History

The region now known as the Pyrenees takes its name from the ranges in the north named by Major Mitchell in 1836 as they reminded him of the Pyrenees in Europe. The chain of events that were to follow has a common thread running through the north and the south of the Pyrenees.

Initially both areas were settled for the purpose of sheep and cattle grazing. There are still a number of the original homesteads in use today, some of which are open to the public, and still run as grazing properties. Some of the best wool growing country in Australia can be found within the Pyrenees.

The next turn of events to effect the Pyrenees was the discovery of gold. Almost simultaneously gold was discovered in Avoca and the Beaufort areas. 1852 would appear to be the start of the gold rush in both areas, the area around Avoca included Percydale, Homebush, Fiddlers Creek, and Four Mile Flat. Beaufort contained the area known as Fiery Creek and it is recorded that the area had a population of up to 100,000 people and produced 450,000 ounces of gold over a two-year period, 1855 - 1856. Avoca had similar stories of sudden increases in population and income from gold.

Both towns provided ever-increasing opportunities for a range of goods and services to the local population and beyond. In 1868 a James Frazer Watkin established a vineyard on his property "Belmont"just outside of Beaufort and had a wine licence, no doubt to supply the remaining towns people after the gold rush. In Avoca, Edwin Mackereth planted a vineyard and built a winery that operated between 1887 and 1929. In the case of J.F Watkin his venture was short lived with his return to engineering in the 1870's, although "Belmont" is still there today as is some remnants of the original grapes.

Agriculture and forestry continued as the main activity in the Pyrenees until 1963 when a vineyard was planted just outside Avoca that became Blue Pyrenees Estate. This was followed by others and is still continuing today to the extent that there are twelve cellar door outlets in the north of the Shire and more are likely to be seen operating in the near future. The "liquid gold rush" has not eventuated in the Beaufort area apart from a vineyard at one of the most southern parts at Chepstowe.

The package of natural scenic beauty, some extraordinary examples of early Australian and European influenced architecture, gold history, and the wine industry the Pyrenees should appeal to almost every traveller. A range of up to date goods and services that are expected by the community at large compliments these attributes. Since it is possible to experience such a wide range of activities in the Pyrenees the traveller needs to return a number of times to appreciate the full experience of the Pyrenees.

Historic Homesteads

Avoca and District Historical Society
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