Bairnsdale was first settled by Europeans in 1842 as a cattle run. Prior to this, the land had been inhabited by the Brabralong clan, the local tribe of East Gippsland's Kurnai Aborigines. Discovery of gold in areas surrounding Bairnsdale in the 1850's brought an influx of miners to the district and demands for a township grew. A large number of Chinese came as miners, choosing to stay in the area as the town developed, many as market gardeners and farmers.

Lucknow, on the eastern side of the river became a township in 1855 and Bairnsdale was surveyed and declared a township in 1860. For almost 30 years, there were two townships existing side-by-side on the western side of the river, Bairnsdale being the government town occupying the area between Main St. and the river, and the private township of Mitchell Town in the area south of Main St. down to the Morass. The latter was owned by the Macleod family, first settlers to formally select the Bairnsdale Run.

In the 1870's, the district was well-known for its production of hops. Wheat, maize and oats were also important crops along the fertile river flats and the river was busy with steamer traffic. The 1890's brought dairying to the district, resulting in the establishment of a number of creameries in the area, and a butter factory in Bairnsdale. Many fine buildings were erected in the town during these years including the Courthouse, Mechanics Institute, Railway station and St. John's Anglican Church.

The railway came to Bairnsdale in 1888 and beautification of the Main St. gardens commenced in the early 1900's. The famous St. Mary's Catholic church was built in 1913; its painted ceilings being completed during the depression years of the early 1930's.

IN BRIEF

Climate and Rainfall : The Bairnsdale region is noted for its wonderful temperate climate of mild winters and glorious summer-autumn periods. The average yearly rainfall is 700mm.

Population : City 11,500 District 7,250

Industries : Bairnsdale is the centre for the major vegetable growing area of the Mitchell Valley and the surrounding sheep, cattle and dairying districts. Timber is also an important industry in the area. Retail, hospitality, tourism and service industries and education are major employer sectors in Bairnsdale.

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