Ferntree Gully Local History
Ferntree Gully is a suburb in the eastern part of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is home to approximately 26,000 residents and is situated in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
The suburb was named after the gully located in the upper reaches of the Dandenong Ranges. The gully was named by early settlers due to the abundance of ferns that grew in the area.
Indigenous history of the area dates back to the Wurundjeri people who were the traditional owners of the land. Evidence of their presence can be seen in the form of rock shelters and scar trees found in the surrounding area.
The first European settlement in the area was in the 1850s with the establishment of orchards and farming. The arrival of the railway in 1889 allowed for easier access to and from the area and boosted economic growth.
Ferntree Gully became a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways due to its natural beauty, and in the early 1900s, many guesthouses and picnic spots were established in the area. The popular tourist attraction, Ferntree Gully National Park, was officially opened in 1926.
The suburb has a long history of bushfires, with devastating fires occurring in 1936, 1962, and 1997. The fires in 1962 were particularly destructive, with 17 lives lost and over 700 homes destroyed.
Ferntree Gully has also been a hub for industry, with the manufacturing of cars, aircraft, and electronics being prominent in the 20th century. The Ferntree Gully Industrial Estate was established in the 1960s, and today, the area is home to a variety of businesses including retail, manufacturing, and service industries.
The suburb has undergone significant development in recent years, with the construction of new housing estates and community facilities, such as the Knox Civic Centre and the Knox Leisureworks Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Ferntree Gully is known for its strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals throughout the year. The Ferntree Gully Village Fair and the biennial Knox Festival are popular events that bring the community together.
In conclusion, Ferntree Gully has a rich and varied history, from its Indigenous heritage to its growth as a tourist destination and hub for industry. Today, it remains a vibrant and thriving suburb in Melbourne's east.