Situated in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, blessed with plenty of sunshine and close to the region’s vital rivers, Tongala has a history as rich as the land itself. For thousands of years, the Yorta Yorta people have lived in harmony with this environment, shaping a deep cultural connection to the waterways that sustain life. The town’s name traces its roots to the Aboriginal word Dungala, meaning Murray River—though, curiously, the town itself does not sit on the Murray.

This brings us to one of Tongala’s most fascinating historical quirks: the town was named in error. In 1841, squatter Edward M. Curr arrived to establish his 50-square-mile run, which he christened ‘Tongala.’ The problem? Tongala was actually the Bangerang word for the Murray River, but Curr’s station straddled the Goulburn River instead. Why did he misname it? He never said. Perhaps it was a simple misunderstanding, or maybe he was drawn to the word’s melodic sound—after all, he later remarked that Aboriginal words were "frequently very euphonious." Regardless of intent, the name stuck, and so did the town’s unique historical twist.

By the late 1800s, European settlement had taken hold, with agriculture laying the foundation for the town’s future. Dairy farming became a defining industry, and in 1908, the establishment of the Tongala Cheese and Butter Factory cemented the town’s reputation as an agricultural powerhouse. Today, that legacy of resilience and innovation remains at the heart of Tongala, a town whose name may have been an accident—but whose history is anything but.

Sir Doug Nicholls – A Remarkable Journey Began Here

Tongala proudly claims a special connection to Sir Doug Nicholls, an esteemed Aboriginal leader, pastor, and sporting legend. Known for his incredible contributions to football and his lifelong dedication to advancing Aboriginal rights, Sir Doug’s journey began right here in Tongala, where he first played footy on local grounds. His legacy stands as an inspiration to all Australians.

Australia’s Best Street Art Trail (2022)

Tongala’s streets tell their own vibrant story through art. With over 50 stunning murals adorning walls and buildings throughout the town, visitors can immerse themselves in depictions of local history, environmental themes, and cultural pride. This community-driven project earned Tongala the title of Australia’s Best Street Art Trail in 2022.

Community Spirit and Service

Tongala’s people have always been its greatest asset. The Tongala Development Group, alongside organizations like the Lions Club, RSL, and Men’s Shed, plays a vital role in shaping the town’s future while preserving its rich history. The Tongala Men's Shed holds special historical significance as the first official Men's Shed in Australia, established in 1998. It remains a hub for social connection and skill-sharing within the community.

Tongala Through the Years

  • First 100 years

    1841 - Edward M. Curr named Tongala.

    1882 - Tongala township, originally on the Goulburn River, relocated to its current site.

    1888 - Railway line and train station opened, solidifying Tongala as a township.

    1893 - Parts of the Shires of Echuca and Waranga formed the new Shire of Deakin, including Tongala.

    1909 - St. Patrick’s Catholic Church opened.

    1912 - Tongala officially gazetted as a town; Tongala Irrigation District and State Rivers and Water Supply Commission established.

    1913 - St. James Anglican Church opened.

    1914 - Tongala water tower designed by Sir John Monash and constructed.

    1916 - Victorian Municipal Gazetteer described Tongala as an agricultural town.

    1920 - Post-WWI, further irrigation channels were established, and returning soldiers took up farming around Tongala.

    1925 - Tongala Bush Nursing Memorial Hospital opened in honor of WWI soldiers.

    1926 - Tongala post office and postmaster’s quarters built

    1940 - Decision made to establish the Tongala Fire Brigade, operational from 1941.

  • 1946 - 1994

    1946 - Regional schools consolidated in Tongala.

    1953 - Redeveloped Tongala swimming pool officially opened.

    1970 - Nestlé acquired the Northern Dairy Co., expanding local dairy production.

    1971 - New offices built for the Shire of Deakin in Tongala.

    1974 - Lions Club Milk and Honey Festival held.

    1978 - First Tongala Tent Town, once Victoria’s largest art and craft festival.

    1982 - Burn the Dunny Festival gained worldwide publicity.

    1982 - Tongala Community Leisure Centre opened.

    1983/84 - Tongala Football Club won the Goulburn Valley League premiership.

    1987 - Toolamba to Echuca railway celebrated; station removed and replaced with a replica.

    1993 - HW Greenham & Sons Pty Ltd plant established.

    1993 - Shire of Deakin Centenary celebrated.

    1993 - Golden Cow Dairy Education Centre opened as a memorial to the Shire of Deakin.

    1994 - Shire of Deakin amalgamated into the Shire of Campaspe.

  • 1995 - Present

    1998 - First Men’s Shed, ‘The Dick McGowan Men’s Shed,’ established at the Tongala Aged Care Complex.

    2001 - Tongala’s town murals officially opened.

    2003 - Australian Light Horse Memorial unveiled by Maurice Watson.

    2004 - National Armoured Corps Avenue of Honour unveiled by Governor General Major General Michael Jeffrey.

    2011 - National Cavalry Memorial Vietnam (1965-1972) opened.

    2014 - Golden Cow Dairy Education Centre closed.

    2018 - Tongala Beersheba Car and Bike Show established.

    2019 - Nestlé announced the closure of the Tongala factory.

    2020 - Tongala Hay Bale Trail launched.

    2021 - Tongala Eats and Beats event established.

    2022 - Uniting Church of Tongala closed.

    2022 - Tongala Town Square created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tongala Lions Club.

    2023 - Greenham opens new state of art facility

    2024 - Tongala Nutrition opens, taking over the former Nestlé factory, bringing new opportunities to the town's economy and workforce.

Looking to the Future

As Tongala continues to grow and thrive, its unique blend of history, community spirit, and creativity offers both visitors and residents a special place to experience life. Whether exploring our celebrated street art trail, attending local events, or simply soaking in the charm of the Goulburn Valley, Tongala stands proud as a town with a story worth sharing.