“Imagine living in a place where the trees are so abundant, they give the town its name.” That’s the story of The Patch. A quaint village nestled in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges , about 39 kilometers east of Melbourne. The Patch earned its name in the 1860s because of a unique characteristic. A concentrated “patch” of Mountain Ash trees grew in this particular area. This distinguished the location from the surrounding landscapes.
The Patch wasn’t always a peaceful haven of greenery. A short-lived gold rush swept through the region in 1858. Then, during the economic hardship of the 1890s, The Patch became a refuge for the unemployed from Melbourne. Through the Settlement on Lands Act of 1893, they were granted 10-acre plots for farming.
Life was tough for these new settlers. Many had never farmed before, and their dwellings were basic shacks. Despite the challenges, berry growing took root and thrived. By the late 1890s, The Patch’s delicious berries were making their way to markets, a testament to the residents’ resilience. The Patch has retained its small-town charm. It’s a peaceful place where residents enjoy a strong sense of community at the local general store, primary school, and community hall. As you leave The Patch, remember its history. It’s a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring beauty of the Australian landscape.