Heritage Walk: Stokes Orchard and beyond – Saturday, 4th May 2024

Meet at 2.00 pm at the corner of Nyora Road, Pitt Street and Eucalyptus Road

Aerial Photo: Eltham; Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (Stokes Orchard Estate), Apr. 1972 bounded by Eucalyptus Road to the west and Reynolds Road to the east

Crown Allotment 15 Section 5 Parish of Nillumbik (CA 15) is a parcel of land of a quarter of a square mile extending from Eucalyptus Road to Reynolds Road at the eastern extremity of Eltham.

From the 1940s it was known as Stokes Orchard. In later years it has been subdivided for residential purposes but leaving significant areas as power line and water supply reserves and bushland reserves that are habitat for the threatened Eltham Copper Butterfly.

For our excursion on 4th May we intend to walk through CA 15 to a bushland reserve east of Reynolds Road. The walk will traverse the boundary between suburban Eltham and the non-urban areas to the south and east.

This is a pleasant walk through residential areas and bushland. Along the way we will discuss the early and more recent history of CA 15, as well as local natural history and geology.

This walk is about 3 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the corner of Eucalyptus Road, Pitt Street and Nyora Road. Street parking is available but exercise care in parking due to narrow roads, hill crests and the like.

The walk will be along streets and bush tracks. It will include some rough ground so sturdy footwear should be worn.

This free walk is open to the public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Walking the Kurrum Yallock (Plenty River) – Saturday, 2nd March 2024

Meet at 2.00 pm at the Old Lower Plenty Road Bridge

Plenty Bridge Hotel near Eltham [Aug. 6, 1900, Mark James Daniel 1867-1949 photographer. State Library of Victoria]

Kurrum Yallock, a.k.a. the Plenty River, is Melbourne’s third river. While diminished since European settlement, the river provides an important wildlife corridor and recreational resource, along with many links to its settlement heritage.

It is a defining feature of the region, weaving its way through local suburbs and parklands. It is often hidden from general view, emerging at bridges and along its extensive trail network.

Anne Paul, who will lead this walk, has undertaken extensive research about the Plenty River and has recently written a book titled “Walking the Kurrum Yallock (Plenty River): History, Heritage and Environment”.

The walk takes approximately 3 hours and follows a figure of eight loop, around the bridge.

Parking is available on Old Lower Plenty Road, on the western side of the old bluestone bridge, opposite Jimba Court, Viewbank.

This free walk is open to the public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Copies of Anne’s book, Walking the Kurrum Yallock (Plenty River): History, Heritage and Environment (2023) will be available for sale at $20 each, cash only.

Heritage Walk: Eltham Gateway – Saturday, 4th November 2023

Meet at 2.00 pm at the Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, Eltham

Jarrold family and cottage, Main Road, Eltham, 1911 (Photo: J.H. Clark, Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection)

The Eltham Gateway is the name given the section of Main Road south of the Eltham town centre together with adjoining areas.

It contains many sites of historical interest including a number with heritage overlays under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

We intend to cover the section between Bridge Street and the Main Road bridge over the Diamond Creek including both Main Road and the creek environs.

This walk on Saturday 4th November will start at 2pm at the Eltham Local History Centre, 728 Main Road Eltham. The distance is about 3 km and it will take about 2 hours. At the conclusion there will be an inspection of the refurbished Court House.

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Shillinglaw Farm – Saturday, 2nd September 2023

Meet at 2.00 pm at the corner of Panther Place and Library Place
(Melway ref 21 J5)

Phillip Shillinglaw with his mother Jean and daughters Mary and Elizabeth in front of their home, Wattle Brae, Main Road, Eltham, c. 1905

This walk will follow the boundaries of the original Shillinglaw Farm in central Eltham and extend across the Diamond Creek to include part of a later addition to the farm. The original farm comprised lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 subdivision of Little Eltham. Its area was 30 acres lying east of the Diamond Creek and north of Henry Street.

We will include a number of stops to look at maps and early photos illustrating the gradual reduction of the farm area and the early history of the railway and other community uses, that occupied parts of the site. The distance is about 2 km.

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Research Valley Southside – Saturday, 1st July 2023

Meet at 2.00 pm at Research Shops, Main Road
(Melway ref 22 G2)

View from Research (Photo: Barry Philp, EDHS Collection)

This walk includes sites of heritage interest close to the Research shops and a walk through the 1940s subdivision that forms the southern part of Research. However the main feature of the walk are the views of the Research valley and beyond as we walk back into the valley along the power line easement track. This will include views to the site of the former Eltham Barrel restaurant.

This walk on Saturday 1st July (weather permitting) will start at 2.00pm at the Research shopping centre in Main Road (Melway ref. 22 G2). The distance is about 3 km and it will take about 2 hours.

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Montmorency Bushland Reserves – Saturday, 5th November

Meet at 2.00 pm at Rattray Reserve, Rattray Road, Montmorency
(Melway ref 21 E6)

Scattered throughout the eastern part of Montmorency are several small open space reserves that have been grouped together under the title of Montmorency Bushland Reserves.

Most were created in the 1920s Panorama Heights subdivision, but some result from later subdivisions or Council purchases. They contain remnant bushland of varying quality. Some contain made paths and others have informal tracks.

We plan to link these reserves by a walk around Montmorency streets with historical comments along the way.

This walk on Saturday 5th November will start at 2pm at Rattray Reserve 127 Rattray Road Montmorency. (Melway ref 21E6). The distance is about 3 km and it will take about 2 to 2.5 hours.

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members and friends of the Society. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Eltham Lower Park; Walk and Talk – Saturday, 2nd July

Picnic Grounds. Eltham, Vic, c.1939 (Rose Stereograph Company, EDHS Collection)

Meet at 2.00 pm in Main Road car park in front of the park
(Melway ref 21 H10)

Eltham Lower Park has played an important part in the history of our area since the early days of European settlement when it was used by local residents as an informal racecourse. Prior to that its location at the junction of the Diamond Creek and the Yarra River made it an important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people.

The park combines formal elements and sporting facilities with remnant bushland that is of environmental significance. It is home to sporting and horse riding clubs, popular play spaces and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, which attracts large numbers of visitors. The park will be the venue for our July excursion which will comprise a walk of about 3.5 km around the park and adjacent areas. Along the way we will discuss the history and natural history of the area. The path along the creek and the river provides a pleasant and scenic walk.

This walk on Saturday 2nd July will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the Main Road car park at the front of the park. (Melway ref 21 H 10).

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members and friends of the Society. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Along the Aqueduct – Saturday, 7th May

Maroondah Aqueduct, Research Vic, c.1895. (Photo: Tom Prior, Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection and Reynolds Prior Collection, Eltham District Historical Society in partnership with Yarra Plenty Regional Library.)

Meet at 2.00 pm (Melway ref 12 G12) – where the aqueduct crosses Ingrams Road, Research.

The Maroondah Aqueduct was once a major link in Melbourne’s water supply system. It was built between 1886 and 1891 to transfer water from the Watts River near Healesville to Preston Reservoir. It was 66 km in length made up of 41 km of open channel, 10 km of tunnels through hills and 15 km of pipeline across stream valleys known as inverted siphons.

The section of the aqueduct through Research and Eltham has been abandoned since the 1980s but the open channel has largely been retained. A recreational path follows the aqueduct reserve. The intention is to walk along the aqueduct path as far as Parsons Road and return, a distance of about 4 km. This distance can be shortened on the day depending on the weather.

This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members and friends of the Society. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Heritage Walk: Eltham Cemetery; Local Women – Saturday, 5th March 2022

Meet at 2.00 pm at the rotunda near the lake.

Stories connect us to our local heritage. March is Women’s History Month. During our first excursion of the year, we will recognise the contributions of some local women to our community. Nestled on high ground, once overlooking the village of Eltham we will tour the Eltham Cemetery and share stories of women now interred in these grounds.

From pioneer women to the first woman in Eltham to attend University. From the silent film actress to the community spirited politician. From the post mistress to the World War One nurse.

This free excursion is open to the general public as well as members and friends of the Society.

Dogs are not permitted. Enter the car park from Metery Road, Eltham, follow signs for parking and note this walk is on uneven ground in places.

Please meet at the rotunda near the lake, for 2.00 pm start on Saturday 5 March 2022, 2.00pm – 3.30pm. Bookings are not necessary and any COVID requirements will be in place.

The Eltham District Historical Society appreciates the support we receive from the Eltham Cemetery Trust, including being able to undertake our heritage excursions within the well maintained, attractive grounds of their cemetery.

Little Eltham Heritage Walk

Main Road, Eltham near Pitt Street, 20 May 2017 (Photo: P. Pidgeon, EDHS collection)

Many historical and culturally significant locations are within a short walk of Main Road Eltham in the section previously known as Maria Street, Little Eltham.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library have partnered with Eltham District Historical Society to host the popular Little Eltham Heritage Walk on the free platform Walking Maps (https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/5183)

The marked route highlights points of interest with short descriptions and historical photographs and links to further information, which we plan to keep updating.

Walking promotes healthier, connected communities through people walking every day. For further information and links to other walks in Nillumbik, Banyule and Whittlesea, visit: https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/blogs/little-eltham-heritage-walk/