By Taylah Eastwell
Known for its picturesque views and abundance of wineries, the Lower Yarra Valley might seem an unlikely place to visit for those infatuated by history. But unbeknown to most, the region is home to several historical attractions guaranteed to take tourists back in time.
Nestled amongst several acres of stunning landscaped gardens, in a picturesque corner of Coldstream, lies Coombe Cottage – the home of Australia’s most famous opera diva, Dame Nellie Melba. Melba’s former home has been developed to include a restaurant, cellar door and shop that is open to the public.
Coombe Cottage is located at 673-675 Maroondah Highway and is open 9.30pm to 5pm Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and 9am to 3pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Entry to the gallery is free from 9.30am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.
For a quick history fix on the way to Yarra Glen, a visit to the Battle of Yering Marker at Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs is a must.
Sparking the beginning of a three year land war, the ‘Battle of Yering’ occurred in 1840 when police sought to disarm local Wurundjeri people who had been conducting an armed resistance around what is now known as Yarra Glen.
The billabongs are located on Melba Highway between Chateau Yering and Vasey Houghton Bridge, Yarra Glen.
Gulf Station in Yarra Glen is open on the first Thursday of each month from 10am to 2pm.
Visitors can take a step back in time and walk through the station grounds that were once used to breed horses for the army and supply produce to the gold miners of the district. The property was purchased by the State Government in 1976 and is now under the care of National Trust, who have restored the slab buildings and cottage garden.
The station is located at 1029 Melba Highway Yarra Glen.
Just a stone’s throw away, the town of Healesville also boasts its own slice of history.
The Healesville Sanctuary was officially opened as Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary for Australian fauna and flora on 30 May 1934. Visitors can meander through the tracks and meet the zoo residents, which include iconic Australian koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, emus and wombats.
The sanctuary is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the year and is located on Badger Creek Road, Healesville.
Maroondah Reservoir Park is another popular attraction. The 41-metre high Maroondah Dam wall was completed in 1927 after seven years of construction.
An aerial ropeway operated between the Healesville Railway Station and the site, transporting cement and sand used to construct the reservoir. The garden grounds of Maroondah Reservoir Park also provide a popular autumn picnic destination, with a waterfall and playground providing something for all ages.
For more information and opening hours, contact 131 963.
Closer to the Healesville township exists a timber courthouse, one of the few timber buildings in its original state in the locality. The portable police lockups built in 1866 are positioned behind the old courthouse, now among the last remaining examples of portable lockups in Victoria.
Tourists can end their history-packed day by catching a historical train from the heritage-listed Healesville Railway Station. The heritage Walker Railmotor RM22 departs from Healesville Station bound for Tarrawarra Winery every Sunday and public holidays (except Christmas), on selected Saturdays and on Wednesdays during school holidays.
