Bulla

Deep in the heart of Victoria, nestled amidst the gentle slopes and flowing waters of Deep Creek, lies the quaint township of Bulla. What does the name Bulla even mean? It’s an Aboriginal word meaning “two”. Bulla, first settled in 1843 by William “Tulip” Wright, Melbourne’s former chief constable, offers a glimpse into Victoria’s rich past. Imagine yourself transported back to the 1850s. Bulla is a bustling hub, freshly surveyed and brimming with activity. A flour mill grinds away, its gears churning out the lifeblood of the community. Nearby, a brickworks and pottery, fueled by local kaolinite reserves, add to the symphony of industry. Bulla was more than just industry. It was a community, quickly establishing churches, a school, a general store, and even council offices by 1862. Two of these churches still stand today, proudly bearing the mark of the National Trust. The heartbeat of Bulla, its post office, opened its doors in 1851, initially known as Bulla Bulla. While initially the largest town in its region, Bulla’s growth was eventually overshadowed by its neighbor, Sunbury. The Bulla Shire Council relocated to Sunbury in 1956, a move that further cemented Sunbury’s ascendance. Sadly, in 1996, the local primary school closed its doors, marking another chapter in Bulla’s evolving story. But Bulla’s story doesn’t end there. In the early 1900s, the Bulla Cream Company brought a new wave of activity. Dairy farms dotted the landscape, with horse-drawn carts carrying fresh cream to Moonee Ponds for processing. This enterprise would eventually give its name to the beloved Bulla Ice Cream, a staple in Melbourne supermarkets. Today, Bulla retains its charm. The town centre boasts a large reserve, a hub for sports and community gatherings. The Tullamarine Live Steam Society, with its miniature railway and monthly markets, adds a touch of whimsy. For rose enthusiasts, the Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden, adjacent to the former Shire’s bluestone hall, offers a fragrant delight. Clark, a prominent figure in Bulla’s history and a renowned rose breeder, left behind a legacy now carefully preserved by local volunteers. Bulla might be a small town, but its story is woven into the fabric of Victoria’s history.