VICRail & telegraph
Healesville
Goldfield traffic created the stop; rail made it a resort.
1864Town surveyed · Woods Point road settlement
WHAT STARTED IT
Healesville was surveyed on a new road to the Woods Point goldfield. Lodging houses, a blacksmith and sawmill served travellers moving through the Yarra Valley, with town lots sold in 1865.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
As gold traffic declined, farming, fruit and hops supported the district. Rail arrival in 1889 made Healesville accessible to Melbourne holidaymakers and encouraged guesthouses. The sanctuary founded in 1920 created another lasting visitor attraction.
TURNING POINTS
1864Townsite surveyed.
1889Railway brings visitors from Melbourne.
1920Wildlife sanctuary founded.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A Yarra Valley tourism and service town associated with wineries, forest scenery and Healesville Sanctuary.