Our Vision
In 2001, inspired with a vision of restoring and reopening the site to the public, we purchased the Fyansford Paper Mill which at the time was an under-utilised industrial site that had been closed to the public for decades.
Over the past 20 years, we have been slowly and meticulously restoring spaces with a vision of creating a precinct that can be enjoyed by everyone. We are passionate about continuing to restore and open the site, which will provide opportunities for current and new businesses to grow and provide employment opportunities for the region.
We have built a strong relationship with the local community, and have developed meaningful partnerships with local government, arts and cultural organisations.
Our History
The construction of the Fyansford Paper Mill commenced in the 1870s and was completed in 1878. When the site opened, it was one of the most advanced paper mills in the Southern Hemisphere. There were seven paper mills constructed in Australia in the 19th century, and this is one of the earliest and operated for the longest period.
The Fyansford Paper Mill complex also included the manager’s house as well as six workers cottages, which can be seen as you approach the site on Lower Paper Mills Road. The workers cottages are the earliest known and most significant examples of the rare pre-WWI purpose-built company housing in Victoria.
The Fyansford Paper Mill is registered as a part of the National Trust and remains as one of the most complete of its kind, still retaining its original mill buildings, manager’s house, and the water race and impeller tower, which were used to power the site.
The site operated as a paper mill until 1923 and since then there have been a number of owners, including an ice manufacturer. The site was acquired by the Australian Navy during WWII.
In 2001, under the current ownership, the Fyansford Paper Mill was opened to the public, emerging as a food, beverage, arts and cultural precinct for the Geelong region.
Visit an old historic building in Geelong this weekend at The Fyansford Paper Mill. Discover what’s on in Geelong this weekend and all kinds of activities, food, arts and great history. Find out how to visit our paper mill in Geelong here.