Lancefield

The area around Lancefield was first settled by squatters around 1837 and developed into a farming district. In 1843 Megafauna was discovered at the Lancefield Swamp which raised the interest of paleontologists around the world.

The town entered a boom period in the 1880s when it became a popular summer resort for Melburnians. There are still a number of intact nineteenth century buildings which present an attractive streetscape, including a three storey colonial hotel—reputed to be haunted—that is a huge antique wares and coffee shop.

Lancefield has a primary school. Council facilities in Lancefield include:

• Kindergarten
• Lancefield Park Sporting Reserve
• Maternal and Child Health Centre
• Mechanic’s Institute
• Outdoor Pool

In 2020 a study was undertaken by Hirst Projects into the Lancefield Megafauna site, which also looked at the feasibility of constructing a Lancefield Megafauna Interpretation Centre at the site.

What is Megafauna?

Megafauna – big animals – refers to species that existed after the dinosaurs became extinct. There are some megafauna that exist today, but as recently as 10,000 years ago there were many more.

Under the earth, in Lancefield Swamp, lie the remains of some of the largest animals that have roamed the earth. Australian megafauna lived and died here, and many of their remains still lie here, preserved below the ground.

Megafauna, and their demise, have fascinated people for centuries, and when they were discovered at Lancefield in 1843, they caused a ripple of interest, particularly with paleontologists around the world who longed to see the remains. Since then, there have been many ‘digs’ to explore the mystery of these ancient creatures – what they were, why they died and why their remains are preserved in this particular place. (Lancefield Megafauna Interpretation Centre Report – Hirst Projects – 17 May 2020)

Lancefield Megafauna Interpretation Centre Project

The Lancefield Megafauna Interpretation Centre (LMIC) feasibility study was a funded action in the 2019/20 Council Plan. The project relates to the Lancefield Swamp as a megafauna fossil site, however, its nondescript appearance does not reflect its scientific importance. This site has been recognised as the best megafauna site in Victoria and one of the top five in Australia.

The 2019/20 Council Plan action was to investigate the feasibility of constructing a Megafauna Interpretation Centre in Lancefield that would enable visitors to experience the significance of the site

This project has currently has not been endorsed by Council.

Visit Macedon Ranges provides information on things to see and do and what’s on in Lancefield.

For demographic data about Lancefield, see Macedon Ranges Community Profile