Prior to settlement, the mountain was covered with a diverse range of forest types. Unlike the lower land surrounding the mountain, the thick scrub on the mountain was seen as a barrier to settlement so the mountain was not opened for selection until 1875. However, the selectors were living in the surrounding area and being within of their selections were exempt from the requirements to live on their selections. Most did not develop the land and sold it once they were granted freehold. In 1878 the first selectors settled on the mountain blocks: John O'Callaghan (deputising for William Walsh) and his nephew, E.H. O'Callaghan. By 1886 most of the mountain had been selected but electoral rolls and church records suggest very few people were living on the mountain.