Bundoora Park

The 450 acre park in Plenty Road when first established was a joint project with the adjoining (former) Councils of Preston, Diamond Valley and Whittlesea. It includes a golf course, scenic drive and picnic sites amidst beautiful mature gum trees, including an Aboriginal Canoe tree. The picnic sites are used to capacity in the warmer months. A museum, using on site, original buildings was established in 1983. Historical Societies from each area worked in conjunction with the Park Committee on the project. The Plenty Road tramline was also extended in 1983, allowing access from the City and all feeder systems, making it ideal for school visits.

Stud horses were introduced to the Bundoora Park property in 1850. The first son of Carbine, the 1890 Melbourne Cup Winner was Wallace. Wallace stood at stud here and sired teh winners of the 944 race horses around Australia including two Melbourne Cup winners. His grave on the property is marked by a simple concrete plaque.

Dianne H Edwards in "The Diamond Valley Story" reports that in 1901 it was almost decided that Bundoora Park would become a site for a general cemetery for the northeren suburbs. The City of Heidelberg opposed it but the ratepayers of Bundoora and Greensborough supported it. Eventually, the proposal was withdrawn.

In 1974 the State Government made an additonal 37 acres of land available to the Bundoora Park Comittee of Management.

The Museum is a cluster of buildings including the Manager's houses, stables, blacksmith shop, machinery shed and black trackers hut. A new brick kiosk which will be the entrance to the museum.

Seeing that big tree in the picture, it reminds me when I was in Fresno, US. Some trees there measure up to 31m parameter and very tall.