Where roots run deep.

“Know from where you came. If you know where you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

- James Baldwin, American novelist, essayist, playwright, poet and social critic.

Gippsland’s waterways, forestry and agriculture have been fundamental to the development of the region since Borun, the pelican, carried his canoe to Tarra Warackel (Port Albert) and realised that Tuk, the musk duck, had traveled with him – together they became the parents of the five Gunaikurnai clans.

Our colonial history features the exploration for bountiful grazing pastures, a vigourous timber industry, the establishment of the Port Albert wharf (which was busier than Melbourne for a period), the discovery of gold at Walhalla, formation of steamer and fishing fleets, progressing to the creation of the power industry and subsequently offshore oil and gas extraction, and now as a growing tourist destination.

The accompanying photographs are presented with gratitude to the Warragul & District Historical Society Inc., Mallacoota & District Historical Society Inc., Inverloch Historical Society, Graham Goulding and the fine members of the Gippsland Association of Affiliated Historical Societies, Erik Eklund and The Centre for Gippsland Studies at Federation University and Museums Victoria.

We hope to strike a sense of pride as you take a glimpse at how far Gippsland has evolved in the previous 200 years, demonstrate that many of the natural assets that have made the area so desirable in the past are still immensely important, and that these realisations are a foundation for a vibrant region into the future.

Stumped, Touzel's Corner, Mirboo North, 1910–1919.

(Centre of Gippsland Studies, Federation University)

W.S. Balding's store, Mirboo North, 1890–1899.

(Centre of Gippsland Studies, Federation University)

National Bank of Australasia, Yallourn, 1924–1930.

(Centre of Gippsland Studies, Federation University)

Looking north at Queen Street intersection, Warragul, 1938.

(Warragul Historical Society)

Clock Tower, Warragul, 1950.

(Warragul Historical Society)

Main Street, Trafalgar, 1910.

(Centre of Gippsland Studies, Federation University)