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History of Bonnie Doon
In 1824, Hume and Hovell became the first Europeans to pass through Bonnie Doon area. Until then there had been only a few wandering Koori clans who seldom stayed long, catching kangaroo, possum, fish, yams, and white grubs.
The town was originally called Doon
By the 1850, a few station owners had taken up large tracts of land from Goverment leasehold. The owners had to employ shepherds to mind their sheep as there were no fences or roads. In the early 1860s, a township arose beside the Brankeet Creek. The town was originally called Doon but was later changed, in 1891, to Bonnie Doon
Bonnie Doon's history includes the gold rush, farming, town and rail developments, school life etc, until in 1955, the township of Bonnie Doon was relocated to make way for Lake Eildon, which changed the district forever.
After the enlargement of the lake, the potential for tourism became apparent and a caravan parks were built - then boat ramps, stores and cafe, picnic areas, hotels and motels and holiday houses.
This continued until 1996 when Lake Eildon dried up at the Bonnie Doon end, taking with it the town's life-blood.
But like any strong community, Bonnie Doon adapted to the changes and thrives with bush walkers, trail bike riders and visitors who enjoy exploring the natural environment and local history.
Historical Events
• The first school in Bonnie Doon was officially established on 24th of September 1878.
• The railway opened in 1891.
• Electricity was connected to the town in 1941.
• The last passenger rail service ran to Bonnie Doon on 28th of May 1977
• The School closed in 1999 and opened as a Community Centre in 2004
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