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Beech Forest Walking and Driving Tour brochure (printable PDF version)

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The Pioneer of Beech Forest

John William Gardner, was tantalised by the allure of fertile farming land in dense ferny soil south of Colac. Born in Smythesdale near Ballarat in 1861, John Gardner was working the Tasmanian gold diggings in 1885 when his father Caleb wrote of the opportunity to select land at Beech Forest. He quickly travelled back to Victoria and commenced clearing land, beginning a connection with the district that would last for the rest of his life. The family’s origins were in Oxfordshire, yet in 1852 Caleb Gardner arrived in Melbourne aboard the Castle Tulloch and immediately headed to the Ballarat goldfields. In fact, the entire crew of the migrant ship abandoned their posts in search of gold and it was four months before the shipping company could re-man the ship and set sail on the return journey. By 1884, Caleb was granted land at Barramunga and he soon welcomed his son’s arrival in the Otways. Gardner pitched his tent and set up camp on a spot he called Ditchley Park and was...

Cliff Young - an Otways legend

Born Albert Ernest Clifford Young in 1922, a resident and potato farmer of Beech Forest, 'Cliffy' as he is fondly known, was famous for winning the Westfield Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon foot race in 1983 at the age of 61. Young was known for wearing his gumboots while in training at his potato farm and when rounding up sheep and cattle. His running style, which expends less energy became known as the The Cliff Young Shuffle and was later adopted by marathon runners who would go on to win subsequent Sydney to Melbourne marathons. His win captured the hearts of many around the nation, impressed by his resilience and strength in enduring the physical aspects of the race but also by his humble and gentle manner. Young recalls the end of the race in his book, Cliffy's Book "Those last 17 kilometres just seemed so far. ... "Just a few more yards," I said to myself through all the noise of fire engine sirens, fireworks, and the cheer...

Katabanut Yarkeen - Coastal Forest Dreaming

While researching the history of the First Nation people in this area for our soon to be launched Beech Forest Historic Walking and Driving Tour, it became apparent that we had to go beyond the anecdotal chat about how it is too cold and wet in this part of the Otways for indigenous people, there is no history here, that history belongs to the coast, the shorelines, after all we know about the middens there. An afternoon spent with Richard Collopy traditional owner and custodian of Gadubanud Country, revealed so much more and was incredibly informative and a privilege as he shared his and his ancestors stories and knowledge of the history of this region. The significance of the place names was particularly enlightening about where Gadubunud and Gulidjan language and customs can be viewed in place names across the Otways; From Colac sands and murnong lands in the early days we struggled too Elliminite the name of the one born on the gentle slopes in the setting sun Every plac...

Lock 'em up!

The lock-up at John W Gardner Reserve in Beech Forest is a fine example of a single cell lock-up found in many Australia country towns. They were typically used as a temporary holding place and defined as "Any building or structure that was used to confine or restrain temporarily those accused of committing a criminal act or apprehended for drunken disorderly or riotous behaviour." Beech Forest lock up - exterior and interior Beech Forest is likely to have had its fair share of disorderly behaviour, however the lock-up was rarely used and only twice for more serious criminal offences with two murders recorded. There have been three different locations for the lock-up. The first was behind the first police station on Gardner Hill. This area was where the first selection was issued to John W Gardner who went on to establish many services and shops to support the growing population. The station w...

Preserving our collection

When you are entrusted with historic artefacts by generous donors, you have a responsibility to ensure that the very best of care is taken with preserving the items so they can be shared for many years to come. The Otway Districts Historical Society is based in the township of Beech Forest, "on the ridge" as it is known. This biodiverse area is a temperate rainforest region and along with its natural beauty & high rainfall, the environment presents some challenges. There are many aspects of preservation of historic artefacts including handling, display and storage. When thinking about how to best preserve our collection from the elements, at the forefront of our minds was the humidity & potential mould and mildew that can be very damaging to the collection and to the health of our volunteers and visitors. Best practice for controlling the space is having the temperature set at 20 degrees celsius and the humidity levels of 45-55%. The temperature we w...

1902 - The Beech Forest Railway

It's 1902 and the construction of the railway from Colac to Beech Forest was the single most important event for a place that was a struggling and isolated area. The settlers had to endure near impossible gradients, slippery mud, and bog holes to commute until the construction of the railway. Plans were underway in 1884, however it was 15 years later that moves to commence construction were in place, much to the dismay of selectors who purchased their selection believing it would be sooner. Considered an engineering masterpiece here are the facts: Officially opened on 3 March 1902 Service for both passengers and general goods Provided daily access from Colac, terminating in Beech Forest 1911 line was extended west 22 km Wyelangta and Lavers Hill, terminating at Crowes The gauge was 2 feet 6inch (762 mm) The line full of curves and steep gradients Provided connections at Kawarren, Gellibrand and Banool 1930 all weather road opened along the Ridge Railway closure in 1962 The l...

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This work by Otway Districts Historical Society is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.