Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BLACK SATURDAY
Victoria is no stranger to bushfires. In 1939, 71 people died in the Black Friday fires; in 1983 Ash Wednesday
claimed 75 lives in Victoria and South Australia. But no one was prepared for the utter devastation of the 2009
bushfires that became known as Black Saturday.
On 7 February 2009, Victoria recorded its hottest temperature on record, with Melbourne exceeding 46°C and
some parts of the state topping 48°C. Strong winds and tinder-dry undergrowth from years of drought, combined
with the record-high temperatures, created conditions in which the risk of bushfires was extreme. The first recor-
ded fires began near Kilmore and strong winds from a southerly change fanned the flames towards the Yarra
Ranges. Within a few devastating hours a ferocious firestorm engulfed the tiny bush towns of Marysville,
Kinglake, Strathewen, Flowerdale and Narbethong, while separate fires started at Horsham, Bendigo and an area
southeast of Beechworth. The fires virtually razed the towns of Marysville and Kinglake and moved so quickly
that many residents had no chance to escape. Many victims of the fires died in their homes or trapped in their
cars, some blocked by trees that had fallen across the road.
Fires raged across the state for more than a month, with high temperatures, winds and practically no rainfall
making it impossible for fire crews to contain the worst blazes. New fires began at Wilson's Promontory National
Park (burning more than 50% of the park area), the Dandenong Ranges and in the Daylesford area.
The statistics tell a tragic tale: 173 people died; more than 2000 homes were destroyed; an estimated 7500
people were left homeless; and more than 4500 sq km was burned. What followed from the shell-shocked state
and nation was a huge outpouring of grief, humanitarian aid and charity. Strangers donated tonnes of clothing,
toys, food, caravans and even houses to bushfire survivors, while an appeal set up by the Australian Red Cross
raised more than $300 million.
Today the blackened forests around Kinglake and Marysville are regenerating, and the communities are re-
building. Tourism remains a big part of the economy, and visiting the shops, cafes and hotels in the area continues
to boost their recovery.
Sleeping & Eating
Black Spur Inn
OFFLINE MAP
INN
$
( 03-5963 7121;
www.blackspurinn.com.au
; 436 Maroondah Hwy; s without bathroom $40, d from $85; )
Just the kind of place every weary traveller hopes to stumble upon, this historic 1863 inn
has farmhouse-style rooms in the main building and no-frills portable cabins out back
(used as lodging for athletes during the Sydney 2000 Olympics before relocation). There's
an atmospheric bar and restaurant with roaring fireplace. It's 14km out of town on the
Black Spur, with a courtesy bus to/from Marysville.
Marysville Caravan Park
OFFLINE MAP
CAMPGROUND
$
