Mooroolbark Local History
Mooroolbark is a suburb situated in the eastern part of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with a population of over 20,000 people. The suburb is located approximately 31 km east of the central business district of Melbourne and is considered a hub for commuters who travel to the city for work. The local history of Mooroolbark dates back to the 1800s, when the area was first inhabited by the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the land.
The first European settlement was established in Mooroolbark during the 1850s when pioneer William McKillop arrived in the area with his family. McKillop named his property 'Mooroolbark', a word that is believed to have been derived from the Wurundjeri word 'mura-bark', which means 'red earth'. The land was used for farming and orchard production during the next few decades, and the area was known for producing high-quality fruits and vegetables.
The opening of the railway line from Melbourne to Lilydale in 1882 transformed Mooroolbark into a popular and accessible location for those looking to escape the city. The first station at Mooroolbark was a simple platform with a wooden shelter, but it was later replaced with a more substantial brick building in 1910. The railway line also brought an influx of new residents to the area and helped the early development of the suburb.
During the early 1900s, various shops, schools, and churches were established in Mooroolbark. The construction of Montrose Road in the 1920s provided much easier access to the Dandenong Ranges and made the area more attractive to tourists. As a result, the suburb began to grow rapidly, with many new homes built in the 1950s and 1960s.
The construction of the Eastern Freeway in the 1970s further increased the accessibility of the suburb, and the development of large shopping centers in nearby suburbs like Ringwood made Mooroolbark an even more convenient place to live and do business. The opening of the local TAFE college in 1970 and the establishment of several industry parks in the 1980s and 1990s helped to create more job opportunities for the local community.
Today, Mooroolbark is a bustling and vibrant suburb with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial development. Several local attractions, including the Wright's Forest, Oliver's Creek Reserve, and Rolling Hills Reserve, offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The suburb also hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including the popular Mooroolbark Street Festival and the Mooroolbark Community Market.
In conclusion, the local history of Mooroolbark is rich and varied, with a long and fascinating past that dates back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. The suburb has come a long way since its early days as a farming community, and today it is a thriving and dynamic location that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, there is much to discover and enjoy in this beautiful part of Victoria.