Ever wondered about a place named after a grand opera enthusiast? That’s Lysterfield for you. I’m eager to tell you the tale of this Melbourne suburb. It is a place that started as farmland and evolved into a popular spot for recreation.
Lysterfield, Victoria, lies 32 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD. The area was first settled around 1838. Originally part of Narre Warren, it gained the name Lysterfield in 1874. This happened when land was allocated for a primary school. Back then, Lysterfield also encompassed present-day Rowville.
The name Lysterfield comes from Mr. Lyster. He acquired an original land grant. His homestead was later occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Geo Hyden. Interestingly, Lyster is said to have introduced grand opera to Australia. His opera company debuted in Melbourne in 1869.
Lysterfield Road had its challenges. It was once a major blackspot in Victoria. Fixing it cost the Victorian State Government $2.3 million. Further down Lysterfield Road, you’ll find the City of Knox Avenue of Honour. Pine trees were planted there in 1918-19. They stand in recognition of First World War veterans.
One prominent attraction is Lysterfield Lake. It was created in 1929. The State Rivers & Water Supply Commission built it. Its purpose was to supply water to the Mornington Peninsula, Springvale, and Dandenong. Lysterfield Lake Park emerged as a water catchment area around the lake. Today, the park provides facilities for sailing, swimming, canoeing, mountain biking, and walking. The park sits partly in the City of Knox, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, and the City of Casey. Within the park, you can discover ruins. These include the Donlane and the Dargon homestead site, complete with orchards and the remains of Boy’s Farm dairy.
Lysterfield has faced natural challenges too. In February 2009, bushfires threatened the area. Fortunately, no homes were lost.
Lysterfield has changed over time. In the past, Lysterfield included a charcoal burning plant. It operated until around 1920. Lysterfield Quarry began operations around 1924. Long timbers came from the Lysterfield Hills.
The Lysterfield Hall was opened in June 1931 by Sir George Knox. Working bees constructed it without pay. Around 1928, Mr. Gus Powell had trees planted. Each tree represented a person from Lysterfield who served in World War One.
The Lysterfield Primary School has an interesting history. It opened as Narre Warren North School in 1877. The name changed to Lysterfield in 1879. The school closed and reopened several times. It moved to its current location in Bellfield Drive in 1997.
Lysterfield is known for its lake. Work on the Lysterfield Reservoir started in 1929. It finished in 1936. Lysterfield was part of a plan to supply water. The water went to the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston.
Today, Lysterfield offers a mix of rural charm and recreational activities. With a population of 6,681 in 2021, it maintains a community feel. It’s a place where you can raise alpacas and grow vegetables. So next time you think of Lysterfield, remember its journey. From farmland to a recreational hub. And remember the opera-loving namesake behind it all.