The Howqua and Stockyard valleys are comprised of the famous greenstone, prized by the Aborigines for axes for many centuries. During the late 19th century extensive gold mining was carried out. Jasper and other semi precious stones can be found in the valleys and talc was mined for some years near Fred Fry’s.

"The Yowen illiam Bulluk Clans people of the Taungurung Tribe not only mined green stone,  but travelled from here up the Howqua Valley to the High Plains for trade, food sources such as Bogong Moth and ceremony. During this time disputes between different Tribes would be dealt with by the Elders of the Clans, and at times punishments would be administered.  Green stone used as axe heads and spears has been found as far away as South Gippsland, around the North East and up into New South Wales."

Forbears of the Stoneys selected land at the junction of the Goulburn and Howqua Rivers in 1864. Eadley Stoney ran cattle on the Bluff from early 1940 and was friends with Jack Ware whose family selected Stockyard Creek and who also ran cattle on the Bluff. Mt. Eadley Stoney on the Bluff Range was named for Eadley after he died. Stockyard Creek was the home for Stoneys Adventure Rides and Alpine Tours for more than 20 years. It is a remote working farm of 420 acres completely surrounded by bush, widely and affectionately known as “Stockyard”.

Stockyard has now been owned by the Stoneys since the mid sixties. It is a remote and beautiful place. The property was a staging point for the Stoneys cattle on their way to Summer grazing on the Bluff High Plains from Mansfield. A different mob of Hereford cattle graze the property Stockyard and the adjoining “Narboorac” lease. This mob of cattle is historically significant as the genetic line can be traced back to cattle owned and grazed on leases by the Ware family 100 years ago.