How did Toorak get its name? It comes from Toorak House. Prepare to delve into the world of Toorak. It is Melbourne’s suburb synonymous with wealth and privilege. Toorak has long held the reputation of Melbourne’s most elite suburb. It ranks among the most prestigious in Australia.
Toorak’s story began in 1849. Merchant James Jackson built Toorak House. Some say the name “Toorak” comes from the Woiwurrung language. Words sounding similar meant “black crow” or “reedy swamp”.
From 1854 to 1876, Toorak House became Victoria’s first Government House. The Governor resided here until the current Government House was completed. Imagine the lavish balls and important decisions made within those walls.
The 1880s land boom transformed Toorak. Large elaborate mansions rose. They were often in the Italianate style. Toorak became a favored location for the wealthy alongside East Melbourne and St Kilda.
The 1890s depression hit Toorak hard. Many landowners faced bankruptcy. They had to sell their properties. Yet Toorak remained Melbourne’s home of “old money”. During the Interwar period, Tudor revival houses appeared. Architect Marcus Martin designed Moderne-style homes. He often used a Georgian building form.
After World War II, a new generation of wealthy people sought Toorak’s postcode. Some wanted the status symbol. Large mansions were demolished. Subdivisions made way for flats, townhouses and apartments. The 1980s saw the rise of Neo-Georgian and Neo-Classical houses.
Today few original 19th-century mansions remain in Toorak. High land value is the reason. Illawarra House is one exception acquired by the National Trust. Coonac is another that is Melbourne’s most expensive house. Some old property names live on as street names. Dunraven Avenue and Millicent Avenue are examples.
In 2016, Toorak had 12,909 residents. Most people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were China England and New Zealand. Most spoke only English at home. Mandarin, Cantonese and Italian were other languages spoken at home.
Toorak has an unusual mix of housing. There is high low and medium-density housing. This is due to intense subdivision. Apartments are predominant. Single-family detached homes are also prevalent. These are often traditional mansions or newer large residences. They sit on significant estates owned by Melbourne’s wealthy and social elite.
Toorak has a rich architectural history. Brett House is a postwar Modernist residence. Caringal Flats is another example of postwar Modernist architecture. Cranlana is a residence owned by Sidney Myer founder of Myer. Illawarra is a grand Victorian mansion in the Italianate style. Roy Grounds House is a postwar Modernist residence with a central courtyard. Trawalla is a two-story Victorian mansion.
Toorak Village features shops restaurants and cafes. Recent developments have increased the number of offices. Saint John’s Anglican Church dominates the skyline. It has a large tower and a distinctive sandstone spire. Saint Peter’s Roman Catholic Church was built in 1876 in the Gothic style.
Many famous people have called Toorak home. They include Tina Arena Dame Zara Bate and Lindsay Fox. Even Daniel Radcliffe’s family owns a house here. Toorak has been home to prime ministers premiers and business leaders.
The Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1884 and is located in Toorak. Trams have run down Toorak Road since 1888.
So as you wander through Toorak remember its story. It is a story of wealth privilege and transformation. It is a suburb that continues to evolve.