Back to search results » Back to search page »

ROCKLANDS ROAD FORD

Other Name

WOODLANDS FORD

Location

Rocklands Road BALMORAL, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

242

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Rocklands Road ford is located across the Glenelg River below the Woodlands Homestead, on what was previously the main road between Adelaide and Melbourne, via Horsham. It is a low wall which has been constructed with masonry, and several wooden posts with metal cabling stretched through them to provide a guide across the river when it is in flood. The ford has been used since the late 1830s or early 1840s, and was often used by the 'Overlanders' travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide. The ford has close associations with the nearby homestead Woodlands, and the earlier trading station started by Thomas Heape. The Ford is in fair condition, and retains a fair degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
The Rocklands Road Ford across the Glenelg River is of historic significance to the township of Balmoral and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Rocklands Road Ford across the Glenelg River on what was previously the main Adelaide-Melbourne Road is of historical significance for its associations with a number of important periods in the history of Balmoral and Victoria. The ford was used by the Overlanders between Adelaide and Melbourne in the earliest times of Victorian Pioneer exploration, and continued to be used by the people of Balmoral and surrounding areas until the 1940s when the current road bridge was built. It is of further significance for its associations with nearby Woodlands woolscour and homestead, and the Wood family. It is of further historical importance as it demonstrates a way of life and a mode of transport which no longer exists. The ford has been responsible for many events which are considered to be important and have been recorded in the folklore of Balmoral, such as the near death of Mr. Sharkey and James Cuzens at the ford in the 1880s and a number of 'incidents' which have occurred at the Ford in the past 160 years. It also represents the social pressures which were exerted on the local government of the day to improve road and transport in the district.

Group

Transport - Road