Throughout the township of Bonnie Doon, there are a total of 12 sightseeing locations with signboards. Each signboard will tell you some of the history of Bonnie Doon, and also have a QR code to direct you to these pages on our website. These codes when scanned with a smart phone or tablet provide additional informative text and images to create an interactive walk throughout the history of Bonnie Doon. You can follow along the history here on our website or better yet, get out on the trail and take a wander through Bonnie Doon following the signs that go along with along with these pages. We hope you enjoy your walk back in time.
The Churches of Bonnie Doon
The most unique features of Bonnie Doon are the township’s three historic places of worship. Located at the water’s edge, amicably side-by-side, the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Churches date back to pioneer days and pay tribute to the cooperative community spirit of the area’s early settlers. These are the last remaining relics where the original township once stood, they have in recent years been sold and are now privately owned properties.
Anglican – Christ Church
The Christ Church had a beautiful altar with its plain cross and to the holy table and pulpit with their decoration of simple, yet meaningful, Christian symbols. The white walls and soft warm glow of natural wood create a feeling of welcoming country authenticity often lacking in more embellished places of worship. Many of the interior features of Christ Church bear witness to the contributions of Bonnie Doon’s parishioners. The altar wall and the cross, the altar rail, the hymn board, the collection plates, the chalice and sacramental cross, all came as offerings from individuals and their families.
As fitting for a down-to-earth country church, the three panels of the timber altar express fundamental Christian beliefs without unnecessary embellishments.
The entire congregation shared the expense of a pedal organ so their singing of hymns could be appropriately accompanied.
Uniting – Queen Victoria Memorial Church
The Queen Victoria Memorial Uniting Church, formerly the Presbyterian Church, is believed to be the first memorial to Queen Victoria in the British Empire. It was officially opened in 1901, one week after the Queen died.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church
On March 15, 1885 St Patrick’s Catholic Church was opened and blessed by Archbishop Gould. Newspapers of the day called it “…a pretty little church by the side of the hill”. However, the site may not have been ideal and therefore the church was moved 13 years later with the help of a bullock team to the present location.
This walk crosses the traditional lands of the Taungurung people, and the Bonnie Doon Community acknowledges them as the traditional owners of the land. We also pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Bonnie Doon Community Group 