Intrigued by a town named after precious stones? Welcome to Gembrook District. We are 54 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. It is a place where history and nature intertwine.
Gembrook’s story begins in 1873. Settlers arrived seeking land for farming and timber. The name “Gembrook” comes from the small gems found in its creeks. Imagine early settlers discovering emeralds and sapphires. These finds gave the town its enchanting name.
Timber played a vital role in Gembrook’s early economy. The forests provided income as farms were established. In 1900, the Gembrook railway line opened. This narrow-gauge line, now known as Puffing Billy, transformed the town. Puffing Billy brought tourists and enabled transport of timber and local produce. Think of fruit trees and potatoes heading to Melbourne. More than 20 timber mills operated around Gembrook. Timber tramways connected the mills to the station.
Disaster struck in 1926 and 1939. Devastating fires destroyed many timber mills. The railway line faced closure. Motor traffic gradually replaced the railway’s importance. The line eventually closed in 1954 after a landslide. A section of the line reopened as a scenic railway in 1962. The complete service between Belgrave and Gembrook resumed in 1998.
Tourism boomed thanks to the railway. The Ranges Hotel expanded in 1901. It catered to day trippers from Melbourne. Sadly, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 2018.
Today, Gembrook is a popular destination. People come to experience its charm and natural beauty. The town has evolved from farming and timber to tourism and professional services. Gembrook is also a winemaking region. Several well-known wineries call it home. Also, Gembrook is home to the Gillwell Park Scout Camp. It is one of the largest scout camps in the southern hemisphere.
Take a walk in Gembrook Park. Visit the Gembrook Leisure Park. Explore Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Every fourth Sunday, the Gembrook Market offers local arts and crafts. It promotes sustainable living.
The Puffing Billy Railway remains a major attraction. A short walk from Gembrook Station lies Gembrook Bushland Park. The giant mountain ash trees will amaze you. Enjoy the Station Masters Walk. It offers stunning views of Gembrook’s farmland.
Gembrook offers a blend of history, nature and modern amenities. As you leave, remember the gems that gave this town its name. Remember the Puffing Billy that shaped its destiny. Gembrook is more than just a town. It is a journey through time.