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Home > Explore > Parks map search > Brisbane Ranges National Park > Culture and heritageCulture and heritage Park Subotopic Layout
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The ranges were formed about a million years ago when a fault, now known as the Rowsley Fault, developed in the earth's crust. East of the fault the land sank; to the west it rose, creating the rugged ranges. Streams cutting into the fault line have formed deep rocky gorges.
The Wathaurong people lived in this area for many thousands of years, using its animal and plant resources sustainably. Today their descendants are based in Geelong.
Squatters arrived in the 1830s, concentrating their farming activities on the fertile land to the east and south along the Moorabool River. Gold was discovered in the Anakie Hills in the 1850s and the town of Steiglitz was born. Goldmining continued periodically until the early 1900s.
In the 1870s, the ranges began to play a new and vital role - supplying water to Geelong. Three thousand hectares of the Brisbane Ranges were reserved as a catchment area and a pipeline was built through Anakie Gorge to carry water to Geelong. Remains are still visible today.
Timber cutting for fuel, building and charcoal continued through the 20th century and much coppice regrowth can still be seen – there are few big old trees. There was also some quarrying for slate and decorative stone.
Naturalists recognised the remarkable flora and fauna of the Brisbane Ranges, and in 1973 they were set aside as a national park.
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Parks Victoria statement on passing of Oxfam Trailwalker participant
20 Apr 2013
Parks Victoria joins Oxfam Australia in expressing our sadness at the passing of a participant in the Trailwalker Melbourne this weekend. We send our sincere condolences to the participants family and to those affected by this sad news. Oxfam Australia has arranged counselling for anyone affected on 1300 360 364.