The Warrandyte Historical Society was established over 45 years ago, in 1976

Warrandyte (population 8,000) is a historic township situated on the Yarra River some 35km north-east of Melbourne.  It enjoys a special place in the Victoria’s cultural and artistic history.  Warrandyte was the site of the first registered goldfield in Victoria in 1851.  It became established as a thriving small township as miners were joined by orchardists and farmers.  Around the beginning of the 20th century Warrandyte became a haven for artists, architects and sculptors, with an artistic circle forming around well known artist Clara Southern who took up residence in the town.   The area attracted day trippers and holiday makers with its tranquil river scenery and bushland surrounds.  Later decades saw the development of a pottery tradition which became known throughout Australia.  It’s reputation for striking river scenery was enhanced with the formation of the Warrandyte State Park in 1975.  Our village streetscape and surviving historic buildings are protected under a Townscape Heritage Overlay.  Warrandyte has retained much of its rural beauty, quiet ambience, community spirit and sense of independence despite being slowly encircled by commuter suburbs.

The Warrandyte Historical Society was established over 45 years ago, in 1976, by a band of volunteers dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of Warrandyte.  Much of this work is undertaken at our Museum, located at 111 Yarra Street in the main Warrandyte township. The museum is open on Saturday and Sundays from 1:30pm – 4:30pm.  Other times by appointment phone (03) 9844 4176. The museum is closed on Catastrophic and Extreme fire warning days.

You are invited to join society members doing important work through membership subscriptions, sponsorship, donations or volunteering.