Mount Buller Local History
Mount Buller is a small town located in the Australian state of Victoria, known for its ski resort and beautiful natural scenery. The town has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 19th century.
The traditional owners of the land on which Mount Buller stands are the Taungurung people. The Taungurung people are part of the Kulin nation and lived in the area for thousands of years before European settlement.
The first European explorers to visit Mount Buller were a party led by Angus McMillan in 1839. It was not until the 1860s that the first settlers arrived in the area and began to establish farms and businesses.
In the late 1800s, Mount Buller became a popular destination for summer holidays, with visitors coming to enjoy the cool climate and scenic beauty of the area. In 1923, the first ski club was founded, and Mount Buller began to develop into a winter sports destination. The ski resort has continued to expand over the years, with new lifts and facilities being added to meet the needs of tourists.
During World War II, Mount Buller played an important role in training Australian troops for mountain warfare. A special training school was established in the town, and soldiers were put through intense physical and mental training to prepare them for the rigors of fighting on mountainous terrain.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Mount Buller became a hub for the Australian avant-garde art movement. A group of artists, known as the Antipodeans, came to the town for inspiration and to develop their artistic talents. The group included painters such as Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, and John Perceval, who went on to become some of the most famous Australian artists of the 20th century.
The town of Mount Buller continued to grow and develop throughout the latter half of the 20th century, with new businesses and infrastructure being added to meet the needs of tourists. Despite the ongoing changes, the town has managed to maintain its unique character and charm, with a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the natural environment.
Today, Mount Buller is one of the most popular ski resorts in Australia, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The town continues to thrive, with a range of activities and events held throughout the year, including music festivals, mountain bike races, and food and wine festivals.
In conclusion, the town of Mount Buller has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. From its origins as a farming community to its current status as a world-class ski resort, the town has played an important role in the development of Victoria and Australia as a whole. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a ski enthusiast, Mount Buller has something to offer everyone.