History
Lyonville sits in the Wombat Forest, between the headwaters of the Coliban River and the Loddon River. Originally Lyonville was established as a timber cutting town to supply timber to the goldfields to build mining structures and housing.
Traditional owners
Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) have lived on our traditional lands and cared for Djandak (Country) over many thousands of years. Djaara are the direct descendants of the First Peoples of Djandak, made up of many Clan groups who descend from our 18 Martinga kuli. Djandak is more than just a landscape, it is more than what is visible to the eye – it is a living entity, which holds the stories of creation and histories that cannot be erased.
Avenue of honour
Lyonville's Avenue of Honour, graced by solemn trees, honours those who've served with gratitude and reverence, embodying a lasting symbol of remembrance.
Settlement
White settlers arrived in 1868 to harvest Lyonville’s extensive forest resources for sawmilling and till its rich soil for agriculture. The area attracted small farmers, timber splitters and a sawmill proprietor, James Lyon. In 1877 Lyon organised the opening of a school for the children of settlers and mill hands. Its early name was Lyon's Steam Sawmills school. In 1880 the railway was opened connecting Lyonville to Daylesford and Woodend. Within a few years the township around the station had a mechanics' institute, two stores, three hotels, two churches and the school.
The Lyon mill was transferred to the Trewhella brothers in 1887, who later established a large engineering works in Trentham. Although much of the millable timber was cut out by the end of the 1890s, the Frith sawmill moved to Lyonville from Bullarto in 1946 and continued operating until 1996.
Railway
Opened in 1880 and closed in 1978, now showcases a restored station building and platform, offering a glimpse into its bygone era as a private residence.