Once known as Scrubby Creek, Humevale now stands as a testament to time. Today we explore its story. Humevale sits 39 kilometers northeast of Melbourne’s Central Business District. It resides within the City of Whittlesea.
Humevale’s story begins with humble origins. The area was first a farmer’s common. For a fee, cattle and horses grazed here. A herdsman patrolled the land. Paling splitters also worked the Mount Disappointment range nearby. Imagine them toiling amidst the trees.
In 1894, the government initiated a closer settlement scheme. Humevale was subdivided into small farms and a village. This marked a new chapter for Humevale. The Plenty River Fruit Growers Association purchased blocks. T.R. Gilchrist and R.E. Dawson planted the Glenlinton Vineyard. For over 30 years, they sold wine in Britain. Their wine was made from semillon, hermitage and cabernet sauvignon grapes.
Second-generation settlers renamed Scrubby Creek to Humevale in the 1920s. They honored Hamilton Hume. He explored nearby Mount Disappointment in 1824.
A post office served the community. It opened around 1902 as Scrubby Creek. In 1927, it was renamed Humevale. Sadly, it closed in 1959. A school also existed in Humevale. It operated from 1898 until 1968.
Commercial orchards thrived here until the 1930s. Then, livestock grazing replaced them. Dawson’s sons grubbed out the vines during the depression. The Whittlesea Country Club occupies part of Dawson’s old land now. Equine and grazing properties dot the area. Hobby farms also add to the landscape.
One bus route currently serves Humevale. It is the 384: Kinglake – Whittlesea via Humevale. Dysons operates this service.
Humevale’s population was 352 in 2021. Humevale is a peaceful locality. It offers a glimpse into Victoria’s rural past. The Green Wedge Management Plan ensures sustainable use of Whittlesea’s rural land.
Humevale stands as a reminder of simpler times. From its origins as Scrubby Creek to its present-day charm, Humevale holds a special place in Victoria’s history.