Alexandra Historic Structures
There are a number of historic structures remaining in Alexandra including:
1860c DOVE COTTAGE
Although it is not thought to be the original structure, Dove cottage is still based strongly upon the old style of miners huts in the district during the 1800s and early 1900s. It is of very simple construction made for easy building and maintenance, while adequately meeting the miners simple needs of that time.
Location: West end of Leckie Park along the UT Creek
1868 COMMERCIAL HOTEL
Established in 1868, the Commercial Hotel was trading during the depression years of the late 1800s. Today it is one of the central Hotels and a preferred drinking hole for many locals and visitors. The local Darmody family was linked to the property from 1928 through to 1985.
Location: 65 Grant Street
1878 POST OFFICE
The Post Office holds the title of being the first Public Building constructed in Alexandra. It was built by James Kyler. The adjoining Courthouse was built by builder Thomas Carison who also built the Alexandra Shire Hall. Both structures are now Heritage listed. The Post Office continues to be used for its original purpose whilst the Courthouse now houses an Adult Education Centre (CEACA).
Location: Cnr Downey Street and Webster Street
1881 SHIRE HALL
The Shire Hall was built by Thomas Carison for just over 2,200 pounds. It was the meeting place for the first Shire Councillors and the office for the Shire Secretary and Engineer. It functioned as a hall and central gathering place for the district. The building narrowly avoided demolition in 1976 by the shire after a strong public backlash.
Location: Perkins Street opposite Jack Shiel Garden
1883 LIBRARY
The Alexandra Library was constructed in 1883 as a Mechanics Institute, with extensions being added in 1892. Today the Library continues to be used as a public library. A further extension in 1983 saw the floor space double allowing for greater benefits for the community, including computers, couches and study tables.
Location: Cnr Grant Street and Perkins Street
1889 ANZ BANK
Originally named the Union Bank of Australia, It was the first financial institution in Alexandra and housed gold bought from the local gold miners. The two story building is made from hand made local bricks and has a detailed facia. The building is now classified by the National Trust.
Location: 93 Grant Street
1892 BUTTER FACTORY
As the gold mining industry drew to an end, the local dairy industry strengthened and becoming a large local employer of men. Farming families relied heavily upon the income it created during hard times. It finally closed in 1974 due to strong competition from other markets.
Location: East end of Downey Street at the bottom of the hill
1900s POLICE RESIDENCE
The old police residence was constructed for local police officers. Built from local bricks, the building, stables and lockup were constructed in timber. The current police station at the front of the residence was built on the same land where the original 1867 station stood
Location: Bon Street, behind the Police station
1903 ALEXANDRA HOTEL
The Alexandra Hotel was the first local building to offer a reading room as an early library. It also was the meeting place for the early roads board. The building is a two storey structure made from local bricks and still operates as a hotel to this day.
Location: Cnr Grant Street and Downey Street
1907 NATIONAL BANK
The first stone was laid by Miss C.M. Payne in February 13th 1907. Now a gift shop, the building is built on the same land as "Brigg's Beehive Stores", which were established in 1867
Location: 67 Grant Street
1908 RAILWAY STATION
Now the 'Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum', it represents two rail systems (the timber tramway and main line) that were central to our development. The Museum operates timber steam engines, offering tourists rides.
Location: Station Street
OVAL GRAND STAND
The old Grandstand at the Alexandra Oval has long since gone, though there are those that still remember its and would enjoy climbing the steps behind the south goal posts. Built in 1905, it survived
until the late 1900s when it was demolished due to its poor state.
Location: Alexandra Football Oval
LUCKY MINE LOOKOUT
Lucky Mine Lookout overlooks Alexandra, which what was once a bed of mining activity. Mining has long ceased, though there are mullock heaps on the hillsides around Lucky Mine Lookout.
Location: Webster Street (south end)
SABELBERGS STAMPERS
The Sabelberg Stamper consisted of 15 stampers operating along the northern side of the UT creek - where the bowling green now stands. At one point the stampers operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stampers were used to crush rock to find gold. There is no evidence of the stamper left.
Location: Leckie Park Bowling Club
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
Alexandra is named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the Queen Consort of England during 1901 to 1910. She married Crown Prince Edward at the St George Chapel, Windsor Castle in 1863. She sits proudly in the Jack Shiel Garden.
Location: Jack Shiel Garden, Perkins Street
THE RED GATE
The Red Gate is a reminder of Alexandra's first name 'Redgate Diggings'. It was named this after the gold diggings that were based along our the area of the gate. Alexandra was founded on a gold rush
in 1866. During the first ten years of the rush, over 32,000 oz of gold was mined. Prior to that, Alexandra was just a red painted gate on a fence -line, through which the track to the Big River and Upper Goulburn gold fields passed through. The new Red Gate built in 2010 stands as a reminder of days past.
Location: Back of the Library on Perkins Street
Location
36 Grant Street, Alexandra 3714 Map
Web Links
→ Alexandra Historic Structures Brochure (PDF)
