Heritage & History Attractions

Today, the township of Yackandandah stands as testimony to those early gold mining days. Our story however, begins long before the discovery of gold in April 1852, and the ensuing gold fever that followed. It is thought that this valley was used seasonally by Aboriginal tribes in the area for food and hunting needs.

The name Yackandandah is said to have come from two Aboriginal words meaning ‘rock’ and ‘water-hole’. Long ago, two rocks sat one on top of another in what is now known as the Yackandandah Creek. Today, granite boulders can still be seen along the creek. There is however, a second meaning of Yackandandah; ‘country of hills’; a name equally as befitting.

A town built on real gold

This idyllic setting was soon to be disturbed with the discovery of gold at Whisky Flat, Kirby’s Flat, Osborne’s Flat and Doctor’s Flat. Within an instant the town’s population swelled to 3000 as gold fever took its hold.

Thousands of hopeful diggers set up their tents in rows along the flats and the banks of Yackandandah and Commissioner’s Creeks, and some very lucrative finds were made.

The town of Yackandandah continued to prosper and grow long after the early gold rush days. It even had its own railway station and railway line, which was opened on 23rd July, 1891, and was in use until it closed in 1955.

Historic town walk

There are thirty seven National Trust buildings for you to explore in our High Street. Ten of which are listed on the National Estate Register; Athenaeum, Courthouse, ANZ Bank, Bank of Australia, Uniting Church, Holy Trinity Church, Bank/Saddlery, Dean’s Grocery Store and the Stone Bridge.

Commence your walk at the Athenaeum, once the cultural and social centre of the town, built in 1878. On the same side of the road as the Athenaeum, is the stone Bank of Victoria Museum building, 1860, home to a collection of fascinating documents, photographs, and local information.

Of further historical significance is the Yackandandah Post Office, built in 1863. This building was originally a timber structure with a slate roof. This would once have been the hub of the secluded community, bringing and sending news to and from neighbouring towns and highways.

Stagecoaches once stopped in the town, made possible by the Stone Bridge over Commissioner’s Creek, built in 1860. Samuel Cunningham’s store and carriage showroom built in 1850, still stands in the main street. Look out for the Yackandandah Motor Garage sign.

Yackandandah Historic Cemetery

Today, our Chinese heritage is recognised by the twenty six, unmarked graves that exist in the Chinese section of the historic town cemetery, overlooking the valley below.

The cemetery was established in 1859, and also contains the graves of gold miners and other early settlers. From the stately wooden gates you can follow the delightful paths and enjoy the cemetery’s quiet ambience. Three of the trees were planted in c. 1870 and are on the National Trust Significant Tree Register.