Conference Centre - Yarra Valley - The Cumberland Marysville and Villa Day Spa
The Seasons In & Around
Marysville
"Marysville was a perfect spot. Great fireplace. Good atmosphere and obliging staff."
Helen Burke, Mother of God Primary School
The Cumberland's Environmental Policy
A short history of Marysville & The Cumberland
From the top of Black's Spur at Dom Dom Saddle the majesty and beauty of the Mystic Mountains unfolds with spectacular views across the Acheron Valley to the peaks of Lake Mountain and The Cathedral.
With the discovery of gold at Enoch's point in 1857 and subsequent discoveries at Woods Point and Jamieson, the population of the area is reported to have reached 6000 miners by 1861.
By this time it was clear to the government that improved access to "the fields" was vital to allow the transport of modern machinery required for effective mining. Numerous surveying teams conceived plans for access tracks, most of which led from the gold mining settlements, one even as far a field as Sale in Gippsland. In 1864 the recently appointed Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, Mr John Steavenson moved into the area to oversee the work of his surveyors. They had chosen a route over the Blacks Spur similar to the road that winds across the Great Dividing Range today. With his new bride Mary, Mr Steavenson settled into the camp, which was soon to become known as Marysville in honour of his wife.
With the completion of the improved access road in 1864 came order and enterprise. General stores, butchers, bakeries, hotels and a postal service sprang up. Marysville has become a major stop over for miners and traders. In 1865 farming commenced following the first land sales and a Postmaster was appointed to handle the ever-increasing volume of mail.
By the 1920's Marysville had evolved into one of the most popular honeymoon and resort towns within easy reach of Melbourne. Traditional guesthouses graced the wooded slopes around the town and all boasted a range of modern facilities.
Marysville has been one of the favourite short retreat getaway destinations in Victoria for over a century. Marysville's proximity to the Yarra Valley and over 80 wineries, the Yarra Ranges National Park, a myriad of outdoor activities, the towering Cathedral Mountain and Victoria's highest waterfall... the majestic Steavenson's Falls. All of this so close to Melbourne.
Marysville is truly an 'all seasons' town with skiing at nearby Lake Mountain in winter, swimming fishing and bushwalking during Spring and Summer, and an abundance of colour during Autumn.
The Cumberland Marysville
The Cumberland began its guesthouse history as "The Bungalow" in 1917. It traded under that name until 1946 when Geoff and Joan Cuzens purchased the property for 7000 pounds.
The 1960's were a golden era in guesthouse history and Marysville was Victoria's most popular and trendy holiday destination. Occupancy was excellent - school holidays, Christmas and Easter were booked 12 months in advance. Ballots were often required to determine room allocation and minimum bookings of seven days could be enforced.
On the Friday of the March 1969 Long Week-end fire caused by an electrical fault in the roof destroyed much of The Cumberland. None of the 80 guests were injured. The building had little insurance and no loss of profit insurance existed.
With typical "Back to the wall" grit and with the goodwill of the local community, bulldozers, tractors, trucks and men cleared the site. A mad scramble to rebuild The Cumberland by Christmas was successful and the Minister for Tourism opened the new complex in December 1969.
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The perfect gift for a special couple, parents, friend or relative could be a special treatment at the Villa Day Spa or a romantic getaway package at The Cumberland Marysville. Customise and Purchase a Gift Voucher online here.