Bealiba

Overview

Bealiba is a small country town with a history steeped in gold, timber and farming.  Goldmines and timber mills operated here in abundance and their legacy is still evident today.

History

The name Bealiba derives from two aboriginal words: Bea - meaning red gum and ba - meaning creek.  The first Europeans in the local area were drovers (c.1840) and the first settler was George Coutts in 1845.  However, it was the Cochran brothers who established the town (the district was known as Cochran's Run until 1863).

Gold was discovered at the foot of Mt Bealiba in 1856 and, although the subsequent rush saw the town rocket to a population peak of 12 000, it only lasted 18 months, after which land became available for selection and farming began.  The railway proved a boom to local agriculture when it arrived from Dunolly in 1878.  The town's population was still a healthy 2000 prior to the First World War.

Places of interest

Town Hall
Evans Hotel
Primary School
Pennington's Shop
Mechanics Institute (library)
Railway Station
United Church
Anglican Church
Catholic Church
Post Office

Accommodation

Lodgings can be organised at the Evans Hotel (03) 5469 1258 otherwise a great range of accommodation can be sought at Maryborough, just over 30 minutes drive.

Further information can be found on the Visit Maryborough website http://www.visitmaryborough.com.au

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