The original peoples of the region include the Punnilerpanner, the Pallittorre, the Noeteeler and the Plairhekehillerplue. However the impact of British colonisation is such that no known direct descendants of these specific Aboriginal groups survive into the 21^st century.

Around Eugenana The Don sawmill began operations in 1853 and John Denney started farming a year later. The latter half of the 19^th century saw lime burning, coal mining, timber harvesting and the construction of a tramway from Don to Barrington.

From 1916 to 1947 BHP operated the Melrose Limestone Quarries and Eugenana was established with a post office and store to house quarry workers.

The Arboretum site was originally owned by the O'Connor family in the Midlands, when it was farmed by Henry and Anne Collier; subsequently acquired by John Henry, proprietor of the River Don Trading Co. Pty Ltd.

Mrs Hallett was the last occupant of the farm cottage which was later used as a hay shed by Max Harris when he farmed the site from 1970-1985.

The botanical tree park was founded in 1984 with an original purchase of 47ha. This expanded when North Forests gave us an adjoining 11ha. Our current size of 66ha was attained several years ago when we completed the purchase of the Hallett's Quarry block of 7.9ha.

Tree planting on the site commenced in 1986.

If you want the full story you can download a detailed history document (PDF 7.6MB) here.