Picture a quaint town nestled on the Mornington Peninsula. This is Baxter a place steeped in history and brimming with unexpected stories. Benjamin Baxter a pastoralist established a property called Carrup Carrup in 1840. His name lives on in the town itself. This wasn’t just any farm. Benjamin successfully bred shorthorn cattle. He truly put Baxter on the map. His original cottage still stands today a testament to a simpler time. You can visit his gravesite in the Frankston Cemetery. It reads Benjamin Baxter late of HM 50th regiment. He died at Carrup Carrup on May 15 1892 aged 87. His wife Martha is buried there too. She passed away in 1906 aged 94.
Baxter’s growth is intrinsically linked to the railway. The line to Mornington and Stony Point built in the late 1880s. It conveniently split right at Baxter’s Flat. The station was initially called Mornington Junction but was later renamed Baxter. Its status as a junction ended in the 1980s. This is when the Mornington line closed. The town itself grew around this crucial railway hub. A Post Office opened at Mornington Junction on December 1 1892. It was renamed Baxter in 1918.
Beyond the railway Baxter boasts a rich heritage. Eurutta formerly Sage’s Cottage is a significant homestead. It dates back to the 1850s. Then there is Mulberry Hill an American-style residence. It dates back to the 1920s. This impressive home once belonged to Joan Lindsay the author of Picnic at Hanging Rock. She lived there with her husband Sir Daryl Lindsay. Their home hosted many notable figures. Guests included Vivien Leigh and Sir Robert Helpmann. It is a remarkable example of architectural history.
Baxter Primary School opened its doors in 1890. The town’s centenary was celebrated in 2018 at the school. A small community with an outsized personality. Baxter is more than just a suburb. Its people contribute to the rich tapestry of Australian history. From pioneering pastoralists to celebrated authors Baxter is a hidden gem. Discover its captivating stories for yourself.