“Rising ground”. That’s what the Kulin people called this area. Today, we know it as Malvern District.
Malvern, a vibrant suburb of Melbourne, is calling us. It sits a mere 8 kilometers southeast of the city’s central business district. This is a place brimming with history and modern life.
The first European settlers arrived in 1835. John Gardiner built his home here. The area was known as Gardiners Creek. But the name Malvern came later. Charles Skinner, a barrister, sold private lots. He named it the Malvern Hill Estate in 1856. Skinner’s family came from Ledbury, near Malvern Hill, Herefordshire. The name stuck. The Malvern Hill Hotel became a local landmark. This helped to cement the area’s new title.
Malvern Post Office opened in 1860. It was on Glenferrie Road. In 1892, a new office opened near Wattletree Road. The original post office became Malvern North.
The Gardiners Creek Roads Board became Malvern Council in the 1860s. The shire hall was built in 1886. It stands on the corner of Glenferrie Road and High Street.
Trams began running in 1910. The Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust launched its first tram from the Malvern depot.
Malvern is the home of Malvern Star. This was once Australia’s largest bicycle manufacturer.
Today, Malvern is a shopper’s paradise. Malvern Central is the main attraction. It features David Jones and Woolworths. Glenferrie Road offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
Malvern also boasts beautiful parks and gardens. Malvern Gardens is a highlight. It has a fountain on the site of a natural spring. The fountain now runs on electricity.
The Malvern Town Hall is impressive. It is in the Second Empire style. The Stonnington City Council meets here. The Malvern Police Station is next to the town hall.
Several heritage buildings grace Malvern. Stonington mansion is one. The Malvern tram depot is another. The former ES&A Bank stands on Glenferrie Road. Malvern railway station is also significant.
Several churches dot the landscape. St Joseph’s Parish Church and St George’s Anglican Church stand tall. The Malvern Presbyterian Church adds to the area’s spiritual richness.
Malvern is a transport hub. The Malvern tram depot services many routes. Malvern railway station is a busy stop. It serves the Frankston, Pakenham, and Cranbourne lines.
Many notable people have called Malvern home. Robert Doyle, former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, lived here. Sir Robert Menzies, a former Prime Minister, also resided in Malvern. His legacy is remembered in the Robert Menzies Reserve.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day vibrancy, Malvern offers a blend of history and community. Take a stroll. Explore its streets. Discover the charm of Malvern for yourself.