History and heritage – Grampians

Discover the rich history of the Grampians, from the ancient, rugged landscape and Aboriginal rock art through to European exploration and gold mining.

Ancient evidence
Archaeologists have dated charcoal from ancient campsites and estimate that indigenous Australians have lived in the Grampians region for over 10,000 years. Join a guided tour and see dramatic rock art that bears testament to their presence throughout the area.

Settlements of change
The arrival of Major Thomas Mitchell and later Edward Eyre in the 1830s signalled a period of change and the beginning of European settlement in the region. Encouraged by positive reports of the district, settlers such as Lieutenant Robert Briggs and C.B. Hall – whose name was given to Halls Gap – arrived to establish pastoral runs and wheat farming.

Grampians gold rush
Gold was found around Stawell and St Arnaud in the 1850s, an event that heralded the start of a 1900s gold rush, with the Mount William Goldmine at Mafeking operating until 1912. Visit St Arnaud to see an authentic gold rush town and the well-preserved civic buildings and heritage gardens.

The birth of fine wine
The Grampians region is also known for its historic wineries and is regarded as the birthplace of Australia's sparkling wine industry.

Here are a few historic sites of interest: