The Legends …uncover the legends and ghosts of the past.

Close your eyes and discover…the myths and truths behind our legends. It’s the people who inhabited this unique place long ago who have made Yackandandah what it is today – a rare and precious town, veiled in the mystery of the past.

Our story begins with the Jiatmathang people, the indigenous clan who occupied the land for over 3,500 years.

The early European settlers arrived in 1837, and camped very likely at the Yackandandah Creek before taking up land nearby. James Osborne and family were the first of the settlers and was followed by George Kinchington and his wife, who travelled overland from Sydney, across the Murray River.

Today, Osbornes Flat, along the ‘Tourist Drive 6’ road stands in memory of James Osborne.

Yackandandah is home to many legends. The explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell passed nearby to Yackandandah in 1824, on their way to Port Phillip.

Sir Isaac Isaacs was the first Australian-born Governor General, and who lived in Yackandandah for a time. Isaacs was the son of a tailor and went to the Yackandandah School, where he was the first pupil to be registered in 1864.

Dr Mueller, was a significant pioneer of the local wine industry, which began in 1860. He was he one of the first to plant vines using innovative techniques, which won regional and international awards. Dr Mueller lived and worked in the district for about 40 years until his death. He is just as notable amongst the Yackandandah community for his claim to have found a cure for snake bites.

The resourcefulness of the Yackandandah community spans back many generations. This thriving town was the proud producer of its own newspaper, selling at four pence a copy. Henry Dunstan, printer and publisher made sure he covered local events for stories, even provided printing services and produced annual Christmas cards for the community.