European settlement
The first recorded European to explore the Mount Alexander region was Major Thomas Mitchell, who passed through the area in 1836 during his third expedition into inland Australia.
His favourable reports on the landscape, lush pasture and water sources quickly drew the attention of squatters and pastoralists.
By the late 1830s, European settlers began moving onto Dja Dja Wurrung Country, establishing sheep and cattle runs without treaty or consent.
Among the earliest to settle within or near what is now Mount Alexander Shire were William Campbell at Strathloddon (near Guildford), John and Alfred Barker (near Harcourt) and William Wright (along Forest Creek).
Discovery of gold
The discovery of gold at Forest Creek (near present-day Castlemaine) in 1851 sparked one of the world’s largest gold rushes, drawing thousands of prospectors to the region and dramatically transforming the landscape.
Early alluvial mining stripped creeks, floodplains and riverbanks, while later reef mining required deep shafts and tunnels, leaving scars that are still visible today.
The rush also drove the widespread clearing of forests, as timber was needed for mineshaft supports, housing, industry and firewood.
Castlemaine quickly developed into a major goldfields centre, with Maldon, Newstead, and Harcourt also growing rapidly to support mining and related industries.
Immigration during the gold rush
The gold rush also brought significant immigration, including a large number of Chinese miners, who faced discrimination but made important contributions to the economic and cultural life of the region.
People from Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and other parts of Europe also settled during this period, adding to the area’s diverse heritage.
Agriculture in the region
As gold production declined in the late 19th century, agriculture became increasingly important.
Harcourt developed a reputation for its apple and stone fruit orchards, while surrounding areas supported sheep grazing and small-scale farming.
Despite the growth of farming and permanent settlements, the environmental effects of mining – including deforestation, erosion and altered waterways – continue to shape the region’s landscape today.