TRACKS, TRAILS AND COASTS NEAR MELBOURNE

Expedition to the Mt Taylor and Bullumwaal areas Gippsland

2022-01-05T07:21:00.016+12:00

The Bullumwaal Blues

On a windy, blustery day on Saturday 5 November 2016.approximately 100 people braved the road to attend The Bullumwaal Muster. There were people with family connections to the place (names such as Websdale, Palling, Husted (Minter), Hall), people related to Ray Haynes, who wrote the book 'The Bulumwaal Blues' (his daughter Janice, the organiser, and his sister, Pat Stephenson and his niece Kaye), people associated with the Timber Mill (Robinson), 7 former students of the Bullumwaal school (Stinten, Smith x 5 brothers and sisters!!, Price), the Musicians Geoffrey and Faye, relatives and historians, local Bullumwaal residents and many others who just came for a sticky-beak, and to enjoy the BBQ and scones jam and cream at interval.

The famous 1895 Bullumwaal Curtain was displayed, and donations for its restoration collected, and there were photographic displays, as well as presentations on the history of Bullumwaal and the School, and community singing segments with songs sung at the Concerts held in the hall in the 1950's.

Such fun was had by everyone, that they all said they want to do it again soon - maybe in 2018??

"FOREVER BULLUMWAAL!!" (From the Bullumwaal Blues Facebook page)

My Visit

On Boxing Day 2021 I did an exploratory visit to the Mt Taylor and Bullawaal regions, some 15km north of Bairnsdale, Victoria.

My route started at the the town of Wyung, and followed the Bullumwaal Rd,. C603, to the junction of Mt Lookout Rd, the site of the Mt Taylor Mountain Bike Park.

This is also known as the Mt Taylor Picnic area - facilities available there support day visitors and overnight camping. A sign gives details of walking and cycling tracks which radiate out from the park.

The road winds its way through farmland and State forest, passing the Nicholson River.

There is a small settlement nearby named Mt Taylor, with a picnic area and infoboard and an old hall, dating back to the gold rush days of the late 1890s and early 1900s..

Mt Taylor is one of four peaks in this mountain range, the others being Mt Bullumwall and Mt Baldhead

At the Summit of Mt Taylor is the high security no public access radio comms faciliy of Broadcast Australia and Telstra with several towers servicing Bairnsdale and nearby regions with TV ,mobile phones, commercial and government broadcasting. Access to the facility is off Tower Rd which starts at Bullumwall Rd

The Mount Taylor Mountain Bike Tracks are located at the Mount Taylor Picnic Area, 15km north of Bairnsdale. There
are three style of mountain bike tracks within the State forest, a Downhill track, All Mountain track and a Cross Country track.

Details and maps may be found at:

https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/26438/FS0038-Mt-Taylor-Mountain-Bike-Tracks.pdf

Bullumwaal

Image shows the former General Store and PO c1890, SVL)

Bullumwaal, sometimes spelt Bulumwaal, is located along Boggy Creek, 29 km north of Bairnsdale in East Gippsland. Gold was found in Boggy Creek in 1857. There were soon 1000 people living there but the rush was shortlived. The discovery of reefs in the mid-1860s led to the establishment of a number of mines. A small township named Allanvale, later Boggy Creek, grew up at the creek crossing.

In 1868 there was a rush to Upper Boggy Creek where promising reefs were found. In 1870 this growing township was renamed Bullumwaal. Bullumwaal is an Aboriginal word thought to mean two spears, representing two nearby mountains, Mt Lookout and Mt Taylor. However, by the early 1880s the Boggy Creek goldfields again were almost deserted.

Bullumwaal's heyday was during the late 1880s and 1890s. The economic depression caused many unemployed to migrate to old goldfields. Many old mines were reopened and there were four quartz batteries in operation. Some mines were very productive, the best known being the Sons of Freedom and the Beehive. From 150 residents in 1890, the population swelled to 700 by 1896. The township was gazetted in 1898. Straggling over several kilometres it then possessed a post office, telephone service, hotel, school (1876-1972), church, mechanics' institute hall (1894), coffee palace, drapers, jeweller, grocer, other stores and a newspaper. Social activities were popular, with a cricket club, rifle club, brass band and dramatic company, and several lodges had established branches.

(Image shows the township c1890 from SLV)

Mt Baldhead

Nrth of Bullumwaal, the track becomes the Mt Baldy Track. I continued northeast along this route, so named because the summit is exposed rock, above the treeline.It’s tough rough, corrugated with transverse water runoff channels.There are marvellous views, with steep drops on the west down to the river canyon below. This track is suitable only for for 4WD vehicles and well developed navigational shills are mandatory. The area is crisscrossed with unsigned tracks uses for land management purposes. (The map is from SLV, drawn c1890

Mt Taylor Recreation Reserve - view from Bullumwaal Rd

Directions Map (Google Maps Jan 2022)

Mt Taylor Park - visitor checking camp site!

Mt Taylor Park and nearby (Google Earth)

Click this Youtube link to go on am exciting mountaibike ride in the Park!

https://youtu.be/sHa7bUMMYbc

Blackburn Creeklands - Kalang Park

2021-05-02T08:30:00.002+11:00

These photos show the scenery and environment on a 3 km hike in Kalang Park on April 28, 2021.

The Blackburn Creeklands consist of three continuous bushland reserves along Gardiners Creek in central Blackburn. Blacks Walk, Kalang Park and Furness Park form a green corridor featuring a delightful mixture of both bushland and open space areas. The creeklands helps preserve the local environment whilst providing opportunities for a variety of recreational and educational activities. The three parks cover a total area of approx 21 hectares, extending 1.4km from Middleborough Rd in the west to Blackburn Rd in the east.

Kalang Park
Of the three parks within the Blackburn Creeklands, Kalang Park is the largest. Stretching almost 1km from Pakenham to Main Streets, with an area of approximately 9 hectares, this park holds an abundance of features to explore. Accessed through a large network of gravel tracks and narrow pathways along both sides of the creek, the northern section of Kalang Park is largely indigenous bushland. Glimpses are possible of tawny frogmouths in the crook of any of the large mature eucalypts and galahs and kookaburras can be heard in the trees above. In the billabong are frogs and in spring, this is a great place to sit and watch the wood ducks swimming with their ducklings. South of the creek there are opportunities for passive and active recreation. These are open grassed areas for sport and activities such as kite flying, as well as revegetated pockets to explore. After rainfall, the ephemeral wetlands depressions that skirt the southern pathway hold water and create a unique and interesting environment.

The block on which the sports oval is located was acquired in 1966 by the City of Nunawading to form Kalang Reserve. In addition to the oval, Kalang Park also includes former MMBW land acquired after the successful “Up the Creek!” campaign (1981-1983) which links and integrates the three parks.

Furness Park
East of Main Street, this park forms part of the Whitehorse Heritage Trail and features a great playground and walking tracks. Perceived as ‘healthy place to live’ in 1910, Blackburn was home to ‘Open Air School’ that was situated overlooking Furness Park. Children from poorer backgrounds took the train to Blackburn Station to attend the school receiving a healthier food and a chance to bask in the sun to increase their Vitamin D intake. The school closed in 1963. An interpretive panel offering historic anecdotes is located on the western boundary of the park.

The City of Nunawading purchased Furness Park in 1941 so as to preserve land for indigenous plants and wildflowers.

Tirhatuan Park Wetlands - Dandnong North - An Autumn Exploration

2021-05-01T08:15:00.001+11:00

Photos of a 2 km exploration of the Fit for Fun area of the Park on April 31, 2021. Reached from Outlook Drive and Kriegel Way. Many ducks live here!

Finn's Reserve - Wombat Bend - Templestowe

2021-04-27T10:43:00.000+11:00

These images of April 26 2021 are of a 2 km circuit walk around the eastern section of Finn's Reserve, Templestowe. Start and end was the car park at the Suspension Bride over the Yarra, then through the bushland area, up the hill to the Scout Hall, then past the Wombat Bend Playground/Barbecue area to the Ruffy Shared Trail and the Yarra Lookout.

Blackburn South - Fulton Rd Flood Retarding Basin - Circuit Walk

2021-04-22T17:24:00.000+11:00

Background

These pictures show the scenery and environment along the main walking track ihe Fulton Road Retarding Basin, Blackburn South. My 2 km walk was on April 21, 2021.

Retarding basins and wetlands play a number of important roles from providing wildlife habitat, filtering stormwater that enters our rivers and creeks while offering access to green spaces for the community.

This recreational area is very popular amongst local residents as the Wurundjeri Walking Trail surrounds the wetland perimeter.

Work by Aqua Melbourne is underway for rectification of the control structures in both the sediment pond and the wetland outlet pit. All these modifications will assist in optimising the wetland performance by reducing nitrogen levels. These works will ensure the continued reliability of this asset well into the future.

Many ducks live in the Reserve!

Work already completed includes:

A new public access track on the eastern bank down to the water depth metering equipment
A boardwalk acros the eastern part of the lake
Grading and resurfacing of he main gravel shared circuit track
Protective fencing on the south bank of the Lake

Historical

Residential development along Fulton Rd started around 1956 when blocks from orchards were offered for sale by subdivision.

Landscaping and construction of pathways,and tracks took place between 1996 and 2005

Below - aerial photo of 1945 showing the land (red circle) which later became the Basin,Fulton Rd t bottom, Middleborough Rd centre The Creek is visible, crossing Middleborough Rd. (Whitehorse Digital Maps), near present day Bunnings, and entering Gardiners Creek to the west.

Wombolano Bushland Reserve - Ringwood East

2021-03-01T17:43:00.000+12:00

Pictures along t he Sensory Trail, February 28, 2021

RINGWOOD LAKE PARK - Pictorial History

2021-02-28T08:25:00.002+12:00

This Website describes the history, evolution, development and features of the Ringwood Lake Park, from 1850 until the present.

Additional content examines the long-gone Ringwood Antimony Mine, Walking/Cycling Trails, and the continuing emergence of Ringwood as an important residential and commercial community.

It's authored by noted historian Bob Padula, OAM, of Melbourne.

http://bpadula.tripod.com/ringwoodlakeparkapictorialheritage/

NEW BUSHWALKING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

2021-02-25T09:45:00.004+12:00

A NEW CHUM'S GUIDE TO BUSHWALKING IN AUSTRALIA

This excellent new self-published professionally printed 86-page book has just been released. The author is Mick Ogrizek, of Bright, in Victoria, with over 30 years experience of walking in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Nepal.

He’s authored other self-published printed guides about Australian bushwalking, including “National Parks in Australia by Public Transport” and “Short Walks around Bright and the Upper Ovens Valley”

The book is designed as a comprehensive guide to bushwalking in Australia for those new to the activity ("new chums") - beginners, novice or prospective bushwalkers, bringing together information from many sources, including his own experiences.for . It’s not meant to be a step-by-step guide to bushwalking but a pointer to available resources.

The principal themes include skills, fitness; where to walk; clothing and equipment; navigation; safety, hazards, and environmental impacts. .

The book features many full-colour images, charts and diagrams, and includes a list of principal references, an index of key topics and extensive footnotes.

Highly recommended!

Orders may be placed directly at the this URL

https://cutt.ly/WkCgYow–

Copies for Australian customers will be sent out direct from Australia in 3-5 business days.
There is no electronic edition.
Price for delivery to Australian addresses is A$17.78, plus postage (will vary by distance, calculated at checkout)

Banksia Park - Bulleen

2021-02-21T13:31:00.003+12:00

There are nice views of the Yarra (Sill's Bend) adjacent to the Heidi Museum of Modern Art.

My visit was on February 20, 2021, starting from the car park next to the leash-free dog compound!

Surrey Park Lake - Box Hill

2021-02-16T07:40:00.000+12:00

Pictures of February 15, 2021 on a circuit hike around the Lake.

West Templestowe Circuit Hike

2021-02-09T07:57:00.000+12:00

These images were taken on February 8, 2021, on the western edge of Finn's Reserve, Lower Templestowe. This was a circuit walk, starting at Templestowe Rd, following the Creek, crossing two bridges. The Templestowe History Pavilion is nearby. A colorful Christmas Beetle was sighted carrying a twig! A viewing platform is reached from a side-trail next to the Yarra.

Birrarrung Park, Templestowe

2021-02-07T11:02:00.005+12:00

Situated at the confluence of the Plenty and Yarra Rivers, this 33 hectare park was an important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people. Birrarrung Park is a significant recreation space within the parks along the Yarra River, incorporating two large ephemeral wetlands.

Several wood barbecues (wood is provided), picnic tables and shelters are available in the park. Fires are permitted only in the barbecues provided, and visitors are welcome to bring their own small gas barbecues. The toilet block at is wheelchair accessible. An adventure playground is available for children.

The large covered BBQ near the main entrance has a brick floor, built in 1986. The bricks were engraved by students from local schools with their names and ,witty comments - some show dates in 1986. Others depict drawings of fish, trees and wildlife.

There are 2.8 km of flat sealed trails suitable for skating, cycling and walking.

The Park was opened in 1984. There is a billabong (pond) in the eastern section, within a large area of bushland, reached from a walking track starting at the playground.

My visit was on February 6, 2021.

Exploring the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

2021-02-06T09:22:00.000+12:00

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

is an example of regenerated and remnant bushland in suburban Melbourne, Australia. It is located in the suburb of Blackburn. It is the most significant of the many parks in the City of Whitehorse, featuring areas of regenerated bushland and many walking tracks.

This Website describes the history, evolution, development and features of the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, from 1850 until the present.

It's authored by noted historian Bob Padula, OAM, of Melbourne.

https://bpadula.tripod.com/theblackburnlakesanctuaryapictorialheritage/

Finn's Reserve - the New Canoe Launching Ramp - Lower Templestowe

2021-02-01T09:15:00.001+12:00

Restoration and safety improvement works on Finn's Reserve Canoe Launching Ramp on the Yarra in Lower Templestowe have been completed. The Ramp is reached by a gate and gravel pathway, leading from the barbecue area at Wombat Bend, opposite the childrens' playground.

A commemorative plaque has been placed at the site, acknowledging the reconstruction carried out by Melbourne Water, Manningham Council and Paddle Victoria.

I visited the site on January 31, 2021.

Spadoni's Bushland Reserve and Billabongs - Yering

2021-01-27T09:58:00.002+12:00

Spadonis Reserve is located next to the Yarra River, with excellent views of the Christmas Hills. Over the years improvement works have been done on the wetlands and billabongs. along with revegetation of indigenous species. There is a 1.7km walking trail around the reserve.

To celebrate Australia Day I visited the Reserve on January 26, 2021.

It's reached from McIntyre Lane, off Melba Highway or Victoria Rd, adjacent to the Gun and Golf Clubs. There's a small car park at the entrance. Managed by Melbourne Water and Yarra Council. There is a picnic table and seats at the canoe landing ramp.

Yarra Valley Trail - Yering Section

2021-01-24T09:45:00.000+12:00

Stage 1A of the Yarra Valley Trail opened in December 2019 and provides 7.5 km of pedestrian/cycling access (approx 15 km return) from Lilydale to MacIntyre Lane, Yering. Stage 1A of the trail begins as a fork at the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail on Beresford Road, Lilydale and runs through to Yering Station. The car park is on the cnr of Mcintyre Lane and Melba Highway it was opened in 2020,

The Trail is gravel, and follows the corridor of the former Lilydale to Healesville railway.

The railway opened in 1888 - the last regular steam passenger service was hauled in August 1964. From that time until the closure of the line in 1980, passenger services were run using diesel-electric rail motors. As from 9 December 1980 all services were withdrawn, except for some goods services to Coldstream. The line was officially closed to all traffic on 10 March 1983.

There are no facilities (apart from a water tap at Lilydale)

Warning notices advise users to avoid the trail during days of excessive heat.

A Food Service stall tent has been erected in the Yering car park, selling cold drinks and hot salami!

Colorful information notices along the trail describe the history of the region and railway - these include many photos of the railway.

The trail will eventually be extended to Yarra Glen, and planned for completion by December 2021, subject to funding.

I visited the Trail on January 23, 2021 - the photos show the environment and features, on a 3 km (return)journey starting at the car park.

Lower Dandenong Creek Nature Reserve - Dandenong North

2021-01-21T13:12:00.001+12:00

As an outcome of the extensive weed control project along the Lower Dandenong Creek Reserve under management by Melbourne Water and the Greater Dandenong Council a new scenic nature reserve has been created alongside the Creek. This is reached by a gravelled track leading from the Dandenong Creek Trail, about 1 km south of the intersection of Brady Rd.

It winds its way through rejuvenated forest, leading to a lookout over the Creek.

Colorful Information boards have been placed along the cleared track, describing the fauna and flora in the area. Seats have been provided along the route. New plantings of native shrubs line the track. Old logs from bushfires have been retained. The track is suitable for walking, bikes, and hounds! Platypuses and fish reside in the creek.

Beware of stinging bees and other flying insects!

Limited car parking is available on Brady Rd, at the trail access gate.

My exploration was on January 20, 2021, about 3 km total, 90 mins, including photo stops.

Westerfolds' Park - Southern Circuit

2020-12-31T06:58:00.000+12:00

These photos show the scenery and environment in the southern section of Westerfolds' Park, Templestowe, on December 30, 2020.

In past years, a canoe launching ramp existed here - relics remain just off the track, near the junction of the Yarra and Kestrel Creek.

This area is not often visited, and is reached from a gate on Porter St - there is car parking space there.

Tirhatuan Wetlands Conservation area - Rowville

2020-11-09T07:17:00.002+12:00

Pictures of November 8 2020, a circuit walk around the Wetlands Conservation area. The Track is reached from the end of Huntingdale Court, off Police Rd.

Blackburn South - Orchard Grove Reserve

2020-10-12T08:18:00.000+12:00

A 2 km exploration of the eastern section of the Reserve on October 11, 2020. Starting point was Fulton Rd, at the junction of Wurundjeri Walk Track. Many walkers and their hounds out enjoying the sun! The Wurundjeri Walk Raingarden is nearby!

SHORT WALKS AROUND BRIGHT AND UPPER OVENS VALLEY - New Book!

2020-09-21T12:05:00.000+11:00

SHORT WALKS AROUND BRIGHT AND UPPER OVENS VALLEY (by Mick Ogrizek)

This new self-published 167 page book, provides comprehensive information about undertaking 35 short walks (under three hours) in the Ovens Valley in north east Victoria (in Australia).

It describes walks in and around the towns of Myrtleford, Porepunkah, Bright, Wandiligong, Germantown, Freeburgh and Harrietville. Walk descriptions include starting and finishing points, distances, surface, difficulty, things to see, how to get to the start of the walk, and detailed route notes.

Many excellent colour photos complement the text. All of the walks were personally checked and researched during 2019 and 2020. The walks are arranged in order of towns.

An excellent resource!

Pricing and ordering details are available from this link:

https://tinyurl.com/Short-Walks-from-Bright

The book is also available through several on-line Australian retailers - pricing, availability, and delivery times are at the booko.com.au Book Price Comparison website:

https://tinyurl.com/y2wb46qn

Blackburn South - Wurundjeri Wetland

2020-09-13T10:26:00.000+11:00

Photos on a circuit hike of September 12 2020 around the Wurundjeri Wetland and Fulton Rd Retarding Basin, Blackburn South. Extensive works were in progress by Melbourne Water.

The Former Templestowe Bridge and Finn's Reserve - Pictorial History

2020-07-27T15:53:00.000+11:00

The Bridge in 1906 (SLV)

This is a Historical Research Project, which looks at the planning, construction, evolution, operations and closure of the Templestowe Bridge, which crossed the Yarra, linking Templestowe Township with Lower Plenty. It was built in 1855, and abandoned in the mid-1930s. Reference is also made to the Odyssey House suspension footbridge over the Yarra, nearby, built in 1950, and still existing, and other notable features of the district!

VIDEO INTRO

Here is a short film produced by the Australian Government titled "The History of Melbourne's Yarra River"

BRIEF HISTORY - The Suburb of Lower Plenty

Current (2020) map of Lower Plenty (Google)

Until 1851, the area (now Victoria!), was part of New South Wales, then from 1851 until 1901 it was the Colony of Victoria, with its own government within the British Empire. In 1901 it became a state of the new Commonwealth of Australia.

Lower Plenty, in earlier times part of Eltham, almost certainly got its name from the Lower Plenty Toll Bridge, built in 1860 to collect tolls across the Plenty River. This bluestone bridge still stands as part of the Lower Plenty Trail. A report of a court case, in The Argus newspaper, dated 1 May 1879, reveals two lads, Corkhill and Hodgson, "broke the windows of the old tollhouse, Lower Plenty bridge", some 19 years after the bridge was built.

The suburb is bounded by the Plenty River in the west until it joins the Yarra River, which forms the southern boundary. Fitzsimons Lane forms the eastern boundary and Airlie Road north of Main Road (a continuation of Lower Plenty Road from the west) forms the northern bouindary.

Lower Plenty has a low density of urban dwellings compared to nearby suburbs, and is dominated by large homesteads that are built away from the main roads. These houses sharply contrast with the relatively undeveloped roads (some unsealed) and infrastructure of the area.

The suburb of LOWER TEMPLESTOWE

Add caption

The Traditional Owners of the land that came to be known as Lower Templestowe were the Wurundjeri people. They never relinquished ownership, rather, the land was stolen from them by British Colonial Authorities.

In 1841 Frederic Unwin, a Sydney solicitor, purchased 5,120 acres, or eight square miles of land, including most of the present suburb of Lower Templestowe, from the Crown, for one pound an acre under the terms of the short-lived Special Survey regulations. The area was sometimes known as Unwin's Special Survey. Many European immigrants moved to Lower Templestowe in the 1970s. Lower Templestowe Post Office opened around 1902 and closed in 1973.

THE TEMPLESTOWE BRIDGE

In February 1855 Hungarian immigrant Sigismund Wekey purchased 211 acres (0.85 km²) in what is now Lower Plenty, via The Victoria Vineyard and Garden Fruit Company of which he was manager, with a vision to start a wine industry in the new settlement of Melbourne.

In 1855, the Victorian Govt built a new bridge crossing the Yarra, linking the communities of Templestowe and Lower Plenty. This was to provide an alternative, easier, shorter route to Eltham, as compared with the much longer tortuous route via Warrandyte. The bridge cut five km off the trip from the Eltham township to Melbourne.

The bridge and access roads spanned the river from the end of Thompson's Rd. across what is now Finn’s Reserve, and on the northern side linked up with the southern extremity of Bond’s Rd in Lower Plenty.

The structure replaced a punt, comprising three laminated arches on bluestone piers set in concrete. The bridge was timber construction. (The term "arches" refers to "spans")

The following dimensions were reported in "The Australasian" newspaper of March 8 1873:

a centre span of 100 ft
two side spans of 40 ft each
width - reported as "eight metres" in a Wikepedia article (2020) but not verified
Height of the bridge - no definitive data available - the only indicator is that the bridge spanned the river from concrete supports on the embankments about 20 metres asl - river depth was variable, subject to periodic flooding.

Present-day Finn's Park is 18 metres asl - Bond's Rd at the junction with the Main Yarra Trail is 18 metres asl.

The Templestowe residents were supplied with bread from Heidelberg, and many Heidelberg residents with meat from Templestowe, while several Melbourne milkmen drew large supplies from Templestowe.

The land for this road/bridge was donated by local landowners John Seymour and David Bell, and the Central Road Board agreed to level the road to the bridge on the Templestowe side through the estate of Henry Stooke.

The foundation stone, laid by John Hodgson M.L.C., on August 18 1855, concealed a manuscript giving details of the ceremony.

In
The foundation stone, laid by John Hodgson M.L.C., on August 18 1855, concealed a manuscript giving details of the ceremony. In 1873, further major repairs were made to the bridge, following the collapse of the central span.

The bridge remained in use until about 1935, when it was declared unsafe and abandoned. The last remnants of the bridge were finally washed away in the 1960s. Nothing remains.

Site of Bridge (author, markup based on Melways)

Southern extremity of Bond's Rd, showing power transmission lines (author, May 2020). The power lines followed the route of the bridge.

Location of the Bridge (author, Google Maps markup) The Templestowe West Drain is also known unofficially as Finn's Creek.

Aerial view from 1945 Survey Map, extending from Templestowe and Thompson's Rds junction (at bottom), Finn's Creek, the Yarra, Bond's Rd (at top), and properties either side of Bonds Rd. L-shaped structure and buildings at bottom left comprises Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel and stables. Union St extends from the junction slanting up to right

This is the "Engineers' Bridge", built by the Army in 1906, as a temporary replacement for the main bridge which was undergoing repairs (The Leader magazine, Feb 10 1906)

Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel c.1910, viewed from the end of Thompson's Rd. The perspective is foreshortened, buildings above and behind the hotel formed part of the original Templestowe township. Bushland behind the Hotel is Finn's Creek. The crossroad is Union St

Track on alignmnt of the old bridge, leading from Ruffey Trail (author, July 2020)

THE TEMPLESTOWE HISTORIC PAVILION

(James) Finn’s Hotel, built in 1872 in Templestowe, in Templestowe Rd, opposite present day Thompson's Rd, was earlier known as the Upper Yarra Hotel. It was a well-patronized stopping place for miners on the way to the Anderson’s Creek Goldfields. It lost its licence in the 1920s and gradually became dilapidated and was burnt down in 1967. The hotel was a famous landmark in the district which had a picturesque charm attracting artists and photographers.

The Access Rd to the Bridge extended past the hotel, and a walking track now occupies the alignment

The Pavilion, originally sponsored by the Templestowe Rotary Club, now stands on the site of the Hotel - inside the Pavilion are 16 large photos of the early history of Templestowe, behind glass. The captions have deteriorated and some have become illegible. Information cairns are at the front of the Pavilion.

Finn's Hotel 1872 (SLV)

The History Pavilion, site of Finn's Hotel (author, July 2020)

Cairn, The History Pavilion, site of Finn's Hotel (author, July 2020)

The History Pavilion, site of Finn's Hotel (author, July 2020)

In the 1840s, settlers moved in to the Lower Plenty district selecting large allotments from the Government for a mix of speculation, farming, vineyards, fruit growing, market gardening, cattle, sheep and horses. In 1851, legislation was enacted by the incoming Victorian Government to allow landowners to purchase the allotments they had chosen at very cheap cost, conditional on erecting and occupying a residence and establishing a farm within a specified period.

In the early 1850s, The Victoria Vineyard and Garden Fruit Company operated a punt across the Yarra, linking Templestowe with Lower Plenty. The punt's landing point on the Lower Plenty side was at the end of Bond's Rd, at that time a rough, stony unformed track. In later years it was sealed from the intersection of the present-day Main Yarra Trail, on the cliff-top. The Templestowe end was near Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel, on what is now Finn's Reserve. The Templestowe Bridge northern approach joined Bond's Rd.

Junction of Bond's Rd and Main Yarra Trail

Present day Bond's Rd (Southern end)

The alignment of the road from the Main Yarra Trail junction to the Yarra is now blocked to pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular traffic. Just south of the Trail are the remains of two farms, on either side of the road. For this article, these have been designated "Eastern" and "Western"

Road closed at end of Bond's Rd. Note power lines following the alignment of the bridge.(author 2020)

The dates of building of these homesteads are unknown, but would seem to be around the early 1900s. Demolition is believed to have occurred around 1965, when the Govt rezoned the land. The "Melbourne 1945" aerial map shows these two farms with several outbuildings and rows of fruit trees/vines.

From the present-day Ruffey Trail a rusted corrugated iron tank is visible on the north bank of the river, with a cultivated area of darker colored low vegetation extending to the west. This is within the zone marked "Road Reservation", extending on land outside the boundaries of the two demolished properties. It's purpose is unknown, and can only be reached by canoe!

Bond's Rd - Eastern Farm

This farm was on on the eastern side overlooking the Yarra and Finns Park/Wombat Bend, but no structures remain. The surviving entrance to the original former curved driveway has two ornate stone pillars about 2m tall, which once had iron gates. The remainder of the property is now a tangle of blackberry bushes, prickly plants, old hedges and wild fruit trees. Some broken bricks and foundations and scraps of colored tiles from the original homestead lie scattered amongst the rabbit burrows. A stand of tall pine trees would appear to have been adjacent to the former homestead.

It is possible to walk through to the base of the pine trees along a rough foot-track, which starts and finishes at the Main Yarra Trail.

Some original fencing remains, now mainly rusting barbed-wire.

Bond's Rd - Western Farm

This property is now derelict, with no surviving above-ground structures. It's main gate was just south of the Main Yarra Trail crossing. The Trail actually passes through the property, which extended south to the Yarra. Outlines of old tracks were discovered by examination of LandShare mapping applications, not apparent from ground-level exploration.

A recent attempt by the author to explore the area from the Main Yarra Trail towards the river proved futile, due to extensive regrowth and weeds. No machetes available!

Note that the north bank of the river at the closed off Bond's Rd area is comprised of cliffs, which extend to the Odyssey House suspension bridge and beyond.


Survey Map based on LandVic (2020) showing the river and boundaries of original allotments surveyed in 1850, approximately at the bridge site. The structure visible just north of the river (centre) is the old water tank, visible from Finn's Reserve. The land between the two vertical boundaries was never allocated for private ownership and was reserved for what became Bond's Rd and the bridge.

Power Lines

A transmission line extends across the Yarra from the end of Bond's Rd and follows the e alignment of the old bridge. It passes through Finn's Reserve near the History Pavilion, then crossing Templestowe Rd and continuing alongside Thompson's Rd to Manningham Rd. It's original purpose is thought to be a sub-connector for servicing properties at the southern end of Bond's Rd.

There is a power pole at the Ruffey Trail - markings on the pole indicate that it was installed in November 1987 but this may have been the date on which an earlier pole was replaced due to bushfire damage. The image (author July 2020) below shows the plate on the pole specifying the date as " 11 1987'' as the date of installation. "ECV" denotes "SECV"

Power lines crossing the Yarra, near the site of the former bridge (Google)

"Rosehill" - Henry Stooke

Rosehill homestead in 1973 (SLV)

Rosehill Homestead, 56 Bond's Rd Lower Plenty, is located on land purchased by farmer Henry Stooke from the Crown in February 1855.The date of the house is unknown, but it is believed to be contemporary with the land purchase. Construction of the house is believed to be locally quarried stone with brick window and door surrounds, rendered externally and plastered externally. The remains of a brick barn can be seen on the property. Rosehill is an early surviving substantial homestead in the district. The house has historical associations, is important in the surrounding landscape and is of interest as an example of a homestead of the period. Henry Stooke was prominent in local affairs and he reflects the emerging settlement and development of the area. He owned land which he donated for building the access roads to the Templestowe Bridge.

The composite nature of the construction, using brick and local stone, is also of interest and typical of the period. Rosehill has possibly been built in stages and alterations have been made.

"Rosehill" homestead property, and outbuildings, from 1945 survey photo

RADIO TRANSMITTERS

Most of the AM radio transmitters servicing Greater Melbourne are located in Bond's Rd, Lower Plenty, just north of the Main Yarra Trail crossing. There are two adjacent sites, carrying these stations: 3UZ 3PB SEN 3RPH 3EE 3KND. Maximum power is limited to 5 kW. Output is multiplexed, from two masts - top of Main Mast is 136 m above ground level, Standby Mast is 54 m. Antennas are vertical monopoles.

Aerial view July 2020

Picture of July 2020 (author)

Odyssey House

Odyssey house in Lower Plenty occupies a large rural allotment adjacent to the Yarra River. It consists of a number of large neo-classical buildings dating from the 1940s to the 1990s. The footbridge is located in the grounds of Odyssey House and is reached by a ramped footpath from the carpark. There is a bluestone embankment constructed at the foot of the bridge. The area is characterized by Parkland associated with the Yarra Trail and has a range of exotic and native tree species. The area is managed by Parks Victoria.

Odyssey House - aerial view July 2020 (Earth)

Odyssey House Suspension Bridge

Built in 1950, known as the Ruffey Trail Bridge, this crosses the Yarra River between Odyssey House on Bonds Road, Lower Plenty, and Finns Reserve in Templestowe. The bridge incorporates a hybrid structure, combining cables, stays and suspension cables. The footway is laid with wooden planks, although whether or not these are original is unclear, while wire mesh stretches across the railing either side. The bridge demonstrates an established engineering system of footbridge construction.

Magnified view from "Melbourne 1945" survey map showing vacant land on the Lower Plenty side of the Yarra, which would later become the site of the new Monastery. Bond's Rd at extreme left. The road (Duncan St) slanting up from left ends at the canoe access point, adjacent to present-day car park for Finn's Reserve.

Odyssey Suspension Bridge - July 2020

Odyssey Suspension Bridge - July 2020 (Author)


Entrance to Ruffey Trail Bridge (Odyssey Bridge) (author 2020)	ey Huse Bdge)

Odyssey Bridge to celebrate opening of Monastery (The Advocate, Feb 4 1952)

The Canoe Access Point - Yarra River

This is reached from a track pathway starting at the Ruffey Trail, adjacent to the shelter shed. The site has been upgraded and access improved by Melbourne Water in 2020 by the provision of new steel handrails and track resurfacing for safety considerations. Some historical features are preserved including an old notice board warning visitors about the rapids, a depth indicator, and a low stone border. The site is believed to have been built in the 1890s. The remains of old concrete foundations are apparent adjacent to the track, thought to be the supports of the winch rope which was used by swimmers crossing the river. A legacy of this on the northern bank is a Tarzan rope.

Aerial 3D view of bridge site. The object resembling a railway line at centre is the existing (2020) power line grid.This grid appears to float when viewed on Earth! It follows the alignment of the bridge.(Earth Google).

Contours (2020) of the land at the southern end of Bond's Rd

Hugely magnified view . It shows the Yarra (at bottom) and Bond's Rd, with the two farmhouses (white objects, and orchards) on either side. ("Melbourne 1945" aerial survey map).

Looking west, Finn's Reserve at bottom left, Bond's Rd in centre (3D Earth view 2020)

The Water Tank (telephoto) seen from Finn's Reserve - Ruffey Trail) July 2020 (author)

Satellite view (2020) of the Lower Plenty derelict "Water Tank", to the left of the HV Transmission Lines

Tinted image dated 1906 showing Yarra at Templestowe, thought to have been taken looking towards Lower Plenty from near present-day Wombat Bend (SLV)

Cattle in Templestowe, c1910 (SLV)

Part of Templestowe, land allotments, 1921 (SLV). The southern end of the bridge was on the land crossing allotment #3 at the left of picture.


Site of present day Canoe Access Point

Louis Buvelot, painting of 1866, looking north from Thompson's Rd towards the junction of Templestowe Rd. A farm on right, many sheep, Bell's Hotel in distance, Mt Sugarloaf on horizon. (National Gallery of Victoria.

Yarra, view from Ruffey Trail Bridge (author, July 2020)

Looking south towards Templestowe from Cleveland Ave, Lower Plenty (Author July 2020)


Earth 3D view (2020) looking east over Finn's Reserve, showing Bond's Rd coming in from left

Finn's Reserve

Nestled by the Yarra River, Finns Reserve is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get active. It was created in 1974, with walking racks, bike paths, fitness station and Wombat Bend playspace. It can be enjoyed by everyone.

The southern approach to the former bridge was reached from a road which crossed the land which ultimately became the Reserve.

Pack a picnic and relax by the Yarra - or cook a meal on the onsite barbecues. There are also toilets and drinking fountains onsite.

You’ll love exploring the large mosaic titled ‘The Circle of Friends’ and navigating the maze panels. Or try building your own cubby house from bush materials in the nature play area (east of the playground).

Wombat Bend is a popular play space that attracts visitors from the local area and across Melbourne. Children and people young at heart love exploring Wombat Bend’s sensory play activities, accessible path networks, picnic area, maze, swings, slides, climbing cube, amphitheatre, flying fox, carousel and native forest walk.

The Templestowe History Pavilion is located in Finn's Reserve next to Finn's Creek opposite Thompson's Rd..

Cross the suspension bridge to see the ducks and, if you look very closely, you may even spot the platypus that frequents this section of the river. Westerfolds Park is just one km away so why not follow the Main Yarra Trail for a fun bushland walking experience.

There are several walking paths and tracks in the Reserve:

Ruffey Trail - this enters the park at the east across a bridge over Ruffey reek and follows the northern perimeter of the Park to its end at Templestowe Rd

Main Yarra Trail - on the Lower Plenty side, reached from the suspension bridge at the junction of the Ruffey Trail

Scout Hall Trail - starts at the eastern car park at the suspension bridge - passes Scout Hall then ends at the eastern side of Wombat Bend
Union St Trail - starts at the eastern western car park, follows the southern boundary fence to the History Pavilion.

Yarra Lookouts are at:

the suspension bridge, Ruffey Trail near picnic Area
canoe access point next to barbecue area
Main Yarra Trail (Lower Plenty) above Finns Reserve
foot-track off Ruffey Trail over Finn's Creek

References

Acknowledgement is extended to the following organizations for material used in the compilation of this article:

National Library of Australia (Digitised newspapers - Trove)
Museums Victoria
Picture Victoria
State Library of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society
Eltham Historical Society
Manningham Council
Nillumbik Council
Banyule Council
Whitehorse Council
Yarra Valley Water
Earth Google
Google Maps
Melbourne University Mapping Collections
Melways
Landshare Vic
Rosehill Homestead History
Odyssey House History
Wikepedia
Australian Communications Media Authority

This is a listing of significant events described in the text

1840s Settlers moved in to Lower Plenty district
1841 Frederic Unwin, a Sydney solicitor, purchased 5,120 acres
1850 The Victoria Vineyard and Garden Fruit Company built a punt across the Yarra, linking Templestowe with Lower Plenty
1855 Hungarian immigrant Sigismund Wekey purchased 211 acres in what is now Lower Plenty, via The Victoria Vineyard and Garden Fruit Company
1860 Plenty River Toll Bridge built
1900s Many European immigrants moved to Lower Templestowe
1902 Lower Templestowe Post Office opened and closed in 1973.
1855 Rosehill Homestead, 56 Bond's Rd Lower Plenty, is located on land purchased by farmer Henry Stooke from the Crown
1855 Victorian Govt built ther Templestowe Bridge crossing the Yarra
1872 (James) Finn’s Hotel built in 1872
1873 major repairs were made to the bridge, following the collapse of tcentral span.
1906 Engineers' Bridge, built by the Army as a temporary replacement for main bridge which was undergoing repairs
1935 Bridge remained in use until about 1935, when it was declared unsafe and abandoned.
1960s Remnants of the bridge were finally washed away
1920s Finn's Hotel lost its licence
1967 Finn's Hotel burnt down
1950 Ruffey Trail Bridge built
1974 Finns Reserve created

Yarra, view from Ruffey Trail Bridge (author, July 2020)

A short video by the author, with music, of a hike through the bushland adjacent to the Yarra, starting at the Ruffey Trail Bridge (2020)

Epilogue

All good literary works have Epilogues, so I suppose that this one would not rank too highly!
If you have got this far, then I reckon that this story has served its purpose rather well!

Perhaps one day we may catch up out at Finn's Park, if you listen closely you may hear the call of the Platypus! There's still a little bit more, so don't leave yet - been nice to have had your company. To close out this show, here's a cute little movie preview of the 1984 film titled

"THE NEVER ENDING STORY"

"Cruising down the River on a Sunday afternoon" (1949 release) (video)

The Canoe Access Point - Lower Templestowe

2020-07-09T06:44:00.001+11:00

The Canoe Access Point is located on the southern bank of the Yarra, adjacent to the Finn's Reserve Picnic Area. It is in a deep-water section of the river and dates back to the late 1890s. It is reached by an unsealed pathway via a gate on the Ruffey Trail next to the main car park.

It has recently been upgraded by Melboune Water/Manningam Council by the installation of strong steel handrails, for compliance with current occupational health and safety standards.

It's purpose is primarily for canoeists and kayakers and the actual landing point is reached by large stone steps. Surviving artefacts includc an old grafitti-covered metal warning sign and a large stone block of unknown date or purpose - this may have been a foundation stone for a flying-fox or bridge.. On the opposite (Lower Plenty) bank is a further set of steps leading up from the water from a small cleared area. A rough track goes through the bushland up the hill to the Main Yarra Trail. A colored stonework retaining wall lines the edge of the access pathway.

My visit was on July 8, 2020.

(Above) Northern bank

(Above) Northern bank with Tarzan Rope!

Old warning signage

Old stonework on access pathway

Equestrian Track, Lower Plenty

2020-07-02T07:48:00.000+11:00

These pictures show the scenery and environment along the Equestrian Track, Lower Plenty, on July 1 2020. The track links Cleveland Avenue and Bond's Rd, passing between large horse farms. It was reached from Rosanna Rd, Banyule Rd, Henty Rd, the Plenty Bridge, and the Rosanna Golf Course. The Plenty River Trail and Main Yarra Trail are nearby.

The view south across the Yarra Valley to Templestowe is excellent, with many kangaroos and grazing cattle!

Horses come up to the fence to pass the time of day!

Odyssey House is prominent.