Historical information

Born in 1817 to Murdo Macdonald and Flora Morrision at Bracadale near Sleat on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Alexander Macdonald sailed on the Earl Durham to Sydney where he arrived on 2 January 1839. He was 21 years of age. After only a few months in the new country he set out overland for Melbourne where he joined his brother on a sheep run. He also became involved with his brother in conducting the Travellers’ Rest a stopping place for travellers at the Mordialloc Creek.
Alexander married Isabella Munroe at Scots Church, Melbourne on 17 February 1841. After their marriage they started the sheep run named Stringy Bark, on the Yarra, near where Kew is today. Together, they had ten children.
On the morning of 20 December 1881, Alexander’s hat was found floating in Mordialloc Creek. He had last been seen crossing the bridge the previous evening at ten o’clock.
A few days later the body was later found only yards from the Bridge Hotel. A magisterial enquiry conducted by Thomas Attenborough concluded Alexander Macdonald’s death was an accidental drowning.

Physical description

Sepia toned image of Alexander Vause Macdonald (1817-1881).