Glenelg & Wannon Settlers & Settlement

A local & family history website designed for the sharing of information on the early families who settled in the Glenelg and Wannon valleys of south-west Victoria, Australia. The search engine and extensive links on the left of the page provide easy access to the contents of 1200+ pages. Information on early settlers, events, links & suggestions welcomed!

European settlement of the Glenelg & Wannon region commenced in 1837 when the HENTY family moved north from Portland Bay and occupied the pastoral runs of “Merino Downs,” “Muntham,” “Sandford” and “Connell’s Run.” After settling in 1834 on the coast at Portland Bay, they had been unaware of the lush pastures to their north due to the barrier of thick forest, but in 1836, when the explorer Major Thomas MITCHELL travelled overland from NSW, and down the Glenelg river valley, forded the Wannon River on 11th August 1836 near its junction with the Glenelg River (midway between the present day townships of Casterton and Sandford.) He was surprised to find the HENTYs’ Portland Bay settlement, and provided them with this valuable information.

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