Settlers Rest was originally developed as what was known as the Longwarry North Caravan Park in around ..... when Morrison Rd ran off what was then the Princes Highway - the main access route between Melbourne and the snow fields of Mt Baw Baw. It was a popular stop-off point for many campers and travellers on the way too or from both the snow fields and east Gippsland.
With the building of the M1 freeway, the road was separated from the freeway and renamed to Princes Way. With Morrison Rd now being at the end of a dead end, the caravan park diminished in popularity and though still taking in holiday-makers it became home to more permanent residents. The park fell into disrepute until 2018 when the current owner purchased the property.
At this time, the Wantirna Caravan Park was sold to Chinese interests and the mostly long-term there were required to relocate their dwellings. An arrangement was agreed to and many of these residents moved their homes the 60kms to Settlers Rest. These tenants became the start of what the park has become. By only allowing older residents to live in the park, the problems that had plagued the park were resolved and the park has since become a safe, peaceful commuity.
In 2021, the park suffered significant tree and building damage in the series of wind storms that hit the area, and a number of trees had be removed entirely, beginning a program of making the park safer for tenants and their homes. Extensive ground works and gardening has been done around the park and will continue as the number of sites is increased.
During 2021/22 the park's surrounds, roads, water system, drainage and electrical system were all upgraded. A security gate was installed at the entry, a program of work was started to upgrade the rented cabins and the structure to house the storage containers, gym, workshop and main shed was built to support the solar system. The installation of the solar network is a significant step towards making the park fully self-sustaining.
For the most part, the general management of the park and its social calendar is done by a committee of residents. Maintenance and grounds upkeep are also done by residents and the park's vegetable garden is a community project.