Tag Archives: sheep

We had 28 members go along to the Fyansford Heritage Paper Mill last Wednesday, and though the weather was not kind, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, with mostly drizzle while we were on our tour.

The Paper Mill is run by the Rotary Club of Highton, with all the tour guides being volunteers. The Paper Mill commenced operation in 1878, so a lot of history is contained within.  The tour cost is $10 per person with 100% of all funds going to local community projects and charities.

Our group was split in two, so that you were able to hear the commentary, with the information not getting lost in the larger group, and also managing a site that is very much in the middle of a construction phase, with upgraded sewerage and new public toilets being completed hopefully by mid-August.  The tour guides were fantastic, two for each group, and quite knowledgeable, with a folder bought along with newspaper clippings and photos to assist.  Taking you through the process, by visiting the buildings and explaining the entire process from start to finish, including the layout of the land and buildings, which gave assistance by using gravity to turn rags to paper, it was a very interesting morning.

The history of the site is on display everywhere you look, from old machinery to bluestone buildings, and tall trees that tower over the gardens.  For those that missed the opportunity, I recommend taking a tour when you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.  There are also other businesses on the same grounds, including a collection of artisan workshops and galleries, a winery and restaurant, a café, a wellness centre and more.  There is plenty to keep you occupied.  The Rotary Club volunteers requested us to please like or follow the Mill on their Facebook page, link below.

Click to visit Facebook Fyansford Paper Mill

There is also a link providing information on the tours below-

We do make one recommendation though, after stopping for lunch at the Door Gallery Cafe, also located within the grounds, is don’t bother.  Slip up the road to the Fyansford Hotel, where you will get a better meal, a much larger menu, and even senior’s meals 7 days a week.  Don’t worry about Hammond’s, we “should’ve gone to Fyansford” 😉

After a very ordinary lunch, we headed into Geelong to visit the National Wool Museum. With another tour planned, this time indoors, a very interesting afternoon waited our arrival.

The National Wool Museum tells the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles, alongside a range of contemporary exhibitions, public programs and special events. The National Wool Museum was established in Geelong, Victoria in 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations.  The National Wool Museum is designed for self-guided tours, with friendly volunteers on hand throughout the Museum to answer your questions.  Discover why fleece from Australia’s sheep was at the heart of our economy for nearly 200 years.

Starting from the arrival of sheep to Australia on the first fleet, in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world.

Opening on 1 August 1872, CJ Dennys & Co Wool store (the home of the National Wool Museum), adorns the corner of Moorabool and Brougham Streets, Geelong. At the time of opening, the basalt bluestone Wool store was the second largest store in Victoria and by many accounts the “most elaborate”.

There are constantly changing exhibitions, so you can check out their website (listed below) before going if that is your preference, otherwise, call in when you have a couple of hours to spare, you won’t be disappointed.

Click to visit the National Wool Museum