The former Healesville Court House is architecturally significant as the

most intact remaining example of a former group of five similar timber

court houses constructed in the 1880s. The former Court House retains

its original built-in furniture and demonstrates skilful design in its

use of timber to achieve both picturesque qualities and a complex and

ornamental porch verandah. The building is important as a work of the

Public Works Department architect, J T Kelleher who in charge of the

Eastern District during the 1880s and designed many notable post offices

and court houses. (VHR, H1171)

The former Healesville Court House is of historical importance for its

association with Joseph Anderson Panton, the first magistrate of the

court house and a prominent Victorian citizen. Panton owned a small

house in Healesville and Panton's Gap was named after him. Panton, a

warden and magistrate, was responsible for mapping the Yarra Ranges and

naming Donna Buang. Panton later became Chief Magistrate in Melbourne

and actively maintained interests in the arts and viticulture. (VHR, H1171)

The former Healesville Court House was constructed between 1889 and 1890 by H N Hainer to a design by J T Kelleher in the Victorian Free Classical style. The former court house is a timber building with hipped gable roof, trussed gables and a skillion front verandah. (VHR, H1171)