Step into a place where the past feels close enough to touch — a Victorian gold rush township where 13,000 prospectors once sought their fortune among the ranges.
Discover the stories, relics, and remarkable history of one of Victoria's most storied gold rush settlements.
Visit the Museum
Our Police Stable Museum at Cnr Martin & Warner Streets is open on the first Saturday of each month. Come see photos, relics, and artefacts from Blackwood's remarkable past.
Gold Rush Heritage
From 1855 onwards, gold transformed Blackwood into a bustling township. We preserve the stories of those prospectors, their families, and the community they built.
History Books
Browse our collection of locally authored books covering Blackwood's gold mining days, the iconic Blackwood Hotel, and the characters who shaped this town.
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Our Story
The historical society supports and encourages the preservation of the history of Blackwood and the surroundings including Barrys Reef and Greenhills. We are a friendly group of volunteers that meet officially once a month at our home base, we however meet much more often to explore the area, discuss history and search out relics of the past of this amazing township.
Blackwood came of age in the gold rush beginning in 1855 where the population at one point reached an amazing 13,000 individuals with many hotels, stores, gold workings and hopeful prospectors living it rough. The town now has approximately 300 permanent residents and is a favourite spot for tourists — if you are visiting on one of our open days we would love to share with you stories, photos and relics of the past.
The Blackwood & District Historical Society is proud to support the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Blackwood. Thank you to Pippa Morris, President of the Ballan RSL Sub-Branch, for acknowledging our community's participation.
That's a wrap on another successful Easter Sunday night Bingo event at the Blackwood Easter Carnival 2026. A huge thank you to our generous local sponsors and volunteers.
Join us and explore the wall of photos from Blackwood's history. Margot Hitchcock and designer Jinny Coyle will be available for questions and book signings. Two new books available including The History of the Chinese in Blackwood.
Blackwood & District Historical Society and Police Stable Museum,
Cnr Martin St and Warner St, Blackwood VIC 3458
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Support Our Work
The Blackwood & District Historical Society is run entirely by volunteers and funded through donations and book sales. Your support helps us preserve the heritage of this remarkable gold rush township for future generations.