Poowong History Trail
The Poowong History Trail, which explores the history of 12 different locations (and growing) around Poowong, is provided by the Poowong Historical Group.
Explore Poowong's history with the interactive map or information below.
Hazeldeane House
On 26 February, 1876 , the Burchett family pegged out and took up 319 acres at Poowong, later known as the Hazeldeane (sic) Selection.
The actual Hazeldeane house site is about 100 metres to the northwest of here. The family moved into the house in November 1877, some 9 months after building commenced.
The house site
The house site was chosen on comparatively flat ground sloping into a hollow, where spring water provided plenty for household use - until years later when the land-clearing stopped the waterflow.
The Burchetts later had to build an underground well.
The family patriarch, Caleb, described the site as "a forest as dark as the night", with giant Blue gums from 200 to 400 feet. On the chosen house site, the giant trees were 40 to the acre. He initially removed 60 trees to build the house, and later an additional 40 trees for safety.
Other plant growth in the area included blackwood, hazel, musk and "blanketwood", many generally growing to 50 feet high in the region, but only half that height on his Block. Caleb cleared 30 acres of this "scrub" during 1876. Then, in accordance with the practice of the day, the cleared residue rubbish would be burnt several months later - in his case in mid-January 1877, in the middle of the summer heat - on a hot day with the right wind to create a dangerous but effective inferno.
Building commences
Caleb started building his home in February 1877, one year after the block purchase.
Caleb, his father and a hired carter Mr Daniel Beckett set out with a dray, two draught horses and a load of tools, iron sheeting, furniture and provisions on a three day journey from Melbourne.
The last carry, about a mile from the Scott's (nearby friends) selection, was by hand and included some of the first corrugated iron sheets. Some of the 8 foot sheets weighed 60 pounds (27 kilos). Solid stuff!
Blackwood logs were cut, trimmed and used for the house, and laid perpendicularly. They ranged from 9 to 10 half feet, and averaged 8" (20cm) in diameter.
After a few days they had two rooms 11 ft by 13 ft, then added rafters and battens, with iron and shingles. Then, internally, split lathes of blackwood, and a daub made simply of earth and water became the walls. The roof went on a few weeks later, and a verandah protected the walls. Without lime, clay or hair, the walls were still present 35 years later when Caleb recounted his story.
Home for a growing family
By now, the situation was stable enough for the family to make their home in Poowong. Amy, her sister Fanny and three of the then five children then made the big move to Poowong over several trips from November 1877. Accompanied by their beloved harmonium (a portable keyboard organ, sometimes called a melodeon), two dairy cows and a pig, their journeys were made more enjoyable by frequent tea stops and overnight camping under canvas. A good start to their new life as a family in a raw new place!
Yes, and it was comforting when they arrived to find 30 acres of luxurious English grasses 6 to 8 inches high - plus a huge pot of home-grown vegetables prepared by Caleb's father, followed by trays of scones.
Expanding empire
This family house was no crude shack, but was in fact a masterpiece of construction, built by the highly skilled father/son partnership.
As accomplished stonemasons, and over time, they moulded 60,000 bricks from clay on their property, burnt them in a kiln and used some of these for the homestead chimneys. Caleb later made money by using the remainder to build chimneys around the district. Caleb's father, after each days labour, would then cheerfully start planting flowers and vegetables, which grew prolifically in the good soil and the lack of pests in those early years! Later, Caleb would plant fruit trees and oak trees, some of which still survive on the Oaks Estate as a much loved part of the Poowong heritage.
Food and Comfort
In "The Hazeldean Garden" (1923) by Fred M Straw, a descendent on Amy's side, described Caleb's father James' vision of the future Hazeldean garden on part of what was initially called Seven Acres:
"It would not be with gravelled walks, trim hedges and closed shaved lawns! Rather, it eventually included a cleared patch around the house block with an assortment of White Moss roses, fuchsias, white lilies, English daisies and a profusion of English flowers, plus, of course, sage, thyme, mint and other herbs for the kitchen. The outer garden was an orchard of fruit trees such as pear, apple, plum, peach, quince, hazelnut, oranges, lemons, "rice palms" (probably sago-types) and mulberry. "Sentinel pines" (possibly introduced Cypress or Norfolk pines) near the entrance and a particular sturdy oak with acorns sent out from faraway Kent were especially mentioned."
Straw describes a great variety of plants grown - and in many cases overgrown - in different parts of the homestead vicinity, and apologised for the places that he didn't mention!
Inspiration and Renovation
In 1907 at the ripe old age of 64 years, Caleb, already well steeped in the traditions and history of England was offered a trip to visit England. Encouraged by Amy and probably because there was money for just one fare, Caleb visited the "old country" by himself.
On return, inspired by the picturesque attic houses of England, Caleb decided to rebuild the old rambling Hazeldeane homestead, recycling as much material as possible, of course. A more compact two storey attic house using part of the original structure was the comfortable result. Steep gables and a little balcony from one of the bedrooms plus a better kitchen with a good two-pot fire stove, seemed to be Amy's eventual reward.
Poowong Community BBQ Area
Location: 25 Drouin Road, Poowong
Around 1984, the local publican, Herman Deenan, had an idea for his patrons to contribute to a pool of money that could be used for a community project.
The patrons decided amongst themselves that the project would be a community BBQ in the area between the Hall and Football Clubrooms.
Finlay Luke organised the agreement from the Shire and Hall committee, got the gear together and got stuck into it. After he laid the Concrete slab, Geoff Ferrier laid the bricks. Daryl Morris constructed a low protection fence; Sam Hatch was also involved.
Finlay acquired and installed the BBQ unit, and within no time the job was done.
A roof was added later which was then extended. It was noticed that visitors using the BBQ found it difficult to contend with the elements, so in 2020, a shelter wall was installed that also provided a location to display the logos of Poowong's various Community Organisations.
A great little community project that is the centrepiece of the Poowong Information area.
Poowong Public Hall
Location: Cnr Nyora Road and Drouin Road, Poowong
The Poowong Hall, the third for the town, was built on this site in 1937. The previous two Halls were located at the Western end of the Main Street.
The room on the right housed the Town Library from 1937 to 1981.
As the hub of the town, the hall has relied on a very active committee of management.
In 1978 the foyer was renovated to include toilet facilities. Potatoes were grown and harvested for raising funds by the committee until 1987 when they donated the equipment to the Poowong Football Club.
Debutante Balls were regularly held with the last Debutante Ball organised by the committee held in 1987 and in October of that year a ball was held and a booklet documenting the hall's history was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of its opening.
Other improvements made to the hall include ducted heating in 1989 , new kitchen facilities in 1991 ,an honour board dedicated to those who served in Vietnam was unveiled in 1996 and a verandah for the front of the building in 2000.
In February, 1977, a public meeting was held to decide whether to sell or display a Buckmaster painting donated by him to the people of Poowong in 1959. Titled "Goulburn River, Thornton", it was decided to display the painting in the foyer of the hall from where it was stolen in December, 1994. Although valued at around $12,000 it was uninsurable due to its location.
A diamond jubilee 60th anniversary ball was held in October, 1997 and another event in 2022 for the 75th Anniversary.
Although the call for dances is dwindling, the hall still provides a venue for many functions and events. One of the more notable events was the annual "Mad Hatter's Ball" organised by the "South Gippsland Canoe Club". These nights really put Poowong on the map and, for over 10 years since 1981, hundreds of patrons from as far away as Melbourne and Yarram would converge to watch a variety of well-known bands and partake of "refreshments". Hordes of interested spectators would gather outside and many of the patrons and visitors would camp out overnight anywhere they could.
Poowong Hotel
Location: 1 Ranceby Rd, Poowong
The history of the Poowong Hotel is filled with countless stories, and if its walls could speak, they would undoubtedly share tales of past events, dances, horses being ridden through the bar and the home it once was to a tiger. These stories are a testament to the hotel's enduring presence and the people who have been part of its journey.
Naming of the Town
The town sits either side of the border of the Parish of Jeetho and the Parish of Poowong. It is said that a public meeting was convened to decide on an official name for the township. Poowong was chosen because the Hotel was already named the Poowong Hotel.
Early History
The Poowong Hotel story starts in 1876. James Scott possessed the land at the junction between McDonald's Track and Ogilvy's Lane, in Poowong West. Here he constructed a general store, butcher's shop and a hotel. It was Scott and his large family of boys who promoted the area and raised much of the livestock market that remains prominent in the region today. Two years later, on the 18th of December 1878, when Scott put his businesses up for auction, the pub was moved to its current location.
Records conflict as to whether Scott remained the publican. Some suggest that Scott operated the hotel until 1883 when the hotel burnt down in a fire. During this time, it is believed, Scott's Hotel, (as it was fondly known as) soon earned a good reputation. Giving relief to pioneers in need of rest and refreshment, its location was praised for one of great convenience. From Scott's, pioneers could travel slowly east, south or north, deep into what is today known as Gippsland.
Records state that C. Leach was the first proprietor of the then well-known hostelry in the Poowong Township until the 9th of October 1883, in which he paid a grand sum of 80 pound for the land (approximately 2400 AUD today). Mr Leach bought the land from Caleb Burchett (a staunch Methodist), who upon reflection, said that if he'd known the purpose of the land, he would have never sold it.
The license was then transferred to man by the name of Geo Willis who had a wife and family of girls all school age in 1888 on the 9th of October. He remained publican for only two weeks before the license changed hands once again to Gersham Thomas on the 22nd of October 1888. However, Thomas would not stay in the position long with the title moving on once more to a R. Hamilton on the 18th of July 1889. Leach would sell the freehold onward to George Shaw on the 5th of February 1891 and Hamilton would depart. It is during this period sometime that it is believed Thomas built a billiard room ad private parlor for the hotel.
While dates and records don't appear coherent due to destroyed records and several fires, it is known that after Willis the hotel was run by an ex-constable named Corbett with a strong relationship with his daughter Susan. It is also known that sometime in 1891 the publican at the time, John Neylon, received a 5 pound fine after leaving the bar door open after hours.
Records also show that a gentleman known as Felix Larkin was the publican for 8 years until the property was purchased by the Sweetman's. Described by as a quiet and well-respected man, Larkin stayed on for a few years after the purchase before resetting his wife and daughters in Korumburra where he would later buy the Austral Hotel.
Next Century
Mrs. Sweetman came from a wealthy background, owning large stocks in the Walhalla Long Tunnel Gold Mine. Thus, after the old establishment had fallen into disrepair, she began to rebuild the hotel and also work on construction of a number of stables, shops and offices besides the hotel; "begs to inform the numerous patrons of the above well-known hostelry that having entered into possession thereof she intends to carry on everything heretofore, merit and obtain a continuance of the support so liberally extended to her predecessor." (Mrs. E.L. Sweetman 1898). With the reopening of the hotel on the 6th of June 1906, the town celebrated with a large banquet.
Mrs. Sweetman owned the hotel until her passing on the 15th of November 1923. Her Husband then, Richard Stanley Sweetman became proprietor until the 27th of July 1938 when Adela Mary Dwyer purchased the freehold.
Following Dwyer, the Fitzpatrick family would take on the hotel in 1939 and run the pub for the following 40 years. The Fitzpatrick's had a strong connection with the Richmond Football Club who often visited Poowong for practice matches during the Fitzpatrick reign. It was during this time that a tiger's head would even be gifted to the hotel by the club. Today staff and customer's joke that Adelaide Fitzpatrick continues to haunt the hotel, often making her presence known.
After the Fitzpatrick's came Hermann Deneen and his wife Robyn who took on the hotel in 1984. Until 1988 there would also be a bevy of publicans to grace the hotel including Rex and Sandra Pearce, Graham (Black) and Sandra Salmon, Phil and Margaret Clarke, Peter Roach, Glenys and John Allison, Keith and Bev Arnold, Les and Glenys Robertson and John Haw.
In 1988, Colin and Helen Lindsay purchased the hotel and became its freehold owners for many years. Throughout their ownership, they hosted numerous publicans and experienced a significant fire incident in 1997. The hotel had not long been refurbished and would not open again until mid 1998.
2000's
In 2006, Ben Hall and Fiona Cox took on the leasehold. They became custodians of an incredible history of resilience and stoicism for a small town in South Gippsland, that has an amazing history of people that saw potential in an inhospitable region. After 16 years of looking after the Poowong Hotel, they decided to purchase her as their own.
The hotel has also become a popular destination for car clubs, attracting enthusiasts from throughout the region and state. With a variety of car clubs from Studebakers', MG Cars, Porsche, Peugeot, Holden, Ford, just to name a few, weekends have often found the town filled with an abundance of bright colours from motor history. Fostering a sense of belonging and catering for diverse interests, we have also welcomed countless motorbike groups and even Massey Ferguson Tractor groups.
Poowong Plough
Location: 13 Ranceby Rd, Poowong
The Silver Plough
In front of us is a plough. A very special silver plough, called a single "Mouldboard" plough. Note the sharp pointed end designed to penetrate, cut and aerate the soil. The blade then rises to a central ridge, creating a one-sided sloping shoulder or Mouldboard. This shapes or moulds (or mulls!) the sod, turning it over so that the upper sod/ vegetation is buried and able to rot - both suppressing weeds and adding organic matter to the soil before sowing crop seeds. The aim of good ploughing is to create a weedfree seedbed, which in return reduces the need of chemicals. Mull over that for a while.
This Poowong plough was typical of that used by the early pioneer settlers, and was obviously steered by hand behind a horse or oxen. Hard work for both beast and human, but crucial in satisfying our ever increasing need to feed.
Ploughs have been around for thousands of years and helped fuel the Agrarian revolution. It's believed that the first Mouldboard types of plough were used in China about 3,000 years ago, and were introduced into the Netherlands (Holland) in the Seventeenth Century.
Modern plough versions, all towed by tractors of course, manage many more than the single furrow of the Poowong plough in front of you . The most common ploughs types are the Disc, Mouldboard, Reversible Mouldboard and Harrow ploughs. Plus the famous "Stumpjump" plough, designed in South Australia.
The Skill of the Till
In recent years, farmers have turned ploughing into a sport. On 13th April 1965 a group of ten men, who had previously been involved in ploughing contests met at Bayles town hall to form the West Gippsland Ploughing Association. National contests rotate between Vic, NSW & Tasmania.
Poowong has become a major centre for the sport in Australia. Locals such as Ron Richards, Brett and Scott Loughridge and Adrian Tilling have regularly attended World Championship events in Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada and England, in the categories of Conventional, Reversible and Vintage Ploughing.
It's a precision sport. The skill of the till. It's all about a steady hand, a good eye, patience, concentration, and years of training. In the sporting arena, ploughing a 20x100 metre stretch of paddock can take 3 hours!! It's definitely not an adrenalin rush - it's not about the spills and thrills. Competitors are judged on many aspects including weed control and uniformity. The furrows must be dead straight and neat - "get that furrow right".
The Power of the Plough - how ploughing evolved around Poowong
Today we look around at these marvellous rolling green hills of Poowong, with cattle slowly grazing along contoured tracks. But for millions of years, this region was called the Great Forest of South Gippsland, with its immensely tall blue gum, many around the 90 metre mark, and - in the higher country - even taller mountain ash. It was genuine temperate rainforest, creating its own higher rainfall, and with canopy layers down through smaller trees and dense scrub to the dark, dank forest floor.
Early squatters had grabbed huge tracts of the easier land to the west. Then, with the huge rise in immigration, then the aftermath of the gold rush, many unsuccessful newcomers were forced into country such as this. Thick, impenetrable forest for sure, but with marvellous soil, and good rainfall. Trees were felled and land cleared.
Then, along with motor vehicles and improved transport, crops such as peas, potatoes, onions and even flax became possible. Tractors and ploughing became crucial. The Gippsland area became a major producer of food for the fast-increasing population. The plough provided much of the power to satisfy increased production.
The power of the plough!
Poowong Post Office
Location: 10 Ranceby Rd, Poowong
The Poowong Post Office has always been privately run. Up until 1993 it was a Postal Agency very much under the control of the larger Korumburra Post Office. In 1993 it was converted to a Licenced Post Office and became more autonomous.
The Poowong Post Office is connected by computer to all the services available at any Post Office in Australia. Accounts paid there are on line immediately, banking using plastic cards is immediate.
At the moment the postal link is via Morwell. Mail leaves Poowong at 4:00pm and goes to Morwell and can be in Melbourne by 9:00am the next morning ... sometimes.
In 1974 the Post Office was run by Bill and Gwen Hayler. Bill died in July, 1978, at the age of 82 years and Gwen continued to run the business on her own. She was preparing to pass it over to her stepdaughter, Coral Roberts, when she was tragically killed in a car accident in May, 1981. Gwen, at 71 years of age, was a treasure to Poowong's community and her passing was very sad.
Coral took over the Post Office after this and kept the town on its toes for eight years. In 1990 she decided to retire and sold the Post Office to Jim and Eileen Davis who moved to Poowong on November 1, 1990, and still run the Post Office at the present. Sadly, Coral did not enjoy a long retirement as she died suddenly on January 29, 1995.
Jim and Eileen have geared to meet the demands of the technological era, but still with the same friendly service that has been a hallmark at Poowong Post Office since its foundation.
Please Note: This article is currently pending an update, and slightly out of date. Please check back soon for updated details.
Poowong General Store
Location: 5 Nyora Rd, Poowong
Originally opened in 1879, the General Store has had several owners ... R. White was the owner for 13 years up until 1977; W. & R. Cox from 1977 till January, 1979; J. Dudink from January, 1979, till June, 1980; M. & B. Poustie from June, 1980, and Jill and Tony Lorback in December, 1984. It was then purchased by the Martin family before they later closed the business.
The sub-agency of the Commonwealth Bank was closed in 1986 as a result of computerisation. In 1996 the store was reroofed and old photos provided by former owner David Ballantyne's family were used to restore the original roofline and verandah. Inside, the shelves remain the same with a ladder still required to "hoist down the Kellogg's Cornflakes!"
The front steps to the double-doors of the General Store show the wear of time, the traffic of 140 years and could, no doubt, relate more than one story if they could talk.
Poowong Butter Factory
The first timber Poowong Butter Factory was built on this site in 1892, just 15 years after the first dairy cattle arrived in the Poowong area. After burning down in 1901, it was replaced by the current more substantial factory in 1902, which finally closed in 1985.
Between the two World Wars, a new "moderne facade" was added with rounded corners, simple brick decoration around the doorway and "Milk Depot" spelt out in crisp lettering.
Dairying is still huge in this area. At one stage, more than half of the national dairy herd was in the Gippsland region.
Why was a Butter Factory so important?
Before the existence of (then improvements to) roads, storage and refrigeration, butter was really the only viable saleable milk product. From the time of the first Poowong dairying settlement in 1877, butter was hand made by farmers. This involved pouring milk into shallow pans and placing in the Sun to separate the cream, hand-churning with paddles into butter, then transporting 51 kg boxes of the finished product - without refrigeration - often as far as Melbourne to get the best price (adding around 4 pence per pound, from the usual 4-5 pence!).
Like many other regional closures around that time, the Factory's 1985 demise is a reminder of the vast changes in technology and the inevitable pace of progress. Plus, the good and sometimes awful consequences for family and communities.
The Early Days
Think about this. Back in 1887, an early pioneer Caleb Burchett once walked 40 head of cattle through the streets of Melbourne to Poowong. Then, like other farmers, he and his wife milked cows, made butter and fed the remaining skimmed milk to the animals. The kids had good creamy milk, but often not much butter - it was far too valuable to allow much onto the kitchen table.
Then, off to the market! Some regional sales were possible, but often farmers like the Burchetts freighted hand-churned butter for direct sale in Melbourne. Hardy stuff, indeed!
The first cows were laboriously milked by hand, usually in a simple stall to hold the cow steady, or with neck and tail simply tethered.
Evolution and progress
Then progress! Concepts such as "walk through" or "backout" dairies evolved into herringbone, right angle positioning, stall gate systems and rotary milking machines.
More recently, highly computerised and automated single or double stands have further decreased labour and made life and hours easier, for both cows and farmers. Robotic Milking Machines are now making an appearance.
Further down the chain, more evolution followed. Widespread electricity, improvements to refrigeration - sterilisation; roads (blue metal, surveying and bitumen); railways (not to Poowong, but nearby townships); bigger and better containers (from milk cans to tankers) - all allowed increased product and quicker long distance travel.
Hence the establishment of the Poowong Butter Factory back in 1902. By 1923, there were 110 dairy factories throughout Gippsland.
The first farm milk cans were generally about 5 gallons or about 20 litres.
Some people regard the modern era as beginning in 1961 when the first bulk milk collections started with the three tankers, each able to carry 5,500 litres. A modern A-Double tanker today carries 50,000 litres of milk through the streets of Poowong.
Adding diversity, size and risk
As bulk milk entered the Poowong Factory, modern machinery, from timber-fuelled then to oil- fuelled boilers, transformed the raw product into sterilised milk, butter, concentrates, cheese and - for 14 years - powdered milk.
All of this improved productivity led to bigger farms, more cows and increased production, and more centralisation of industry.
Every new step helped productivity, and often but not always profitability. Prices were driven by variable seasons, exports and more centralisation of industry and marketing.
The Poowong Butter Factory, like many regional factories in Gippsland, was eventually taken over by bigger businesses and closed down suddenly in August 1985. Poowong immediately lost its major employer when 70 employees were given three (3) days notice.
The Poowong Butter Factory, 1902-1985. Vale.
Poowong School
Location: 27 Ranceby Rd, Poowong
Poowong Consolidated School opened on the present site in 1958 has continued to provide a worthwhile and valuable education for the children of Poowong and surrounding districts.
The First school was founded in 1878 in the Pioneer Chapel (former Methodist Church) then a building on a site just West of the Town centre before being replaced by a building on the Western edge of town.
A major change to education in the district was the closing of the Poowong North and Poowong East schools in 1993 and 1994 following the Department of Education Quality Provision processes. The children from these schools were incorporated into Poowong Consolidated School.
There has always been a history of many generations of families attending the school. A new library has been provided by the Education Department through the relocation of the Port Albert Primary School building following its closure in 1993. This building has been located on the south side of the school and is connected by a walkway.
The School Council provided funds for the erection of a Physical Education Building on the north side of the school. The building comprises a gymnasium, storage areas and kitchen. The catalyst for this project was the transfer of funds from Poowong North Primary School when it closed.
The school has also been active in developing the grounds and tree planting and improving the garden areas.
A popular event was held at the school in 2008 to commemorate 50 years at its current site as well as the publication of "The New School On The Hill" which documents the history of schooling in Poowong.
Poowong Pioneer Chapel
Location: 35 Nyora Rd, Poowong
This building, the former Methodist (Wesleyan) Church, was the first public building in the South Gippsland hill country.
It was constructed in 1878 by Mr. Lawrence Holmes, an Early Pioneer of the district, total cost was 95 pounds.
The timber was sourced locally and was "pit-sawn" at a site directly opposite to the Church.
The first service was conducted by the Reverend J.C. Symons on Sunday 3rd November 1878.
This Church was let to the Education Department for School purposes in December 1878 until a school was built in 1882.
The transept was added in 1890 and the Choir gallery was added in 1905.
There have been various Family bequests and dedications throughout.
Weekly services were held here until 1981 : from 1878 to 1970 as a Methodist Church, 1970 to 1977 in conjunction with the Presbyterian Church and 1977 to December 1981 as a Uniting Church until the present Uniting Church was opened.
A History of the Church to 1977 "A Heritage of Worship" was written by Mr. Cedric Hartnell.
The property then came up for sale and was purchased by the Poowong Historical Group in 1982 in memory of the Pioneers of Christian Worship in this District. This was made possible through donations by members of former Methodist families and other interested donors, many of whom had left the district. The family of the late Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Hayler, a former Post Mistress at Poowong, also contributed most generously.
Under the management of the Poowong Historical Group, the Pioneer Chapel has hosted numerous events such as Weddings, Musical Recitals, Concerts and Film presentations.
Poowong Cemetery
Location: 646 Loch-Poowong Rd, Poowong
The people of Poowong and district have maintained an unusual but very practical approach to their cemetery. The funeral procession walks to the cemetery. Numbers estimated to be close to 1000 have accompanied the hearse - walking, not driving. The cemetery is very close to town, and sits on a very scenic but very steep hill, and the town Hall or church probably closer to the cemetery than the nearest parking. The limited off-road parking is reserved for families and the elderly and disabled.
Established in 1881, Poowong has the oldest cemetery in South Gippsland, after the Foster cemetery (further south-east) in 1871. The first European families were moving into the Poowong region in the mid-1870s, and early burials were on private land. The first of these recorded were two children from the Holmes family, who were interred near the Pioneer Chapel, then a Wesleyan Church. Sadly, the actual location has been lost over the years.
When drafting the Cemetery rules, the first trustees made provision for both vaults and brick graves - both in evidence today. The original fence, along with much of the District fences, had to be replaced after the calamitous fires of 1898.
The lawn cemetery was established in 1966.
The Directory helps visitors research their family history, and records are now being digitised. Cemeteries are always worth a stroll around and Poowong Cemetery topography is pretty, with the rolling hills and grazing sheep as a backdrop as you drive alongside the Loch-Poowong Road,
The cemetery is wonderfully maintained by a volunteer group.
Web Links
→ poowonghistoricalgroup.com.au/trail
