Otway Region Local History
The Otway region, located in the southwestern part of Victoria, Australia is a diverse and vibrant area steeped in history. Home to towering forests, majestic waterfalls, winding coastlines, and sparkling rivers, this picturesque region has attracted visitors from all over the world for its stunning beauty and unique charm. The region's history, dating back over thousands of years, is just as fascinating and provides a rich backdrop for understanding and appreciating the area's culture, heritage, and landmarks.
Long before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Gadubanud people, who were part of the larger Indigenous Victorian community. These Aboriginal people lived in semi-permanent communities along the coast and hinterland, hunting and gathering food, and maintaining their culture and traditions through song, storytelling, and dance. The Gadubanud were skilled in fishing, using bark canoes to navigate the waters of the Otway coast, and were known for their shell middens, piles of shellfish left after a meal, which can still be seen today.
During the early 19th century, European settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile land and the prospect of establishing large farming operations. In 1846, the first squatter, William Roadknight, acquired land in the region, and his family went on to become one of the largest landowners in the area. The Roadknight family established the town of Anglesea in 1885, which became a popular holiday destination for people from Melbourne, and is now a thriving coastal community.
The Otway region was a major logging area during the early 20th century, with the establishment of several sawmills, including one at Lorne in 1908. The timber industry played a significant role in the region's economy until the mid-20th century when the industry declined, due to the depletion of forests and the increasing demand for plantation-grown timber.
In the 1960s, the Great Ocean Road was upgraded, attracting tourists to the region and leading to the development of several coastal towns, including Apollo Bay and Kennett River. Apollo Bay became a popular fishing village and is now a bustling tourist town, while Kennett River is known for its abundant wildlife, including koalas and parrots.
The Otway National Park was established in 2004, covering over 103,000 hectares of the region's unique landscape. The park is known for its ancient forests, home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including the giant Mountain Ash tree, which can reach up to 100 meters in height.
One of the most significant landmarks in the Otway region is the Cape Otway Lighthouse, built in 1848 and the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. The lighthouse played a crucial role in the region's history, providing a navigational aid for ships navigating the treacherous coastline. Today, the lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to climb to the top for stunning views of the coast.
The Otway region is also known for its significant role in Australia's aviation history. In 1910, the first flight in Australia took off from a paddock in the rural town of Terang, located in the region's heartland. The flight, piloted by John Duigan, covered a distance of 40 meters and laid the foundation for Australia's aviation industry.
The Otway region is a fascinating area with a rich and varied history, from the Indigenous communities who lived on its land for thousands of years to the European settlers who founded its towns and industries. Today, the region continues to thrive, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, and remains a cherished part of Victoria's heritage.