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BOWMAN'S TRACK
ONEILL ROAD, BEACONSFIELD, CARDINIA SHIRE

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Cardinia Shire
Bowmans Track
Bowmans Track
Bowmans Track
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Statement of Significance

Blazed in the 1860s, the line of Bowman's Track is significant to the Cardinia Shire because it provides both symbolic and actual evidence of early exploration and pioneering surveys of the area and the development of transport networks across the district.

The track is also significant for its early date, particularly as a privately funded transport project, and the potential to interpret the site historically (documentary evidence produced as a result of the recent Bicentennial sign posting project). Its construction was a reflection of the dedication and effort of a locally important woman (Mrs Bowman), a rarity in public life of the 19th century. The concept was rare as a type of undertaking (private road construction) and evidence of now discontinued activities (construction of major transport routes to promote a private business).

Regional Significance

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    • Physical Description 1

      BOWMAN'S TRACK - Physical Description 1

      The route is signposted (1988 Bicentennial) and starts at the Beaconsfield Central Hotel site at the Cardinia Creek, and runs north-east for about 50 miles to the Jordan goldfields (later the town of Jericho south of Woods Point), via part of O'Neil Road, Hughendon Road and the Telegraph Road. The first track marker is at the O'Neil Road and Princes Highway corner.

      With its frequent bushland verges and gravel surface, the route resembles in many places early roads and tracks in the shire although not the original track which as a bridle track would have been unformed and relatively uncleared. The track over time eventually formed the boundaries of parishes and counties in the district (parishes of Beenak and Tonimbuk, counties of Mornington and Evelyn) as an indication of its antiquity.

      Physical Conditions

      BOWMAN'S TRACK - Physical Conditions

      The original track which as a bridle track would have been horse width, unformed and relatively uncleared along most of its length. Today this route is generally at least two car widths, mostly formed and cleared along its length and hence is only a suggestion of what the original path might have looked like.

      Historical Australian Themes

      BOWMAN'S TRACK - Historical Australian Themes

      Themes

      2.1 Early explorers
      2.3 Early district surveys
      6.1 Early pack tracks

      Physical Description 2

      BOWMAN'S TRACK - Physical Description 2

      Associations - Bowman, Janet; Victorian Colonial Government

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Cardinia - Cardinia Shire Heritage Study 1996

      Author: Graeme Butler & Associates
      Year: 1996
      Grading: Local

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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