Imagine standing where a grand mansion once stood. This is Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground. A place of peace now offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
Doongalla Homestead’s story begins in 1892. Sir Mathew Davies, a member of parliament, built a magnificent 32-room mansion here. In 1908, Miss Helen Simson bought the property and renamed it Doongalla. The name means place of peace. She developed the gardens. She also built the stables. T. M. Burke, a local estate agent, purchased Doongalla in 1922.
Burke later donated the lookout area to the government in 1927. He requested it be named Burke’s Lookout. It had previously been known as Barnes’ Lookout.
Tragedy struck in 1932. A fire destroyed the Doongalla Homestead mansion. Only the stables and servants’ quarters remained. The house was never rebuilt. Today, Parks Victoria Rangers occupy the original servants’ quarters. The stables are long gone. But the front steps still lead to the picnic area. They mark where the grand home once stood.
In the late 1940s, a campaign began to save the Dandenongs. As a result, the government bought the Doongalla property for 8,000 pounds. It has been administered as a Forest Park ever since. The stables were demolished in the late 1950s due to safety concerns.
Today, Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground offers more than just history. It provides a peaceful retreat. Families enjoy well-equipped picnic areas. Nature lovers explore landscaped gardens and winding trails.
Several walking tracks begin here. The Stables Track Loop is a relatively easy walk. More challenging is the Channel 10 Track. It leads to Burke’s Lookout. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
Doongalla has two picnic areas. The Stables Picnic Ground is surrounded by tall Mountain Ash trees and tree ferns. It provides a shaded and quiet setting. The Homestead Picnic Ground has open lawns. These are perfect for kids to play on. Both areas have picnic tables and wood barbecues. Remember to bring your own wood.
Listen closely. You might hear the rustling of leaves. You might even spot a lyrebird. Doongalla Homestead is not just a picnic ground. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. It is a place where you can find peace. It is a place where you can reflect on the past. As you leave, remember the grand mansion that once stood here. Remember the people who shaped this place. Carry a piece of Doongalla’s peace with you.