Ferntree Gully is the place you can easily fall in love with, even if you are a first time visitor. Whether you’re planning a vacation trip, a holiday tour, attending a special event or looking for an extended stay, you will find this place ideal for so many reasons.
There are terrific views of the city that you can enjoy, along with trendy suburbs. But that’s not all, on a clear day, you can even see the ships stationed at the bay, the ever-rolling hills of Lysterfield, and, not forgetting, the You Yangs - if you’re up the top of the hill.
Ferntree Gully also offers a friendly shopping village, and you should not have trouble finding your way around even if you are a first-time visitor. The location provides beautiful views with quick access to the city. Tourists spots, cottages, bushwalking at the National park, the famous 1000 steps, friendly people - the sights and sounds of Ferntree Gully are plentiful. And who can forget the Ferntree Gully firewood? This redgum firewood produces the perfect flame for all your outdoor gathering, fireplaces, and bbq needs.
History Of Ferntree Gully
Ferntree Gully is the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations before European settlement. As the name of the place suggests, Ferntree Gully is famous for its abundance of tree ferns that stretched from the National Park to the township. The region offers a lush spread of floral beauty and vegetation that attracts so many tourists and visitors to the location. Since the 1870s, many people have travelled to this location to engage in various outdoor recreational activities ranging from camping to other types of outdoor activities. However, in 1882, Ferntree Gully was officially set aside for public use.
As a result, the township began to grow in population throughout the 1880s. Various hotels, shops, churches, and even a primary sprang up during that decade. Even with all the development and increase in population, the location remained a bit difficult to access. But that changed with the arrival of a railway in 1889, extending from Ringwood and making the area more accessible to visitors. Initially, the railway line ended at Upper Ferntree Gully, and visitors had to rely on a narrow-gauge line that extended to Gembrook. However, between 1958 and 1962, this narrow-gauge line received an upgrade to a 5’ 3” broad-gauge line, which still operates today.
Today Ferntree Gully has benefited from a conscious effort to preserve the location’s natural heritage. On 4th July 1969, the Shire of Knox was officially proclaimed a “city”, leading to new offices springing up on Burwood Highway Wantirna South. Ferntree Gully also has several notable landmarks worth mentioning. First is the Ferntree Gully cemetery, which is now the resting place of several renowned poets, artists, authors, and other historically significant locals.
Second is the Olivebank Road’s Ambleside Homestead, erected in the 1890s, and houses the Knox Historical Society and the local history museum. The third is the Ferntree Gully Post Offices opened in various areas and at different times.