Established in 1853 at the foot of Mount Shadwell, a dormant volcano which formed 25,000 years ago and is believed to have last erupted around 5,000 years ago. Turns out that Mt Shadwell was no ordinary volcano as it is the reason that Mortlake is the self-proclaimed Olivine capital of Australia. Olivine is a green crystal also known as peridot, the birthstone for August. Large egg shaped rocks ejected from Mt Shadwell known as volcanic bombs that cooled as they were being thrown through the air can contain the unique green shaded crystal.
The formally recognised traditional owners for the area in which Mortlake sits are the Eastern Maar group of Aboriginal people,[13] who are represented by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC). Various groups of Aboriginal Victorians lived in the area before European colonisation and settlement. The area was inhabited by Kirrae, Djab wurrung and Gunditjmara people, who built homes in small villages, sometimes using stones in their construction, and lived a settled life.
The town is also known for its bluestone buildings, with several fine examples dating back to the 1850s visible from the Hamilton Highway.
In the late 1870s, an area of swamp was drained and established as the Mortlake Botanical Gardens, which at its height covered nearly 50 acres (20 ha). As a present to the township in 1988 (Australia's Bicentennial) a new lake was constructed by the State Government. This lake is now known as Tea Tree Lake.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortlake,_Victoria
Mortlake, a small town nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Southwest Victoria. With a population that has evolved over the years, Mortlake has a rich history that dates back to its humble beginnings, attracting individuals seeking a tranquil and close-knit community.
When was Mortlake settled?
Established in 1853 the town emerged as a result of the pioneering spirit of those who sought to build a prosperous life in this idyllic corner of Victoria. As the years passed, Mortlake flourished, attracting settlers from far and wide.
From the early days of settlement to the present, Mortlake has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, leaving behind a tapestry of stories and memories.
@kieran.wicks #adayinthelifeofatouringmuso Wandering the streets of #Mortlake SW #Victoria ♬ original sound - Kieran Wicks
@kieran.wicks #adayinthelifeofatouringmuso What do i do the day of a show? Walk my puppy around town and visit the #Danceomat #Mortlake #Victoria #Independentmusic #regionalvictoria #OneTownataTime #TourDiary #ROADTRIP #livingthedream #traveldiaries #travellife #touringmusician #StickingtomyGuns #smalltownlife #Australia #Songwriter #LivingArtLifestyle #onetownatatime #TouringMusician #Producer #MyStory #Inspiration #Singer #Guitarist #ColeClarkGuitars #IndependentArtist ♬ One Town at a Time - Kieran Wicks
