Westerfolds Park
Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe (173.47)
Yarra River at Porter Street, Templestowe: River Red Gum woodland p22
Park facilities include car parks, picnic areas and extensive footpaths.
The land which is now Westerfolds Park was originally part of the Unwin Special Survey, and later (1863-1936) a large dairy farm belonging to the Smith family, called "Holyrood Park". Other places associated with this large farming family include "Ben Nevis". In 1973 the parkland was purchased by the State Government for use as public open space (1).
Of regional significance as a metropolitan park and for its remnant indigenous trees.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, March 1985.
Excerpt from: City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study 1991 Richard Peterson p. 21
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/file/26126/download
Westerfolds
North of Templestowe, the Yarra swings round in a wide curve from Fitzsimons Lane to Porter Street, enclosing the beautiful rolling grassland that is now Westerfolds Park. In 1843, Unwins Special Survey which, was moved close to Melbourne, returned this area of 255 acres to the crown in exchange for other land on the west. Ever since then, this area has remained intact. In the 1840's, part of the land was leased and sawyers attracted by the spreading red gums took out licenses to cut timber here.J. S. Brodie purchased the land for 408 pounds in 1846 and three years later gave William Malcombe a five year lease with an option to buy for 510 pounds.
Halcombe took up the option but sold it to Weddle in 1858. Weddle, the owner of the Criterion Hotel in Melbourne, built a brick house on the river and a lodge at the gate in Porter Street. It was to be his country estate but, in 1863, he sold out to David Smith for 1500 pounds.
The Smith family became well known in Templestowe. David and his three brothers Thomas, John and George came from Inverness in 1857. They were soon followed by their parents and eight other brothers and sisters.
The family acquired extensive land holdings in the district and took an active part in community life. Two of the Smiths became Shire Presidents and the Smith House at the corner of Atkinson Street and Williamsons Road, and George Smith's "Ben Nevis" up the hill from "The Sentimental Bloke" became land marks.
The land for the Presbyterian Church was donated by the family and seven of the boys built the first timber church. Later another member of the family provided the money to build the new brick church.
After the death of David's wife, the estate was sold to Lindsay Turner, a solicitor from Caulfield, for 4590 pounds. Turner selected the top of the hill as the site for his new home and in 1936 built the imposing two storey "Manor House". Ten years later, the other buildings were all demolished.
Lindsay Turner died in the 1960's and A. V. Jennings purchased Westerfolds for sub-division. In response to local demands from the community, the State Government purchased Westerfolds for public open space in 1973. Three years later the Board of Works engaged consultants to provide comprehensive planning services for the preparation of a plan for the development of the Yarra Valley Metropolitan Park. Westerfolds was included in the brief.
In 1977, the Committee of Management of Westerfolds was transferred to the Board. After considerable consultation, a concept Plan for the Park was adopted in 1981, and in November last year Westerfolds Park was officially opened.
David Smith called his estate "Holyrood Park" in memory of an ancestor who had designed Holyrood Palace in Scotland.
David ran a dairy farm on this rich grass land and planted a small orchard. In 1893, David died leaving the estate in trust for the lifetime of his wife. She lived to the age of ninety with Walter and Gilbert Smith working the land.
Originally there were two islands in the river which were part of the land but one was washed away during a storm.
In 1900, a seedling peach was discovered on the remaining island. Gill Smith took cuttings from it and another member of the family who was an orchardist propagated a new variety called "Smiths". It became a popular seller and was widely grown.
1985 03 DTHS Newsletter
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| DP0522 Westerfolds Park, Children walking along a bush track through the east side of Westerfolds Park. 1978 |
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| DP0523 Westerfolds Park. Children on the river bank at the west of Westerfolds Park. 1978 |
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| DP0524 Westerfolds Park Aerial photograph of part of Templestowe, showing the layout of the streets in the original township. To the north of the township is 'Holyrood Park' (now called Westerfolds Park) the property of David Smith or his estate. Later it was owned by the Turner family until purchased by A. V. Jennings P/L who intended to subdivided the land for housing, but after a controversy |
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| DP0525 Westerfolds Park, Aerial photograph of part of Templestowe, showing the layout of the streets in the original township. To the north of the township is 'Holyrood Park' (now called Westerfolds Park) the property of David Smith or his estate. In 1936 it was purchased by Mr Turner, and his family sold it in the 1960s to A. V. Jennings P/L who intended to subdivided the land for housing, but after a controversy lasting several years, it was purchased by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (M.M.B.W.) in 1978 and is now owned and managed by Parks Victoria. David Smith named Holyrood Park after Holyrood Castle in Scotland. The manor house was built by Mr Turner subsequent to the time of this photograph being taken. The track on the right leading north from Porter Street became Fitzsimons Lane. It then led only to Fitzsimons house. The Templestowe Cool Stores can be seen at the north-west corner of Porter Street and Fitzsimons Lane. 1931 |
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| DP0720 Westerfolds. Manor house in the park at Templestowe now owned by Parks Victoria but formerly a farm owned by the Turner family from the 1930s to the 1960s. The house is now used as an aboriginal art gallery and the Mia Mia restaurant. |
Westerfolds Manor - Westerfolds Park, Fitzsimmons Lane, Templestowe.
The English Cottage style residence,Westerfolds Manor, was built for Lindsay Robert Turner, solicitor, and his wife,Gladys Estelle, between 1935 and 1936, according to district rate records (426) Turner's home was built near Fitzsimons Lane on 255 acres of land along the Yarra River.(427) This original acreage has never been subdivided. The Turners bought the site in 1934-35 from the Estate of D.Smith(428). The Smith family ran a dairy farm on the land from the I 860s. (429). The site of Westerfolds Manor is an historic one and goes back to the early settlement era in the days of the Unwin Special Survey of 1841. This Survey covered 5120 acres between the Koonung Creek and Templestowe.(430). Two 19th century maps show the 255 acre allotment. An 1850 map shows J S Brodie as the owner at that time.(431) . A later, 1874 map, confirms the transfer to J and D Smith.(432). The Smiths, who built a house on the land and ran a dairy, called their estate Holyrood Park after Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.(433). This name is recorded on a 1912 Army Survey map. The area is shown as grazing land with a track leading from the Smith house on the Yarra back to Porter Street and the Templestowe township.(434). During the 1920s, Gilbert Smith, farmer, occupied the property owned by the David Smith Estate.(435). Wallace Smith, dairyman, was the occupier in 1934-35 when the Turners purchased.(436)The old Smith house on the river was demolished during the Turner ownership. However, the 1930s residence, Westerfolds Manor, and the property's original acreage have been retained throughout subsequent ownerships. The property was purchased in the 1960s by A V Jennings. The State Government became the owner in 1973 and the property was subsequently developed into the present Yarra Valley Metropolitan Park by MMBW (now Melbourne Parks and Waterways).(437)
Of local historical significance for its associations with an historic district property, once known as Holyrood Park, which dates from early settlement and has retained its original large acreage.
- 426 Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1935-36 Templestowe Riding Nos. 898, 899 (NAV 270 pounds).
- 427 Plan of Bulleen, Syd.B 13, Lindsay Clarke, Assist. Surveyor, 4 March 1850.
- 428 Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1934-35 Templestowe Riding No.925(NAV 270 pounds).
- 429 Westerfolds, Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, March 1985.
- 430 Graham Keogh, History of Doncaster and Templestowe, p.3.
- 431 Plan of Bulleen, Syd B13,4 March 1850.
- 432 Plan of Bulleen, Parish of Bulleen, Plan 526B, 1874.
- 433 Westerfolds,March 1985.
- 434 Heidelberg-Doncaster Army Manoeuvre Map, M\Def.120, CPO Vic.
- 435 Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1927-28 Templestowe Riding No.851 (NAV 300 pounds)
- 436 Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1934-35 Templestowe Riding No.925.
- 437 Westerfolds, 1985.
Westerfolds Park
Aerial perspective of Odyssey House along the Yarra Main Trail, right across Westerfolds Park. Shot December 2018 Wikipedia
Westerfolds Park is a metropolitan park situated in Templestowe, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, Australia.
Westerfolds is classified as a metropolitan park and conserves riparian habitat within the Melbourne urban environment. The park nestles into a hilly bend in the Yarra River and has a network of bitumen and gravel paths, shelters, playgrounds, picnic tables and electric barbecues. It is a popular spot for picnics, and family gatherings on the weekend and public holidays. Other recreational pursuits include walking, cycling, rollerblading, walking the family dog, canoeing, horse riding and bird watching.
Near the centre of the park atop a large hill lies the Manor House which housed the Mia Mia Gallery and Cafe, Indigenous Australian cultural education programs and gallery exhibiting Indigenous Australian Art. Mia Mia closed in 2013 and is no longer situated at the Park. New business tenants are currently being sought with a view to further develop, refurbish and restore the manor.
The northern end of the Manor House in Westerfolds Park. Photo: Nick Carson 2009 Wikipedia
The western side of the Manor House in Westerfolds Park. Jul2009 Wikipedia
History
In 1846 the land was purchased from the Crown. In the early 1930s, the Turner family bought the property and built the Manor in 1936. After World War II many of the dairy farms and orchards in the surrounding area were subdivided for urban development. Because of flooding in the Yarra River, Westerfolds was not subdivided and was eventually added to the Yarra Valley Parklands in 1977. Parks Victoria (then known as Melbourne Parks and Waterways) took over the management and conservation of Westerfolds Park in 1978.
Revegetation and conservation programs are underway with the re-establishment of native grasslands and wetlands. Over 400 plant species native to the area can now be found including eucalypts, acacias, river red gums, and native grasses and shrubs. Visit in late winter and early spring to experience the wattle trees blooming throughout the park. Parrots, cockatoos, kookaburras, water and small bush birds can be seen, along with bats, platypus, wombats, koalas, possums, echidnas and, eastern grey kangaroos.
Recreation
Westerfolds Park forms part of the main Yarra River Trail for cyclists and walkers to explore the Yarra river valley to the Melbourne CBD.
Basic map of Westerfolds park showing features like rivers, creeks, bushland, grassland, toilets, roads, car parking, pathways and information. Sep2008 Wikipedia
Cycling
The Yarra River Trail runs through the park. There is over 5 km of sealed pathways in very good condition, much of it is of generous width with a centre dividing line, gutters and drains. Many cyclists take the paths at high speed, particularly the through-route paths as cyclists travel through the park on longer journeys. Most pedestrians are considerate of cyclists and walk on the left hand side of pathways.Off road, there are many obscure dirt or gravel pathways winding through the bush, most of it is very flat and mainly used by casual cyclists as alternative routes to the sealed pathways. Occasionally, small mountain bike events are held on the trail in the middle of the park that crosses Kestrel Creek several times over a series of narrow boardwalks. Pedestrians occasionally use these boardwalks and it can be dangerous taking them at high speed unless the area is taped off for an event.
Walking and Running
The 5 km of sealed pathways provides excellent conditions for runners and walkers, there are 4 or 5 drinking fountains evenly distributed throughout the park, roughly every kilometre, and seats and benches at similar intervals. Schools from the surrounding area hold annual fun run events in the park, this usually involves using 2 tracks, a short loop and a longer loop. Some small change rooms are available in the toilet facilities but these are infrequently kept. Snakes are rarely encountered unless pedestrians wander onto dirt and gravel paths. Pedestrians should always remain on the left hand side of pathways to enable safe shared use by cyclists and pedestrians. It is also the location for Westerfolds parkrun. A free, weekly, timed 5 km running event open to everybody.
Facilities
Manor House – toilets
Toilets (3) – in the south and north-eastern areas
Barbecues (2) – in the south and north-eastern areas
Canoe Launching Ramp – in the north-eastern area, just downstream from Fitzsimons Lane Bridge
Designated Picnic Areas (4) – in the south, south-east and north-eastern areas
Information Boards (4) – located along the sealed pathways
Viewing Platforms (2) – in the north-east and north-western areas, on the river banks overlooking rapids
Car Parking – over 100 spaces available
Access
Manor House from the eastern side
The park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and during daylight saving time from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, extending to 9:00 pm in peak summer periods. Access is via road through gates on Porter Street and Fitzsimons Lane, while pedestrian & cycling pathways remain open at all hours.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westerfolds_Park Copied 22JAN2020
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150261629476590&set=oa.10150256954406192&type=3&theater
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/yarra-valley-parklands-com
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| Park Visitor information Map |
http://www.bubsonthemove.com/westerfolds-park-melbournes-best-place-to-scoot/
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| Westerfolds Manor |
When Lindsay Turner snr, acquired Westerfolds and built his house on the hill, his two sons David (m. Anne) and Lindsay jnr (m. Carol) built their own houses on the estate which was then run by the two boys as a dairy farm - until council land taxes made it untenable. (Late 1960’s) .
Kaye Morgan via Facebook
Westerfolds Park
In a bend of the Yarra bounded by Fitzsimons Lane, Westerfolds Park covers an area of 123 ha of rolling grassland. Melbourne Parks and Waterways own and run the park with it's many facilities. There are six kilometres of all weather walking tracks, an adventure playground, ample picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, a fun and fitness trail, a viewing platform at the rapids, a bridle path and canoe launching facilities.
Walking along the track from the Porter Street entrance there are magnificent views: along the far side grassland spreads out into the distance where the hills are covered with dense gum forest, close to the river wetlands can be seen below the path, while farther round the park, approaching Fitzsimons Lane the path runs between a variety of trees, mostly planted by Parks and Waterways, but from all around the park we get views of the Manor House where it sits proudly at the top of the highest hill.
From the Porter Street car park this part of the track, over sixty years ago, would have passed between rows of fruit trees, for it was along here that David Smith and his boys grew peaches. On the left of the path on the rise alongside the river David Smith's house stood among its cluster of trees. On the far side the track reaches the Main Yarra Trail where it comes across the river on a new foot bridge. Alongside this bridge is an island in the Yarra. In 1900 a bird dropped a peach stone on the island. A tree grew that produced a new variety of peach. One of the Smith boys took cuttings from the tree and propagated "Smiths" a popular variety that became a best seller.
At the Fitzsimons Lane bridge corner a "Fun and Fitness Circuit" gives visitors an opportunity to combine exercise with walking. The fitness trail is 1.8 kilometers long with an exercise station every 200 metres. There are nine of these for those who just want to improve their fitness or for others, interested in gymnastics. The trail starts with pole sit, then there is equipment such as parallel bars, roman rings, monkey bars, and for chin ups and push ups. Some of the equipment is repeated in three sizes to accommodate people of all ages,
On the path beyond the fitness circuit, a track branches off to a platform, built out over the Yarra, giving a view of the river as it throws white lace over rapids.
The Home Show trail starts on the left at the end of the Manna Gum car park. Unlike the fitness trail that cateres for people needing vigorous exercise, the home show trail is for those looking for a more leisurely walk to enjoy the creek valley, or to pause and listen to the sounds of the bush. Count how many different birds you can hear. We enter the trail through an information display, then the trail plunges down into the Kestral Creek gully. The track is unmade, it crosses Kestral Creek over a log (with hand rails). We walk along the natural ground in the bush and cross the creek on split logs.
Light hearted display boards illustrated the "Home Show". Simple display boads, on brown timber, give messages such as "No vacancies for dogs off leash." Larger new high gloss colour illustrated signs tell the story of the wild life in the valley in terms and language of Estate Agents . At the foot of a large tree, where nesting boxes have been installed, we are told "High rise apartments - inspect now. We are proud to present this magnificant package complete with soaring roof canopy and breathtaking views in a superb treed location." On the sign are colour photographs of an Imperial White Butterfly, Sugar Glider, Tawny Frogmouth and a Caterpilla and Imperial Moth. On reaching the end of the trail we see that these humorous signs actually have a serious purpose. Thcy aim is to help people encourage wild life back to the surburbs by providing the living requirements for their life; such as conserving trees and wetlands and by providing nesting boxes.
When we think of natural bush land we expect to travel out into the country but in Manningham we are fortunate to have parks with areas of bush land. Along the Porter Street edge of the path a small creek flows a short distance to the bend of the Yarra. Few visitors to the Park ever see this small area between the creek and Porter Street. It remains untouched bushland. A bridge crosses a deep cutting with a small trickle of water at the bottom then a trodden track wanders among trees to another small bridge back into the main Park. Alongside the River a track from Porter Street wanders between gum trees. It is an area only known to those who live in this corner of Templestowe and who walk through here to enter Westerfolds. Our City is fortunate to have so many patches of native bushland where we can enjoy the untouched Australian bush.
The Board of Works set out the Park to cater for large numbers od visitors all of whom would arrive by car. The drives are wide with many car parks, all paved to stand the wear of heavy use. Not in keeping with natural bushland, but when many visitors come to enjoy a natural area they often leave the land in an unnatural state. Car access, parking and picknicking have been catered for and the main paths are are paved for combined walking and bicycle riding. As bicycles are quiet it is advisable to keep to the left edge of the path and look back before moving across the track. The history of Westerfolds goes back to the earliest settlement in our area. In 1841 the land was part of an eight square miles purchase by E. Unwin, a Sydney solicitor. Two years later, when the land office moved Unwin's estate closer to Melbourne, the area of Westerfolds Park, was returned to the Crown. In 1846 the land, an area of 255 acres, was sold to a Melbourne investor J.S. Brodie for 408 pounds. During these early years sawyers, attracted by the River Red Gums, took out leases to cut timber and James Read built a but and planted a fruit tree nursery on the site of the picnic ground near Porter Street. In 1858, Weddle, the owner of the Criterion Hotel in Melbourne, purchased the land. He built a large brick house on the river and a lodge at the gate on Porter Street. It was to be his country estate but five years later he sold the property to David Smith for 1500 pounds.
David and his brothers came from Inverness in Scotland. The family had large land holdings in Templestowe and Bulleen and took an active part in local affairs, Two of the family became Shire Presidents and the Smith houses at the corner of Atkinson Street and Williamsons Road and George Smith's "Ben Nevis" up the hill from the Laidlaw Hotel, became landmarks in the district.
David Smith named his land "Holyrood Park" in memory of an ancestor who had designed Holyrood Palace in Scotland. He and later his children, ran a dairy farm on this rich grassland and planted an orchard. The land remained in the Smith family for eighty eight years till the death of David's wife. In 1936 Lindsay Turner a solicitor from Caulfield, purchased the estate for 4590 pounds. Turner cleared away the old houses and sheds alongside the river near Porter Street and selected the imposing site at the top of the hill to build a new two story home, now "The Manor House". He also changed the name to "Westerfolds".
Lindsay Turner died in the 1960s and A.V. Jennings purchased Westerfolds for sub-division as a housing estate. In response to local demands the State Government purchased Westerfold for public open space. Three years later the Board of Works engaged consultants to provide comprehensive planning services for the preparation of a plan for the development of the Yarra Valley Park. They included Westerfolds in the brief. The original land has remained intact although a second island in the Yarra was washed away in a flood also Melbourne Parks and Waterways have added a section of land alongside Fitzsimons Lane.
Source: Irvine Green writing in 1995 12 DTHS Newsletter - Historical Walking Tracks Through Manningham Parks No. 8
