Beneath the shade of mature plane and pin oak trees lies Surrey Hills. A suburb of Melbourne it boasts a rich history. Settled in the late 19th century Surrey Hills grew with slightly smaller blocks than its neighbour Canterbury.
The railway line’s extension from Camberwell to Lilydale in 1882 spurred development. Lovely period homes sprung up. Many were built of brick or weatherboard. Their designs reflected Victorian Federation and Edwardian styles.
Surrey Hills’ streets are impressive. Empress Kingston Surrey Balmoral Leopold Windsor Albert and Wolseley grace the area. Initially though the area felt remote. Camberwell to the west and Box Hill to the east were the nearest shopping hubs.
The 1890s depression halted growth. Suburban development resumed only after World War I. The 1990s saw the last bank branch close on Union Road. This worried the community and local traders. A community bank branch however opened in 2003 bringing relief.
Today Surrey Hills features the English Counties District. Streets there are named after English counties. Norfolk Durham Kent Middlesex Essex and Suffolk Roads are there. The Chatham Precinct is also notable. Its streets are named after English places. Croydon Guildford and Surrey are among them. Sir Garnet Road honours a famous British general Garnet Wolseley.
Three primary schools serve Surrey Hills. Surrey Hills Primary Chatham Primary School and Our Lady’s of Perpetual Succour are all here. The central business district is a small strip of shops on Union Road.
Surrey Hills once had its own railway station. It was on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Union Road was the first railway crossing on that line. The level crossing removal project changed that in 2023. Union railway station now serves the area. Chatham railway station remains. It is north of Canterbury Road.
Many Surrey Hills residents commute to Melbourne by car or train. Cyclists must travel south to Gardiners Creek Trail or north to the Yarra River Trail for safe routes. A bike lane is on Mont Albert Road. Trams on routes 109 and 70 serve the suburb. Canterbury Road however lacks public transport. Surrey Gardens and South Surrey Park are lovely green spaces. Canterbury Sports Ground is home to various sporting clubs.
Surrey Hills a blend of history and modern life invites you to discover its charm. Its tree-lined streets and community spirit create a unique suburban experience in the heart of Melbourne.