Picture this a charming English-style farmhouse nestled amongst the hills. This is Coonara House the oldest building in Upper Ferntree Gully. It’s more than just a house. It’s a window into the past a testament to Upper Ferntree Gully’s rich history.
Upper Ferntree Gully a suburb of Melbourne started life as a farming area. It marked the end of the electric train line from Melbourne. This made it a popular spot for day-trippers escaping the city’s hustle. Many Melburnians holidayed here in charming cottages well into the 1930s. The area boasts stunning natural beauty. Ferntree Gully Park is part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. It’s home to the famous 1000 Steps. This challenging climb commemorates the Kokoda Track and the bravery of Australian soldiers in World War II.
Kings Park a vibrant hub of local activities sits alongside Ferntree and Ferny creeks. It hosts football cricket athletics and baseball matches. Nearby Gilmour Park features Melbourne Water’s Retarding Basin. But Upper Ferntree Gully’s history is woven into the fabric of its streets. Many historic buildings have sadly been lost to time. The original primary school nestled near the Country Fire Authority station is gone. The tea rooms at the corner of Rollings Road and Burwood Highway lost their original charm during renovations. Even the cycling velodrome behind St Joseph’s College is a distant memory. Only the old bakery in Rose Street remains. Today it houses the 1812 Amateur Theatre Group.
The Angliss Hospital a significant landmark opened in 1939. It’s not just a hospital. It’s where cricketing legend Shane Warne was born in 1969. Nearby Chandler House previously a bush nursing hospital now provides mental health services. The suburb also boasts a veterinary hospital catering to its furry residents.
Upper Ferntree Gully’s community spirit is undeniable. The Country Fire Authority protects its residents. The Talaksia Scout Group fosters adventurous spirits. St Thomas’ Anglican Church and Upper Ferntree Gully Seventh-day Adventist Church provide spiritual guidance. The International Women’s Group and Coonara Community House offer support and connection.
Upper Ferntree Gully offers limited retail. Food hairdressing banking and essential services are along Burwood Highway. Ferntree Plaza is the largest retail centre. But Upper Ferntree Gully isn’t just a place of history and community. It’s a living vibrant suburb with its own unique character. It’s a place that connects people to nature to history and to each other. It’s a place where you can feel the spirit of the past while enjoying the charm of the present. This is Upper Ferntree Gully.