The Golf Ball they call it. That enormous water tower dominates the Hillside skyline. From afar it looks like a giant white orb. A beacon in the outer north-western suburbs of Melbourne.
Hillside isn’t just a suburb. It’s a story of transformation. Once farmland its rolling terrain now hosts modern estates. Names like Cypress Rise and Banchory Grove whisper of a quieter past. A past where plane trees lined the streets. These trees planted during Hillside’s farming days are still standing. They offer shade and a link to the area’s agricultural heritage.
Hillside wasn’t always Hillside. About 18 years ago it was part of Sydenham. The change reflects the suburb’s growth and distinct identity. Today Hillside boasts a population of over 17000. This makes it a bustling community. Yet it still retains a sense of neighbourhood friendliness.
Imagine strolling along Hillside’s gently sloping main street. The plane trees form a leafy canopy. The Golf Ball water tower keeps watch from afar. Close by the Sydenham Hillside Football Club plays Australian Rules Football. Their matches are a community event. A source of local pride.
Hillside is more than houses and sporting fields. There are also schools and reserves. The Banchory Grove nature conservation reserve is a tranquil space. A haven amidst the suburban sprawl. Cana Catholic primary school and Parkwood Green State primary school educate the younger generations. Hillside’s community centre is the heart of many local gatherings.
Hillside is conveniently located just 24 kilometres north-west of Melbourne’s CBD. However the Watergardens railway station is the closest for train access. This is a short journey depending on where you live in Hillside. Taylors Hill Village and Watergardens shopping centres are also nearby. Shopping options are expanding however with plans for a new shopping centre in Hillside itself.
The journey from farmland to suburbia is a unique one. Hillside is a testament to Melbourne’s growth and its ability to retain charm. Hillside is more than a suburb. It’s a community. A place where history and modern life meet. And that giant Golf Ball water tower. It remains a constant. A silent witness to Hillside’s evolution. A reminder of the area’s quiet past and bright future.