Surrey Hills railway station taken from the tracks near the gates in 1973. It shows the wooden pedestrian overpass and the original station buildings with extended shelters over the platforms.There is a newspaper kiosk on the southern platform. The train is coming into the platform and there is a small group of passengers waiting. Advertising hoarding for Spaceline Homes and the Frankston Caravan Park are mounted at the end of the southern platform. railways, land transport, surrey hills railway station

This photograph was taken in the 1960s at Lake Sambell Caravan Park, visible in the photograph are individual caravan sites with electricity outlets, a large single-story building, a parked car, and two caravans partially obstructed by trees. Lake Sambell Caravan Park opened in 1959 owing to the work of R.E. Carter, Beechworth Shire engineer from 1954-63. Carter advocated for improvements to the lake and surrounding area in order to encourage tourism in Beechworth. The opening of the caravan park was part of many improvements to Lake Sambell made in this period by Carter including: the swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased lake surface in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Facilities such as electrical outlets to power caravans are present in this photograph of Lake Sambell Caravan Park. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. This photograph is of historic and social significance in documenting the enhancement of the Lake Sambell area overseen by R.E. Carter and providing insight into caravanning during the 1960s in Australia. Caravanning was extremely popular in Australia during the late 1950s and 60s due to multiple social and economic factors including the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3538/ [logo back printing KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell, lake sambell 1960s, lake sambell fishing, lake sambell boating, lake sambell swimming pool, r.e. carter, l.h. sambell, tourist development authority, caravanning 1960s, caravan electricity outlets, caravan park, forward beechworth committee, rocky mountain mining company, lake caravan park, caravan mid 20th century, beechworth tourism, travel in the 1960s, holiday 1960s

non-fictionballarat, eureka stockade, eureka centenary, peter lalor, 1954

Julien Hardy was the first discoverer of gold at Happy Valley. A stonemason, he was born at Vire, Normandy, France. He established a stone quarry on the Melbourne Road, near Warrenheip (on the site now occupied by Shady Acres Caravan Park). From here, he quarried blocks that were used in the Ballarat Town Hall.Newsclippingjulien hardy, stonemason, gold, happy valley, shady acres, warrenheip, ballarat town hall

Wooden Brewery Building Stawell Brewery originally owned by Thomas Powell and later Bryant and Co. Located Stawell West near the Botanical Reserve. Closed about 1918. where there are scores of Hotels common sense says "Build a Brewery" and share the takings. Stawell Brewery was situated in part of the present Caravan Park. Almost opposite the entrance to the RacecourseTwo Story wooden Building with additions to left. A Man sitting on Barrels to the right.Stawell Breweerystawell, stawell brewery

Black and white photo of No. 31, inward bound from Victoria St. crossing the Buniyong railway overbridge. Meaghers Hotel in background and ad for Eureka Caravan park. No cars on the road. 'Smash Imperialism' graffiti on bridge beam. Tram fitted with lights, small number over headlight, and long Twin Lakes sign under headlight. Image on data base file, made from digital photo of photo 22/6/02.trams, tramways, ballarat, victoria st., tram 31

Township of Lakes Entrance from Jemmys PointColour tinted postcard of township showing bridge across North Arm; town buildings including Club Hotel, Methodist Church, Maranui Guest House; tower of Central Hotel; jetties in Cunninghame Arm, and sand dunes. Caravan parked beside concrete brick constructed toilet block opposite road to Bullock Island. Footbridge across Cunninghame Arm in distance, also lookout tower on Esplanade, and Life Saving tower over hummocks. Lakes Entrance VictoriaNorth Arm Bridge and Town, Lakes Entrancetownship, jetties, guesthouses, islands, hotels

Local Otways residents (Gadubanud Country) were interviewed by artist/researcher Amy Tsilemanis for the 2023 storytelling project Heart Maps, a collaboration with the Apollo Bay Museum and Historical Society. Themes include memories of communication technologies, entertainments, school, work, community, and life near the ocean. More information here: https://amytsilemanis.com.au/portfolio/heart-maps In this interview: teaching, Apollo Bay School, Waratah Caravan Park, 1960s, 1970s, OtwaysMP3 Audio file apollo bay, teaching, caravan park

Photo of SEC Ballarat Tram No. 11, west bound after leaving Victoria St. terminus crossing the Buninyong or Eureka Siding railway Bridge. Tram fitted with a "Twin Lakes" and SEC Briquettes roof advertisement and has destination of "Gardens via Sturt St. West". On the left side of the photograph is a roadside advertisement for the "Eureka Caravan Park". Note scanning error in the photograph. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses January 1966. Actual slide does not give the year, but slide fitted in with numbering sequence for 1966.On back of slide in blue ink in bottom right hand corner "P. Moses".tramways, trams, victoria st, railway bridge, tram 11

This photograph was taken near the Snowy River Bridge on the the old Princes Highway in Orbost, near the caravan park. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. Floods have been an integral part of Orbost's history for hundreds of years.A black / white photograph of debris, fallen power lines, a tree across the highway and floodwaters across the road.on front at bottom - handwritten in upper case print - " 1971 FLOOD PRINCES HIGHWAY NEAR SNOWY BRIDGE"floods-orbost-1971

Lake Bolac township, 1970. This picture shows the 2nd football oval, tennis courts, golf course and racecourse (front-right) above the salt lake and the Lake Bolac Common (front-left). The Primary School is still on its original site between the oval and the Ararat road. The High School is beside the fresh-water lake (centre back) and to its left are the early caravan park and bowling club. The Aquatic Club shed can just be seen behind the lake bank. Photograph taken by Lewis Wills.lake bolac, football oval, tennis courts, race track, golf course, bowling club, caravan park, aquatic club shed, primary school, high school

48 paged booklet - ''Bendigo in 74 - The Tourist Centre of Victoria'' - compiled as a community service by Bendigo Jaycees. Comprehensive information about Bendigo and attractions - Index: Accommodation; Additional information; An introduction to Bendigo; Aquarium; Art Gallery; Bendigo Trust; Caravan parks; Dai Gum San; Directory; Eaglehawk Museum; Entertainment; Emergency services; Joss House; Lake Eppalock; National Trust classified buildings; Natural history; Map of Bendigo; Map of city centre; Pottery; Picnic areas; sporting facilities; 'Talking Trams'; Thanks; Tours; Tourist attractions; Victoria Hill; What's on in Bendigo.Bendigo Jaycees. Espress Printers Bendigo.bendigo, tourism, guide 1974, bendigo jaycees, radio 3bo, city family hotel, don murray's hotel motel, cambrian hotel, charlies craft & lifestyle store, powneys authorised newsagent, the bendigo trust, white hills panel works, bendigo pottery, bendigo racecourse, homestead motor inn, peter wade, the persian room, sandhurst trading co. pty. ltd., bendigo air services, bendigo sec, geo. r. innes & sons, cohns, the copper pot, sandhurst travel service. golden hills motel, welcome stranger motel, brian boru hotel, john lindsay's pharmacy & photographic centre, alf morris motors

This photograph shows the islands in the Hopkins River in 1911. This section of the river is in the Allansford area, near Jubilee Park (Hopkins River Caravan Park). It was, and still is, a picnic and fishing spot. On one of the islands is an unmarked grave which may be that of Jemima Christine Allan, the first wife of one of the first European settlers in the Allansford area, William Allan. She died in 1842. The photograph was taken by Jordan Studios so the photographer may be either Joseph Jordan, one of the best-known Warrnambool photographers of the past, or his son Arthur, also a well-credentialled photographer.This photograph is considerable historical importance, showing a section of the Hopkins River in the Warrnambool region in 1911.This is a black and white photograph in a wooden frame with a patterned edging. The photograph is inset with a gilt metal edging and enclosed in glass. The backing is wooden with a wire cord for hanging. The photograph shows the river with islands covered in vegetation. On the river are two boats, one wuih four occupants standing up in the boat and the other with two occupants. In the ccntre of the photograph is a tree stump and a dead tree.The Islands Hopkins River Warrnambool 1911 Jordan Photohopkins river, jemima allan, jordan studios

This photo was taken in the 1960s from a northeast position looking down towards Lake Sambell, the caravan park, and the surrounding area. This photo was taken during a period of rejuvenation for the lake area including the opening of the caravan park in 1959 and the swimming pool area in 1961 (this pool is just visible in the centre of the photo). The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960’s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. Funding for the project was raised by both competition funds and donations. Since the construction in 1928 several engineering issues have arisen. In 1939 the water levels were low, and the lake was considered both an eyesore and ‘mudhole’, Beechworth Shire Council sort funding to raise the height of the lake six feet to improve the quality of water. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club tried to raise awareness and funds to address the structural engineering issues and improve swimming facilities at the lake. R.E. Carter, similar to L.H. Sambell, was a shire engineer who advocated the importance of positioning Beechworth as a tourist destination. Carter held the position from 1954-63 and organised many improvements to the Lake Sambell area including the caravan park in 1959, the lake swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased the lake surface are in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents Lake Sambell and the surrounding area in the 1960s after a phase of enhancements to improve the appearance and usability for both the people of Beechworth and tourists. It is also of social significance in providing an insight into the increase in leisure time and access to travel during a period of post-war prosperity.Black and white rectangle photograph printed on matte photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 1 / [logo KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798 / 3535lake sambell, lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell swimming pool, caravan park, caravanning 1960s, rocky mountain mining company, l.h. sambell, r.e. carter, beechworth swimming club, forward beechworth committee, minister of lands, tourist development authority, lake swimming, swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, beechworth 1960s, lake sambell fishing, lake sambell boating

The general public was fascinated by the nightly 'Penguin Parade' on Phillip Island. Many articles have been written about the birds and the Penguin Parade attraction since the 1930s. So many people spent their summer holidays on Phillip Island in one of the many guest houses, then caravan parks and holiday homes and a visit to the Penguin Parade by them and their visitors was very common during their holidays. Articles tended to be a mix of basic penguin behavior information and anthropomorphic descriptions. Accompanying photographs were almost invariably taken by flashlight (now illegal), or of penguins taken from their burrows during daylight hours for photo opportunities. The article provides evidence of the level of knowledge about Phillip Island's Little/Fairy Penguins at this time. (approx 1960?)Photocopy of 2 page magazine article. Black print. Images poor quality due old photocopy.little penguins, fairy penguins, eudyptula minor, phillip island penguin parade, dorothy vernon, penguin rookery, penguin behaviour, phillip island tourist attractions

The general public was fascinated by the nightly 'Penguin Parade' on Phillip Island. Many articles have been written about the birds and the Penguin Parade attraction since the 1930s. So many people spent their summer holidays on Phillip Island in one of the many guest houses, then caravan parks and holiday homes and a visit to the Penguin Parade by them and their visitors was very common during their holidays. Articles tended to be a mix of basic penguin behavior information and anthropomorphic descriptions. Accompanying photographs were almost invariably taken by flashlight (now illegal), or of penguins taken from their burrows during daylight hours for photo opportunities. This article, written in the 1950s, describes the management of the Penguin Parade at that time as being run by the Penguin Preservation Committee. This was before the Phillip Island Council took over running the Penguin Parade. The article provides evidence of the level of knowledge about Phillip Island's Little/Fairy Penguins at this time. (1957)single full-page magazine article, black ink on white paper. Photocopied from original, so photos appear as black and white.little penguins, fairy penguins, eudyptula minor, phillip island penguin parade, dorothy vernon, penguin rookery, penguin behaviour, phillip island tourist attractions

A series of three Black and white photographs of tram T class 182 at the Williamstown Road terminus of the Footscray tram system, c1960. Tram photograph in Somerville Road. All showing the return destination of Russell St. .1 - Shows the shops in the background. Trolley pole reversed and appears the driver is about to enter the cab of the tram. Has the run number F6. Has a Caltex, Ampol, Kix and Caravan park sign in the background. .2 - 182 at the terminus with trolley pole reversed and under the wheel locating guard. Has Run No. F5 in the rear cabin window. .3 - ditto, but before trolley pole reversed with passengers leaving the car and one lady waiting to board. Printed on Fujichrome paper. Not known who took the photograph or when it was printed. Two copies of .1 held.Stamped in black ink on back "TMSV Sales"trams, tramways, footscray, williamstown rd, somerville rd, tram 182, t class, mmtb

Taken around 1960s, this photograph shows the banks of Lake Sambell. Lake Sambell is named after Mr. L. H. Sambell who was instrumental in the lake's formation. Lake Sambell is the original site of the open sluice operation of Rocky Mountain Mining Company in the 1800s and the early 1900s. In the early 1920s, it was reconstructed as a recreational lake and was formally opened to public on 6 October 1928. The opening event was attended by townspeople and Beechworth's Minister of Lands Mr. Bailey. In the late 1930s to early 1940s, Lake Sambell redeveloped. The first development aimed to raise the banks by six feet to double its present area and to make the water cleaner. Another redevelopment in the 1940s was made possible by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. It involved raising the banks to five feet to provide swimming facilities, paddling pool and caravan park. This photograph holds Historic significance because of its connection to the development of Beechworth district.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: Reverse: 3533 /beechworth, water scheme, water reserve, catchments, beechworth water reserve, beechworth catchments, municipal council, lakes, reserve, water supply, political projects, environmental changes, mr. l. h. sambell, sambell, rocky mountain mining company, recreational lake, minister of lands, mr. bailey, swimming pool, paddling pool, caravan park, swimming facilities, lake redevelopment, funding

Yellow spring back Spirax No. 578 Sketch Book. Book contains Menu/Programmes, In Memoriam King George VI, thank you cards, business cards, Golden Square Methodist Church Centenary, Boort Lodge No. 183 Golden Jubilee Meeting, Mannequin Parade Program, serviette, business stationary, advertising for Fair-View Upholsterers, musical and concert tickets, members badges, Bendigo Masonic Meeting, chemist's label, marriage invitations, Greenvale Kennels stationary, Bendigo Rotary dinner menu and programme, Past Presidents of Rotary, Christmas Greeting cards, Business Cheques, 3BO Duty Pass, Templeton's Sports Store, Sea Lake ticket, Bendigo Agricultural Show Society 1953 Prize Tickets for First, Second, Third, Champion and Highly Commended. Printing in book by Ray Purtill. Mrs J. Braddy, Dixons Caravan Park, Marong written on the back.book, bendigo, bendigo organisations & businesses, book, scrapbook, mrs j braddy, ray purtill, bendigo organisations, bendigo businesses, see link

Yields information about the vicinity of the Victoria St terminus and the bridge over the Buninyong Railway line.Black and White photograph mounted on heavy cardboard backing. Photo of Ballarat No. 31, just after leaving Victoria St. terminus, late 1960's or early 1970s crossing over the Eureka siding railway bridge. Taken by John Phillips. Tram has destination of Gardens via Sturt St. West, Twin Lakes advertisement on the front. In the background is Meagher's Hotel with Abbots Lager and Victoria Bitter sign. On the bridge is graffiti "Smash US Imperialism". On the Ballarat side of the bridge is a sign directing travellers to the "Eureka Caravan Park". Has 6 Velcro dots on rear and marks where mounting devices have been removed on the rear. Note image scanned in two runs through a scanner, resulting in the shading in the image file. .1 - Second copy with 4 black Velcro squares and 4 dots on rear - wider view on the right hand side with an additional pole - not scanned.trams, tramways, victoria st, eureka, twin lakes, tram 31

This small cannon ball was found by the donor around 1975 to 1977 when he was digging a trench to install underground cables at the Warrnambool Surfside Caravan Park' Its location is just below both Cannon Hill and the 19th century Fortifications at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. The ball is made of iron. Cannon balls were used as ammunition for a cannon gun and fired at a target. This cannon ball is only 8 cm round, or 4.15 inches, and is likely to have been called a 4-pounder (4-pdr). The ball was made from molten iron was poured into the small opening of a two-piece mould. The seam between the moulds sometimes left a raised ring mark on the ball, as can be seen on this ball. The ridge would have been filed to make the join smooth, sometimes leaving a slightly flat area. Six 4-powder cannons were recovered from Endeavour Reef, Queensland, in 1969. They were from Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour, thrown overboard when the ship struck a reef there in 1770. They are likely to have been mounted on deck cannon carriages on the ship. Similar 4-pounder cannons were mounted on gun carriages and used as field guns. Cannons with cannon balls as ammunition were installed at Warrnambool for protection from possible invasion in the mid-to-late 19th century and early 20th century.Cannon ball, iron, black with a pitted shiny surface. It has three flat areas and evidence of a seam around the circumference. There are remnants of a possible inscription stamped into the iron. The cannon ball is a four-pounder ball. Imperial weight is 71 oz (201.3 gms or 4.44 pounds).Remnants of an indecipherable stamp and / or red text.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, cannon ball, ammunition, cannon, fortifications, military equipment, firearm, weapon, two-piece mould, seam line, four-pounder, 4-pounder, field gun, field ammunition, gun carriage, cast cannon ball

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black and white photograph of a path through the Botanical GardensIn the Gardens Port Fairygardens, botanical, path, griffith street, trees

Gardens in winter. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Bare trees In theBotanical Gardensgardens, botanical, griffith street, winter, autumn

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black and white Photograph of the path running along the river side of the gardens with trees overhanging the walkThe Rose Series P 1139 The Lovers Walk in the Gardens, Port Fairy, Vic.lovers walk - gardens, path, botanical, trees

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black and white Photograph of the main path through the botanical Gardens with the arbour to the left and mature trees and lawn on the rightEntrance to the Gardens Port Fairy Victoriagardens - entrance, path, arbour, trees, griffith street

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. hand tinted photograph of two men working in the Botanical Gardens at the fork in the pathThe Gardens, Port Fairygardens, botanical, gardener

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. PhotographThe Gardens, Port Fairygardens, botanical