Walks in Manningham

 The City of Manningham is to be congratulated for producing a series of 20 walks in our municipality. Walking is a very popular pastime, for health and the appreciation of nature, and in addition, several of these walks have an historic flavour, which will interest members of our society. School No 1395, opened in 1874. An attractive brick building, it closed in the 1990's, but has found a new purpose in being the home of a wood working group, which is open on a regular basis. The Walk, Talk and Coffee walk encompasses Westerfolds Park and the Templestowe Village. The walk begins at Finns Reserve where you can view the cairn and Rotary pavilion describing the site of Finn's Hotel and its history. After walking across the suspension bridge where the Seminary stands, you continue to Westerfolds Park, where the homestead can be viewed, and lovely panoramas of the park can be enjoyed. You may be lucky enough to spot a grey kangaroo grazing on the open grasslands. The walker then moves onto the Templestowe Village where several historic sites remain. The corner of James and Anderson Streets is the site of the former Mullens Blacksmiths shop, latterly the Motor Body Works and at present an Italian restaurant. Some of the original roof trusses of the forge remain. 

Keeps Store. Built by Hunter in 1917 at the comer of Anderson and James Street. Purchased by Jack Keep in 1924.  

Across the street is the site of the former General Store, k1:1-own for 50 years as Keeps Corner run by Jack and Ethel Keep. Walking past the shops and cafes, we come to the Memorial Hall the site of most community activities for over 100 years. The original Mechanics Institute was at the rear and is now part of the Hall. Nearby is the old Templestowe Primary  School No 1395, opened in 1874 

An attractive brick building, it closed in the 1990's, but has found a new purpose in being the home of a wood working group, which is open on a regular basis. Coffee can be enjoyed in one of the many cafes in the Village, and a return walk to Finn's Reserve passes the lovely old cottage, originally owned by the Cashen family. This interesting walk can be enjoyed by historians who will get an insight into the background of the Templestowe district. • A completely different walk "Billabong Song" in Bulleen is another experience entirely. Concentrating on the Aboriginal past of our district, it begins in Bulleen Park and follows the Yarra River and gives the walker a glimpse of the pre-European era of the aborigines. The Bolin Bolin Billabong was the site of regular ceremonies held by the indigenous Wurundjeri people. Vi,,5iting groups used to travel vast distances to meet to discuss disputes, socialise and eat the eels found in large amounts in the billabong. Much wildlife lives in· the water and in the bush surrounding the water. Although the area is adjacent to busy Bulleen Road, there is a feeling of isolation and peace as you walk reading the interpretive signage explaining the story of the indigenous people who once visited here. Nearby in Ilma Court it is possible to see the lovely old homestead Clarendon Eyre lived in by Robert Laidlaw a pioneer of our district and try to imagine life in the mid nineteenth century when the Laidlaw family owned and farmed the land around the present house. If you have time, a short drive will take you to Ben Nevis Grove, where the house "Ben Nevis" owned by the Smith family who also farmed in the area in the 1890's can be seen. Detailed descriptions and routes of these walks can be obtained from the Manningham City Council • offices.