Buxton

A chilling wind swept through Buxton on Black Saturday in 2009. The fires ravaged the landscape, claiming 35% of Buxton’s homes. But the heart of Buxton, the village center, miraculously survived. Buxton is a small rural village nestled on the Maroondah Highway. It lies between Healesville and Alexandra, about 80 km northeast of Melbourne. The Steavenson River flows through Buxton, shortly before it merges with the Acheron River. Both rivers are part of the Goulburn system. A government surveyor, inspired by a town in England, gave Buxton its name. Buxton’s story began in the mid-1860s with farm selections in the Acheron Valley. A post office arrived in 1873, followed by a school in 1875. By the mid-1880s, Buxton boasted a bush pub, several farms, and a renowned cheese and dairy farm. The population reached about 100 people. They initially held Anglican services in the local hall. Then they built a dedicated church in 1895. Buxton transformed into a holiday destination. By the early 1950s, it was known for its guest houses. The 1953 Sands and McDougall directory listed six guest houses, including one named “The Cathedral” after the majestic mountain range northeast of Buxton. The town also had a sawmill, a produce merchant, numerous farmers and graziers, a general store, a hotel, and a motor garage. The ever-present threat of bushfires led to the formation of the Buxton Fire Brigade in 1943. It became part of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in 1945. Today, Buxton still holds its charm. You’ll find a hotel, a general store, the Anglican church, a primary school, a hall, a recreation reserve, and a trout and salmon farm. The population has fluctuated over the years. It peaked at 469 in 1911 and stood at 257 in the 2011 census. Buxton’s story is one of resilience and community. It’s a testament to a small town’s ability to endure, nestled beside the flowing waters of the Steavenson River.