Historical information

Ravenswood was intended to become a functioning town in the 19th century, with land subdivided into house lots, but this development never materialized. The area was originally part of the Alexander Number Two Run (later renamed Ravenswood Run), established in 1838 and covering 118,000 acres.

Major Thomas Mitchell explored the area in 1837, naming its prominent features. The first discovery of gold in the Bendigo creek is credited to the wife of Ravenswood's overseer, Mr. Kennedy, in the early 1850s.This discovery contributed to the development of Bendigo and the surrounding region.

The Ravenswood homestead was built in 1857 and is a significant Georgian-style building, more typical of Tasmania or eastern New South Wales.It features well-proportioned outbuildings, servants' quarters, and English-influenced gardens.The homestead currently sits on 400 acres of the original land, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of pastures, ancient gums, boulders, creeks, and gullies.

For the past 20 years, the Beilharz family has owned and restored the homestead, transforming it into a serene and well-maintained property.The family's efforts have preserved both the building and its unique atmosphere.Community and ArchitectureUnlike other large homesteads in Victoria's Western District, Ravenswood Homestead was built for style and comfort, not as a working hub; work buildings like shearing sheds were located far from the main house.

The homestead is physically and socially separated from the nearby township, lacking the close relationship often seen between English manor houses and their villages. Ravenswood Homestead stands as a historically significant site, notable for its architecture, landscape, and role in the early gold discoveries that shaped the Bendigo region.

Ravenswood Pub (Junction Hotel) is located near the Calder Highway, the pub is a well-known spot for travellers and the motorcycle community. Recently rebuilt and managed by Stewart and Debbie Crowther, who previously worked in sales management in Bendigo. The Crowthers transformed the pub into a welcoming, family-oriented venue by removing restrictive rules for children and adding a play area and secure garden.

Their approach was motivated by their own experience as parents and the needs of traveling families. The pub enjoys strong support from local residents, in addition to serving travellers. The nearest general store or milk bar is eight kilometers away, so the pub has tried to fill this gap by offering take-away food. The pub's freehold owner (an oil company) plans to build a petrol and convenience store next door, which would address the community's need for local services. There is no set timeline, but locals are optimistic about the positive impact.

Ravenswood has lost several key amenities over the years, including its service station, railway station, school, and church. However, there is renewed growth, with new homes being built and anticipation that new businesses will help revitalize the area.

Physical description

Small Towns With Big Hearts Ravenswood. Series of photos and information about Ravenswood. Pictures by Peter Hyett. Written by Wayne Gregson. This item contains the following documents newspaper articles and black and white photos:

8091.605a Part of Page 30, the Bendigo Advertiser Weds Nov 03 1993

8091.605b Part of Page 30, the Bendigo Advertiser Wednesday Nov 03 1993

8091.605c Black and White Photo Man seated on the verandah of The Ravenswood homestead - Contact BHS for Details

8091.605d Black and White Photo of a house with the granite hill country behind - Contact BHS for Details

8091.605e Black and White Photo of the Ravenswood Homestead - Contact BHS for Details

8091.605f Black and White Photo of the Calder Highway at Ravenswood - Contact BHS for Details

8091.605g Black and White Photo of the Calder Highway sign at Ravenswood - Contact BHS for Details

8091.605h Black and White Photo of a Woman and a Man at the Junction Hotel at Ravenswood - Contact BHS for Details