Discover the stories, relics, and remarkable history of one of Victoria's most storied gold rush settlements.
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.
From 1855 onwards, gold transformed Blackwood into a bustling township. We preserve the stories of those prospectors, their families, and the community they built.
Browse our collection of locally authored books covering Blackwood's gold mining days, the iconic Blackwood Hotel, and the characters who shaped this town.
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.
News and stories from the society.
A member of the public has shared a previously unseen photograph of the Ballarat Hotel at Barrys Reef, built around 1874 and last held by the Goodge family. Few images of the reef's hotels survive, and fewer still with this clarity.
The museum roof is leaking and can no longer be repaired. It needs replacing urgently, and everything we care for sits underneath it. We are asking Blackwood and the broader community for help to fund the work and protect the collection.
Gary has built a goldfields diorama on behalf of the Society, and it is now set up in our main display area. Mine shafts, ladders, poppet heads, mine portals and mine carts, all on a small scale.
Blackwood & District Historical Society and Police Stable Museum,
Cnr Martin St and Warner St, Blackwood VIC 3458
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.