Sites of Significance
City of Whittlesea
Come and explore the heritage of the City of Whittlesea. Discover places that shaped who we are today, those hidden away places that have so much history attached to them. Fifty public sites have been selected for you to explore along with pictures, descriptions, maps and locations. Discover your local history in some of Victoria’s most significant structures. Discover your heritage.
Virtual Tour
This site is a virtual version of the 50 Sites of Significance Map. It will automatically adjust to best suit your viewing device such as a desktop computer, tablet or phone. Use the Suburb bookmarks above to jump to a particular location, or simply scroll down to view all of the sites in sequence.
A map and description of each site is provided, along with links to websites for more information. Additional photos can be accessed using the navigation arrows or the dots below each image.
If you are viewing this tour on a mobile device and your device settings allow the use of your current location, the Locate button on the upper right corner of the map can be used to identify your current location in relation to the sites.
Guided Tour
To visit some of these sites on a guided tour with local experts, access to restricted sites and lunch, click here .
A Brief History of the City of Whittlesea
Before European settlement, Aboriginal people of the Wurundjeri Willum Clan lived on the land that now forms the City of Whittlesea and the northern suburbs of Melbourne. They lived on the offshoots of the Yarra River - along the Merri, Edgars and Darebin Creeks - the Plenty River and the Maribyrnong River.
Captain W.H. Hovell and Hamilton Hume were the first Europeans (who recorded their journey) to travel overland from Sydney to Port Philip Bay. After hearing about the area John Batman formed the Port Phillip Association and in May 1835 travelled to Victoria. After exploring the land, Batman signed his so-called treaty with Jagajaga (Douta Galla treaty) and other Aboriginal elders on 6 June 1835.
The area was formally surveyed in 1838/39, in accordance with instructions from the colonial surveyor, Robert Hoddle. The survey not only measured and mapped the land, it also established two key north-south routes. The first was Epping Road and the second Sydney Road. The third major route, Plenty Road, was gazetted in 1848.
Victoria’s pastoral era began in the mid-1830s when pastoralists brought livestock, mainly sheep, across Bass Strait from Van Diemen’s Land; or overland from the Riverina District.
The first land sales in the City of Whittlesea area occurred in 1839, the sale was held in Sydney and the price asked was 15 shillings per acre. Key early settlers in the City of Whittlesea were George Sherwin, John Sherwin, Dr William Ronald, John Bear and Captain John Harrison.
From the 1840s industries of dairying, timber and grain production were significant in the area, and the discovery of gold had a profound impact upon the district, and upon patterns of settlement within the City of Whittlesea.
In 1857 the Yan Yean Reservoir was completed, Melbourne’s first large-scale engineering water supply system and the first such system to be completed in Australia.
The railway line to the township of Whittlesea finally opened on 21 December 1889, the electrification of which in 1929 provided an impetus to development and the first suburban subdivisions were created in southern parts of the City.
After World War II, a much smaller and better conceptualised Soldier Settlement Scheme was instigated. Under this Scheme three properties within the City of Whittlesea were purchased and subdivided for soldier settlement and allocated to eligible ex-servicemen.
The rapid influx of new residents after World War II provided a ready workforce and many factories that had traditionally been located in Melbourne’s inner suburbs relocated to the area.
The growth of the City of Whittlesea not only created demand for housing and administrative services, it has also created a strong demand for community and cultural facilities.
Adapted from City of Whittlesea Heritage Study, Volume 1: Thematic environmental history
Bundoora
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Janefield Mill
Plenty River, Bundoora
c1840-1858
Built by George Coulstock in the 1840s, the mill was a three storeyed bluestone building, with a breast wheel 16 feet in diameter. It was subject to seasonal fluctuations until a dam was built across the Plenty River, enabling it to process eight bushels per hour.
The farming area became eventually to be known as Mill Park, after the milling activity. The mill was operational until 1858, when the Yan Yean Reservoir was constructed.
The mill was eventually demolished and parts of its machinery were transferred to a steam powered mill in Preston.
2
Janefield Sanatorium and Colony for Mental Defectives
2 Manchester Crescent, Bundoora
c1925-1933
The Janefield Sanatorium opened in 1920 for servicemen with tuberculosis. It was reopened as the ‘Janefield Colony of Mental Defectives’ in 1932.
The first children were transferred from Kew Cottages in November 1937. The expansion of wards happened from 1940s to the 1960s, to house up to 1000 patients. In 1962, the Colony became a Training Centre. At its height, the centre had a special school, farm, gym, family unit, swimming pool and theatre.
The centre was closed in 1995. Now a Community Centre for the City of Whittlesea, it has been fully restored.
3
Keelbundoora Scarred Tree & Heritage Trail
RMIT Bundoora Campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora
RMIT's Bundoora campus is home to six scarred trees that are rare and fragile reminders of the resource harvesting techniques practiced by hundreds of generations of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The scars seen on the Keelbundoora Scarred Trees and Heritage Trail provide an insight into the lives of the Wurundjeri clan, the traditional owners of the lands in and around present-day Melbourne, and represent a model of sustainable use of resources still-if not more-relevant today.
The name Keelbundoora honours an ancestor of the traditional owners of the area, the Wurundjeri clan. The ancestor was present at the signing of the Batman Treaty that marked the arrival of European colonists in 1835.
Donnybrook
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Victoria Bridge
Kallkallo to Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook
c1876
While not technically located within the City of Whittlesea, this sturdy bluestone bridge was erected in 1876. The bridge was constructed by R. Anderson at a cost of £679. It was officially opened by Cr. F.R. Godfrey Esq. J.P., MLA on 24 May 1876, Queen Victoria’s birthday, and named the Victoria Bridge in her honour.
The structure is a fine example of small bluestone bridge construction used for secondary roads in the pre-concrete era.
2
Donnybrook Station
Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook
c1872
The first rails for a line to Seymour were laid in March 1871 and by January 1872 the line had been laid through Donnybrook.
Construction was not without its troubles, as a workman was killed near Beveridge when the contractor’s locomotive was derailed following a collision with a cow.
Regular services commenced 18 April 1872. Donnybrook station was opened on 14 October 1872.
Doreen
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Doreen Post Office / General Store
Corner of Yan Yean Road and Doctor's Gully Road, Doreen
c1865
Right on the border of Nillumbik, the first store in Doreen was erected on the crossroads by Patrick Hickey, becoming known as Hickey’s corner.
In 1902 the post office was transferred from the nearby school and within a few years, Hickey’s store closed.
In 1908 the store and post office was destroyed by fire, was rebuilt soon after and then in 1932, rebuilt again in brick.
Eden Park
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Post Office
275 Eighth Avenue, Eden Park
c1903
In 1903 the house was built that until 1971 served as the Eden Park Post Office.
The house, barn and hedge are all historically significant as a reminder of the early days of the Eden Park subdivision.
Epping
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Creeds Farm
2 Snugburgh Way, Epping
c1853
Creeds Farm was first purchased by Michael Lynch in 1853. In 1857 he sold the land to Michael Creed and it is believed that most of the current buildings were erected during Creed’s ownership.
The Farm has been repurposed to the St Mary McKillop Primary School and Community Activity Centre.
2
Epping Cemetery
875 High Street, Epping
c1858
On 11 June 1858 regulations for the cemetery were formally gazetted. It was subdivided to serve different denominations. In 1894 the sexton's hut burned down, taking it with it the first burial register.
The cemetery was closed in 1967 to all except those holding deeds to sites and existing family graves.
Today the grassland is of regional significance and contains 10 species of native grass and six species of lily.
3
Bills Horse Trough - Corner High and Park Streets
Corner High and Park Streets, Epping
c1900
Bills Horse Troughs were manufactured in Australia and installed to provide relief for working horses in the first half of the 20th century.
The troughs were financed by a trust fund established through the will of George Bills. Five known locations in Whittlesea.
4
Epping Memorial Hall
827 High Street, Epping
c1955
Plans for a Memorial Hall were conceived in 1953. In order to raise funds for this venture a ‘Queen’ competition was organised. The contestants were asked to sell a brick in the form of a lapel pin. The winner of the competition would be the lady who sold the most bricks and the phrase ‘buy a brick’ became well known throughout the district.
The hall officially opened on 7 April 1955.
5
Epping Primary School
805 High Street, Epping
c1874
The solid bluestone schoolhouse standing in the grounds of the Epping Primary School was erected in 1874 by Corben and Stuart at a cost of £619.
Classes commenced 1 December 1874. The school’s first Headteacher was Michael Connell.
An early problem facing the school was a lack of fences, which allowed goats to overrun the school ground, damaging doors and leaving porches and toilets filthy. Fencing was provided in 1877.
The teachers' bluestone residence was built in 1877 for £418.
6
St John's Anglican Church
789 High Street, Epping
c1869
The Anglican community applied for a site and the present two acre site in High Street was gazetted in 1868. The Foundation stone was laid 4 November 1868.
Stone for the church was supplied from a quarry hole near Cooper Street and the church was opened in 1869. This building is the most sophisticated of the five major bluestone buildings in the Epping Civic Precinct.
7
Former Shire of Whittlesea Municipal Offices now police station
785 High Street, Epping
c1871
Thomas Mitchell built this bluestone building in 1871 for the Epping District Roads Board for £628. A council meeting chamber and offices, it was also used as a courthouse, public meeting room and dance hall.
Although the Shire of Epping (its name was changed from Darebin in 1894) was absorbed into the Greater Shire of Whittlesea in 1915 and all meetings and records removed to Mernda, the building reverted to its original role in 1939 when Epping again became the seat of the Council.
8
Epping Presbyterian Church
773 High Street, Epping
c1867
The foundation stone was laid in 1867, and Thomas Mitchell built this magnificent bluestone building for a cost of £400. The Church initially formed part of the Campbellfield Charge, along with the Campbellfield and Janefield congregations.
9
St Peter's Catholic Church
7 Davisson Street, Epping
c1867
The foundation stone of St. Peters Church was laid by Bishop Goold on 5 November 1865, following the celebration of Mass in a marquee. Opened on 13 January 1867, it is now believed to be the second-oldest Victorian Catholic Church outside the inner Melbourne suburbs, after Keilor. The final cost of the building was £2,196.
10
Bills Horse Trough - Epping Animal Welfare Facility
20 Companion Place, Epping
c1900
Bills Horse Troughs were manufactured in Australia and installed to provide relief for working horses in the first half of the 20th century.
The troughs were financed by a trust fund established through the will of George Bills. Five known locations in Whittlesea.
Lalor
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Westgarthtown Cemetery
German Lane, Lalor
c1850
Planted with Monterey pines along its boundaries, Westgarthtown Lutheran Cemetery is surrounded by a drystone wall. The first interment, that of an unnamed stillborn child, had taken place in 1850. While no burial register for the cemetery survives, over 175 burials are known to have taken place. The cemetery remains open for burial of descendants of original settlers and members of the Lutheran congregation.
2
Thomastown Lutheran Church
German Lane, Lalor
c1856
The oldest operating Lutheran church in Australia, the Thomastown Lutheran Church occupies a commanding position at the centre of the original Westgarthtown settlement's 640 acres.
Dedicated 17 November 1856, the small church, with its coursed bluestone walls, gabled iron roof, detailed bargeboards and half-round arch head windows and entry doors, was built at a cost of at least £320.
3
Peter Lalor housing co-op
Lalor
c1947
Lalor was a part of Thomastown until 1945 when Leo Purcell devised a scheme to provide low cost homes for ex-servicemen. In February 1947 he formed the Peter Lalor Home Building Co-operative Society with a group of ex-servicemen and a program of house building began.
This continued until 1954 when it was taken over by the War Service Homes Commission. Heritage listing of parts of the Peter Lalor Estate commemorate this important social history.
Mernda
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Turner's Bakehouse
107 Schotters Road, Mernda
c1880
Historic, authentic and artisan, this boutique vintage bakery with its traditional woodfired Scotch oven was built in the 1890s by Charles and Stephenson Turner. The brothers delivered their hand-made bread by horse and cart as far as Heidelberg.
The bakery has been lovingly restored after being closed in the 1940s and left vacant for many years.
2
Mechanics Institute
Corner Plenty and Bridge Inn Road, Mernda
c1888
The stone used in the construction of this building was carted from Melbourne with considerable difficulty by a local resident, Mr Cockerel. The building opened in December 1888, costing £530 to construct. The building was used for Shire meetings between 1915-1939. The Mechanics Institute could be the precursor to a Municipal Library, the concept of which was developed widely in rural Victoria at the end of the 19th century.
3
Bridge Inn Hotel
Corner Plenty and Bridge Inn Road, Mernda
c1850
There is no remaining built evidence of the original hotel built in 1856 which was believed to have been located on the ford of the Plenty River. A new hotel was built in 1850 at the little hill at the cross roads and then moved to its current site. A second storey and brick facade were added in 1891.
4
Mayfield Presbyterian Church
1345 Plenty Road, Mernda
c1860
Designed by Moses Thomas, the Church was erected in 1860, due to the increasing Scottish population in the area. Prior to this, services were conducted at Poplars, a barn at Carome and at another nearby property, Marsh Farm. For a short time the church was called Guthrie church after the prominent free Scottish Church leader.
The church is part of a heritage precinct that includes the adjacent school and school teachers house.
5
Flume over Plenty River
Plenty Gorge Park, Mernda
c1879
Melbourne City Council Archives contain references to the 1878 floods which destroyed the 1850s bridge over the Plenty River at Yan Yean Reservoir and led to the building of a flume and new iron aqueduct 1878/79.
6
Carome Mill and Homestead
10 Hathfelde Boulevard, Mernda
c1864
Constructed between 1841-42, the Carome Mill is the oldest known water-powered flour mill in Victoria. The mill was functional until the Yan Yean Reservoir was built, ceasing water supply.
The site then became a dairy farm and more recently, it has been used for training horses and as a horse stud. The Homestead is of bluestone construction, built in 1864.
Recently restored, it now operates as a restaurant. Visit the Two Beans and a Farm website www.twobeansandafarm.com.au
Mill Park
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Redleap Stables and Peter Hopper Lake
Cnr Childs Road and Redleap Avenue, Mill Park
c1860
The Mill Park Estate was purchased by Henry Miller in the 1860s or 1870s. Redleap Reserve was named after the two-time Grand National Hurdle winner horse ‘Redleap’.
It included a giant stable, a full-size racing track, believed to be the only private track of its size in Victoria at the time, an expansive dairy and grazing land.
Today, the stables' exterior can be seen at the Stables Shopping Centre on Redleap Avenue.
South Morang
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Bills Horse Trough - Platypus Park
Platypus Park, South Morang
c1900
Bills Horse Troughs were manufactured in Australia and installed to provide relief for working horses in the first half of the 20th century.
The troughs were financed by a trust fund established through the will of George Bills. Five known locations in Whittlesea.
2
Le Page Homestead
Gordons Road, South Morang
c1865
The property is located within the valley of the Plenty River and is of stone construction. The property was named after Percy Le Page, the longest standing owner.
Percy settled in South Morang in 1865, marrying Emily Edwards and having 7 children. The property has since been purchased by Parks Victoria, forming part of the Plenty Gorge Park.
The property is the base for the Plenty Valley Arts group. Learn more about Plenty Valley Arts at www.facebook.com/PlentyValleyArts/
3
Farm Vigano
10 Bushmans Way, South Morang
c1934
The property was established in 1934. From modest beginnings it expanded to seat 200 people offering an extensive Italian-style menu. Property in South Morang was purchased to provide produce. Farm Vigano was famed amongst Melbournian bohemia for Sunday Long Lunches. It has been heritage listed and refurbished.
Visit the Farm Vigano website at www.farmvigano.com.au
4
South Morang Uniting Church
41 Old Plenty Road, South Morang
c1888
The Church was built in 1888, for the growing Methodist congregation. The land was purchased for £50 and it was built in the style of 19th Century Gothic revival architecture. In 2007 Tobin Brothers purchased it for a funeral home.
5
Commercial Hotel
Corner Gorge and Plenty Roads, South Morang
c1890
The Hotel was built in 1890 in the style of Queen Anne revival architecture. Previously, there was a timber hotel constructed on the same site, however it was destroyed by fire in 1889.
The Commercial Hotel has two storeys and 18 rooms, and was built to accommodate gold seekers and to quench their thirst.
Visit the Commercial Hotel website at www.commercialsouthmorang.com.au
Thomastown
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Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden
Corner Gardenia Road and Ainwick Crescent, Thomastown
c1851
Ziebell's original farmhouse, barn, bath house, smoke house and cart shed represent the heart of Ziebell's original 102 acre farm, named The Pines, the largest at Westgarthtown. Built between 1851 and 1856, with 61cm thick stone walls, the house is a typical German Wendish farmhouse design.
The beautifully maintained gardens remain much as they have been for the past 150 years.
The museum is accredited and tells the story of Westgarthtown. A visit can include an exploration of the Lutheran Church and the Cemetery in Lalor .
Council owned, visitors can find out more information and how to visit via www.westgarthtown.org.au
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Bluestone Bridge over Darebin Creek
Darebin Creek Trail, Thomastown
c1857
The bluestone pipe bridge over the Darebin Creek at Bundoora still carries water from the Yan Yean Reservoir to Melbourne, since its construction in 1857.
During the 1870s the pipeline from Yan Yean to South Morang was replaced by a bluestone-lined aqueduct, however this section has since reverted back to pipeline.
3
Fowler's Pottery
391 Settlement Rd, Thomastown
c1927
Fowler’s Pottery was set up in 1837 and is known as the oldest pottery still in operation in Australia. They were mostly known for producing bottles, jars, and pipes.
The founder, Enoch Fowler, was an Irish immigrant who arrived in Sydney from Ireland in 1837 and made use of local raw materials to manufacture domestic pottery in his business in Glebe and later manufactured building materials such as tiles, pipes and chimney pots.
The factory at Thomastown, Melbourne was opened in 1927.
Whittlesea
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Bills Horse Trough - Whittlesea Showgrounds
Whittlesea Showgrounds, Whittlesea
c1900
Bills Horse Troughs were manufactured in Australia and installed to provide relief for working horses in the first half of the 20th century.
The troughs were financed by a trust fund established through the will of George Bills. Five known locations in Whittlesea.
2
Whittlesea Showgrounds
30 Yea Road, Whittlesea
c1859
The Whittlesea Agricultural Society was formed in 1859 and organised the first Whittlesea Show that same year. It was held on 3 May 1859. It was a success and despite being moved the following year, continued to thrive.
In 1905 the Agricultural Society decided to relocate the show. In order to assist the Society, members guaranteed loans taken out. In 1915 the showgrounds opened in their present site.
Learn more about the Whittlesea Showgrounds at www.whittleseashow.org.au
3
Whittlesea Courthouse
Corner Beech and Church Street, Whittlesea
c1864
Built in 1864, the Courthouse is one of the oldest functional buildings in the City of Whittlesea. Operating as a Court of Petty Sessions until 1989, it was restored and reopened in 1996.
The site features a single-cell lockup, which was built in 1859 to serve the Yan Yean area. Meetings of the Whittlesea Roads Board were held here, and in 1875 hosted the Whittlesea Shire Council.
Learn more about the Whittlesea Courthouse at www.whittleseainfocentre.net.au
4
Memorial Arch
Corner Forest and Walnut Street, Whittlesea
c1927
The Memorial Arch at Whittlesea was the third of three memorials erected by Whittlesea's residents following World War I.
The Arch bears the names of 36 soldiers from the Whittlesea district who died during active service. Two stone bollards, on either side, remember local soldiers who died in later conflicts. A new cross honours those who served in WWII.
The Arch was formally opened on the 7 March 1927.
5
Whittlesea Christ Church
5 Wallan Road, Whittlesea
c1865
The church was completed in 1865, at a cost of £1230, including contents. A bell originally hung in the tower but was removed in 1909 when it's weight endangered the church. The building is executed in very flat Gothic Revival style.
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Avenue of Honour
Church Street, Whittlesea
c1926
The Soldiers Statue in Laurel Street, at the foot of Church Street, was the second of three memorials erected by Whittlesea's residents following World War I. The unveiling ceremony took place on 20 April 1926.
The granite base of the statue contains the names of those from the Whittlesea district who served during World War I, including those killed.
Wollert
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Pittaway's Wayside House Dance Palais
491 Epping Road, Wollert
c1928
Pittaway’s Wayside House Dance Palais was built in 1928 by Edward Pittaway, who had owned and operated the adjacent Wollert Store since 1913. Film nights were popular events, as was the eagerly awaited annual Wollert Primary School Christmas party and concert. Other functions held included wedding receptions, birthday parties and the like.
2
Darebin Creek Monier Bridge
Bridge Inn Road, Wollert
c1898
The original stone bridge replaced timber efforts in 1898 when a new bridge with bluestone abutments and timber decking was constructed by Harrison and Baker. Shortly after though, a tender was let to Monash and Anderson to replace the defective and dangerous timber decking with a reinforced concrete monier arch. The work was completed by October 1901 at a cost of £167.
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Dry Stone Walls
Entrance to Schultz’s Pine Grove, Lehmann’s Road, Wollert
c1840s
A drive along the roads in Epping north, Wollert, and Donnybrook areas will bring you to see some fabulous examples of some of Victoria’s oldest structures, dry stone walls.
While first built in the 1840s, most dry stone walls were built between the 1850s and 1880s until barbed wire was available, but some were built into the 20th century, especially where it was difficult to plant fence posts.
The 1848 Rural Cyclopedia specified fences be 4 foot 3 inches high with a base of 2 feet 6 inches.
Yan Yean
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Yan Yean Cemetery
2265 Plenty Road, Yan Yean
c1854
The Yan Yean Cemetery has operated since at least 1854, around the time the Yan Yean township began to swell with the construction of the Reservoir. The land was donated by Dr William Ronald. A stone cairn with brass plaque dedicated to the memory "of those 62 unknown individuals who died and were buried in the Yan Yean Cemetery during the 1800s" was erected.
Learn more about the Yan Yean Cemetery at www.yanyeancemetery.com.au
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Yan Yean Aqueduct Flume
Cades Road, Yan Yean
c1879
Flume on masonry piers built in 1879 to replace the stone aqueduct damaged in the floods of 1878. Water was supplied to Melbourne by this flume until 1960.
3
Bear's Castle
Melbourne Water Reserve, Yan Yean
c1846
Bear's Castle (Lookout) was constructed in Yan Yean c1846 for John Bear. It is a small, two storey structure roughly square and occupying an area of less than 12sq m. It is built with a technique known as cob, popular in the builder's home town of Devon.
Cob is a walling construction method using clay, straw, gravel and sand. Constructed to resemble a castle, the building was probably used as a lookout for the monitoring of livestock or forest fires.
Visit by tour only. For information on tours, please visit www.whittleseainfocentre.net.au/BearsCastle
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Caretaker's Cottage
40 Recreation Road, Yan Yean
c1854
The Yan Yean Reservoir Caretaker's Quarters, built in 1853-54, is of historical significance at a state level because of its associations with the Yan Yean Reservoir and for its continual occupation by caretakers at Yan Yean for over 100 years.
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Yan Yean Reservoir
40 Recreation Road, Yan Yean
c1857
The Yan Yean Reservoir was completed in 1857 and its associated structures are of exceptional importance as the earliest metropolitan water supply system in Victoria and represented a major engineering feat in the late 1850s.
For more information and tours, please visit www.melbournewater.com.au/water-data-and-education/water-storage-levels/water-storage-reservoirs/YanYean
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Valve House
40 Recreation Road, Yan Yean
c1857
A number of built features including the valve house occurred as part of the Yan Yean Water Supply scheme. The purposeful shape and placement of each stone expressed on the Yan Yean structures can be seen in similar form in bridges of the time.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea.
Produced as part of the City of Whittlesea’s Cultural Heritage Program
For more information about the Cultural Heritage Program, visit the City of Whittlesea Website or the Whittlesea Arts Website .