Macarthur

Overview

A rural service centre located in the northwestern part of the Shire, Macarthur is east of Mt Eccles National Park. The town enjoys good access to other major centres and has a number of historic buildings.

The land surrounding the township of Macarthur is rich and fertile.   Evidence of volcanic activity is obvious as Mt Eccles, although not particularly high dominates the landscape.

History

Around September 1836 Major Mitchell, when returning from the Portland Bay settlement Marked and named Mt Eeles on his map. 
 
When the first Europeans arrived they displaced the native aboriginal people who had lived in the area for thousands of years. John Turner surveyed the township in early 1857 and it was he who changed the name from the aboriginal name 'Eumeralla' to Macarthur after Administrator Macarthur, eldest son of John and Elizabeth Macarthur, acknowledged as the founders of Australia’s merino sheep industry.
 
Originally Macarthur was part of the municipal area covered by the Belfast Roads Board.   In 1870 Macarthur became part of the newly formed Shire of Minhamite.   In 1994 the Shire of Minhamite joined with other small adjoining shires and the Borough of Port Fairy to form the Moyne Shire Council.

Places of interest

Mount Eccles National Park
Mount Napier State Park
Byaduk Caves
Macarthur Memorial Rose Garden
Bluestone Catholic Church (1887)
Courthouse
Victoria Hotel (1870)

Accommodation

A small yet comfortable range of accommodation is available in the tiny town of Mt Ecles including a bed and breakfast and a self contained cottage. For further information please contact The Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre on 03 5568 2682.

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