Dining Experience - Conference Centre - Yarra Valley - Trawool Valley Resort
Trawool Valley Resort
8150 Goulburn Valley Highway,
Trawool, Victoria, AU,
Phone: +61 3 5792 1444
Fax: +61 3 5792 1643
Guests and visitors at Trawool Valley Resort often ask us about the history of the area. They also take time to look at the historical photos displayed in the Bistro. A brief history of Trawool is set out below.
Trawool was originally spelt Traawool. The origin of the name “Traawool” is unknown. However, the history book states that it may have been derived from the native word “Trawalla” meaning “Wild Water”.
In 1871 Mr J. Janes selected land on which to build a Hotel. The date of construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been in the early 1870's.
The original garden of the Trawool Hotel was designed and planted by Mr von Mueller well known for his involvement with the Melbourne Botanical Gardens.
In 1883 Trawool Railway Station opened. The line went from Tallarook to Yea stopping at Trawool, Kerrisdale and Homewood. Trawool station was located on the right-hand side of the road just before the bridge on the way to Seymour. The original sign can be seen in the gallery of the Hotel. Granite Station (formerly Falls Creek Railway Siding) was located directly to the north of the hotel. The siding serviced the granite quarry located on the hill opposite. Granite from the quarry was used to build Flinders Street Station in Melbourne. The siding closed in 1892 and then reopened in 1902.
In 1886 the Trawool Post Office opened.
In 1895 the Trawool Reservoir was completed. The reservoir supplied water to Seymour. The reservoir is on the hills opposite the hotel. It no longer supplies water to Seymour, but does supply some water to the hotel irrigation system.
In 1910 Granite Station opened as a passenger station for the convenience of visitors to the hotel. It was well used by holiday makers as Trawool was also a popular camping spot. Up to 150 tents were pitched between the hotel and Traawool Creek.
Between 1910 and 1914 many Army camps were established in Trawool. In 1910, a mock battle was staged at Trawool involving all the Army Personnel in Seymour in Honour of Lord Kitchener.
From 1920 – 1933 construction was undertaken around the hotel. A general store was built adjoining the hotel, tennis courts were built across the road and additions were made to the hotel.
Famous Heidelberg School artists including Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, (Sir) Arthur Streeton and Carlyle Jackson were frequent visitors to the hotel.
In 1939 Army camps were again deployed to the area. Amongst them was a 25 year-old Melbourne recruit named Bernhard Erickson (the late Father of the current owners, Peter, Mal & John)
In 1946 electricity was connected to the hotel.
In 1952 the Trawool School closed, although the building is still standing and currently operates as a Bed & Breakfast and Art Gallery.
During the 1960’s the State Electricity Commission began investigating options for supplementing the State’s electricity generating system. Pumped storage hydro-electricity projects were seen as one of the viable alternatives. Two of the four sites investigated would have affected Trawool. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission also investigated the possibility of multi-purpose water storage on the Goulburn River – this project would have completely flooded the Trawool Valley back to Yea. Thank goodness this beautiful valley was not lost.
In 1972 the Post Office closed.
In 1977 the wooden Trawool Bridge was replaced with a concrete bridge.
1978 saw the last train run on the railway line from Tallarook to Yea.
In 1983 the National Trust classified the Trawool Valley a heritage site.
From 1985 – 1989 the hotel was transformed into the Resort. The original façade of the hotel is replicated in the walkway adjacent to Reception. The Resort was awared for the “Best Hotel Redevelopment” in 1989.
In 2004 the Trawool Valley Resort was purchased by Mal Banson, John, Trish, Peter and Cheryl Erickson. Peter and Cheryl Erickson are the Managers of Trawool Valley Resort. Major refurbishments began in 2005 including a total redesign of the Reception area and new Carpet to the Banson Room, staircase and hallways. The accommodation Suites were upgraded with new bedding, TVs, bar fridges, tap fittings and reverse cycle split system air conditioning.
Historic Photos are placed around the Bistro. These photos include early pictures of the hotel (the front garden, the façade, the interior, the school, the post office, the old wooden bridge to Seymour and the granite quarry.
The above information was sourced from “Trawool on the Goulburn – A History” by Helen McCall and Peter Erickson, one of the current owners.
