Katamatite Historical Museum

Katamatite
Small rural centre in northern Victoria.
Katamatite is a small rural township of 300 people located 229 km north of Melbourne and 50 km north-east of Shepparton.

Canoe trees, old cooking sites and the discovery of stone implements stand as testimony to the occupation of this area by Aborigines prior to white settlement. Indeed the town's name is thought to derive from an Aboriginal word ('Catamateet') for the local creek. Sources suggest that the inhabitants were of the Bangerang tribe, who have also been called the Kwat Kwat and Emu Mudjug tribe.

The first white man to visit the area was Edward Knull who took up the 'Tallygaroopna' run in 1841. It was on this land that Katamatite would develop. An early survey noted that the land was 'moderately covered with box and pine trees together with prickly scrub'. A subdivision saw the future townsite become part of the 'Katandra' run in 1848. However, at that stage there was probably just a lone shepherd in occupation.

The land was surveyed in 1874 and opened up for subdivision. Settlers (mostly wheat farmers) began to arrive in 1876. In 1878 a post office opened within Moore's Hotel and the first school commenced operations. The following year a bridge was built over Boosey Creek. In 1881 the Bank of Australasia began trading and a weir was built. 1882 saw a police reserve established and the first Wesleyan church built. In 1884 a mechanics' institute was erected and Katamatite was declared a town the next year. In 1890 the railway arrived and a creamery opened. A butter factory was built in 1906.

Things to see:  

Historical Museum
There is a display of local memorabilia in a mud-brick building in the main street (Beek St). It is open on Sundays and public holidays from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m or at other times if you ring (03) 5865 1310.

Uniting Church (1961)

Uniting Church
The town's Uniting Church (1961), also in Beek St, is worth a look. Unusually, for a small country town, it is of an unconventional and impressive modern design.

	Hotels
	Katamatite Hotel Beek St Katamatite VIC 3649 Telephone: (03) 5865 1356
	Caravan Parks
	Katty Caravan Park Beek St Katamatite VIC 3649 Telephone: (03) 5865 1332 Rating: **