The South Gippsland hills
Covered with dense forest and protected by swamp to the west and tortuous hills to the north, South Gippsland was one of the last regions of Victoria to be settled. This section mentions some of the difficulties and looks at some of the drivers to development, as well as the man who gave South Gippsland its shape.
Early entry into Gippsland
A sea route via Port Albert, and the relatively dry plains of East Gippsland provided early entry points. But the push to open South Gippsland really came with the Gold Rush ... they came by land and sea >>
Early map of Gippsland
A map from Longman's Geography series.
The Lands Act
The Victorian Gold Rush led to the opening of land in the region ... read more >>
Surveying
South Gippsland has its shape due to the work of surveyor Lardner, who is buried in the cemetery at Leongatha. Many places in Gippsland carry the name of the great surveyor, who was active in the region between 1873-1890.
Image of Lardner's camp
Early image of surveyor Lardner's camp.