What if we could step back in time to Croydon North’s humble beginnings? This suburb of Melbourne boasts a unique story. Croydon North sits 31 kilometers east of Melbourne’s Central Business District. It resides within the City of Maroondah.
Croydon North began as a small settlement. This settlement was near Brushy Creek. The area was aptly named Brushy Creek. A hotel was built near the creek in 1855. Another was built a few kilometers north ten years later. In 1878 a school was built. A church and post office soon followed in Croydon North. Cobb and Co coach served the area. It ran from Kew.
The Croydon North Post Office opened on November 1 1925. It was in the then-rural area. Today it only runs as a newsagent.
Dame Nellie Melba opened the Croydon North Hall in 1927. It is now a sewing school on Exeter Road. The hall was made of strong Australian timber. Dame Nellie Melba was very proud of this.
The area was primarily developed in the 60s-80s. It has also seen recent development. This development came in the form of property subdivisions.
In April 2022 a tragic event occurred. A woman was murdered by her husband at their home. This home was on Patrick Avenue in Croydon North. Detectives and forensic officers attended the scene. Her husband was charged with murder. He pleaded guilty early in the legal process.
Croydon North is well-connected. Ventura Bus Services link residents to surrounding areas. These areas include Croydon Ringwood Chirnside Park Lilydale and Knox. Croydon North also has a V/line stop. This stop is along the Melbourne to Mansfield coach service. It is located at the Maroondah Hwy Exeter Road Bus Stop. It is simply named ‘Croydon’. Several bus routes serve Croydon North. These routes connect it to various destinations.
Croydon North offers educational opportunities. Yarra Road Primary School was established in 1925. It served the growing population west of central Croydon North. Village School offers an alternative learning experience. Croydon North also has three Kindergartens. These are Barngeong Reserve Kindergarten Croydon North Kindergarten and Milestone Child Care and Kindergarten.
The main shopping retail strip is conveniently located. It is on both sides of the Maroondah Highway and along Exeter Road. Here you can find a Coles Bottle-o Chemist and Aussie Bank. You can also find a cafe a bike shop and a fish and chips shop. Other stores include news agents a cheese cake factory and an optometrist. You can also find a florist and a bakery. On the eastern side you can find a tattoo shop and a Thai restaurant. There is also a United Petrol Station.
Croydon North recorded a population of 8092 at the 2021 census. The suburb is home to plenty parks paths and reserves. It has a great recreational walking and cycling culture. Croydon North is within the City of Maroondah. It is in the Barngeong ward. Independent Chris Jones currently represents this ward. The area is served by both the MFB and CFA.