Picture the sprawling Devilbend Reservoir. It’s a significant landmark near Tuerong isn’t it? But did you know it’s no longer used for water supply? That’s Tuerong for you full of surprises. This rural locality on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne boasts a rich history. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets on the wind.
Tuerong wasn’t always a quiet spot. In its early days it was a vast squatting run named Tuerong. This land covered about 12000 acres. It lay between other properties. Squatters like William Dawson and John Miller made their mark. Ralph Ruddell took over in 1856. He raised cattle on the abundant pastures. Water was plentiful thanks to the area’s many creeks and springs. However his success was short-lived. Ruddell went bankrupt in 1861.
The 640 acres that became Tuerong Park had a colorful history. John B Wilson was there by 1874. He and his wife Agnes witnessed the Schnapper Point Murder. It was a dramatic event. This event perhaps should have been called the Tuerong murder. The Tuerong homestead itself. Built in the late 1800s. It stands now as a restaurant and office for the Dromana Estate at Tuerong Winery. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of this area.
Owners of Tuerong Park changed frequently. Crook Pitt Matthew Andrews Dobie Clark Moore Nutchey and Paton. Even Edgar used it as a polo venue in the 1950s. Each left their mark on this special place. A piece of land near Tuerong. It was part of a 240 acre grant owned by Thomas Renison. A race meeting took place there in 1868. Imagine the excitement. Later the quarry there produced a steady four pounds a week.
Nearby Francis Gillett designed the remarkable Manyung in Mt Eliza. He also built Sunnyside. Old Moorooduc Road. Known for decades as Three Chain Road. It was originally 60 meters wide. Its name recalls a time when things moved at a slower pace.
Tuerong isn’t just about its past. It’s a vibrant community today. With a population of around 357. It’s a testament to the enduring charm of rural life near Melbourne. The story of Tuerong is a tapestry woven from threads of early settlement. It’s a tale of resilience. It’s a place where history and the present intertwine. It’s a place you won’t soon forget.