Welcome to Millgrove
Historical Walking Tour
As protectors of the The Yarra River and all it’s creatures we reverence those who have protected this great land so that we may enjoy it!
The story of Millgrove began before all of time itself with Bungil the Eagle feeling frustrated that two brothers were fighting and lighting fires on this vast dry land, so he opened up the heavens and lets the waters pour over the flat land which then carved itself through the rock to create valleys. In punishment of the brothers for disrespecting each other they became two large Mountains (The Great older brother Mt Donna Buang and the smaller younger brother Little Joe) to maintain guardianship over the waters that flow before them. These two mountains whipser their wisdom and natural secrets each day to all those who have learnt to listen. The beautiful town of Millgrove is nestled gently between the two.
In 1851 John and Brig Kennedy…
…were a couple with a baby travelling on a long and dangerous trip after facing potato farming problems from Ireland to settle in this new land with the hope of striking it lucky at the gold rush in ballarat and then to the Yarra Valley. The government at the time were sponsoring young families through the land selection process and was given land between the Dee rd bridge and the newly created Kennedy’s Bridge crafted in the 1960’s (What is now the King Mckenzie bridge). In the 1970’s John and Brig had a few more children and named his property Mill- Grove. Meaning that it was the Irish word ‘MIll’ name of the town John was from in Ireland. One of John’s children grew up and got the most votes at the council centre and became a councillor in the Upper Yarra Shire. In 1903 the shire council hall burnt down. In 1908 a primary school began (what is now where the bus shelter is) and a land boom followed where people were buying into this new wonderful township. (read on to discover more)
Stop 1: Millgrove Station
The Millgrove Train Station had hundreds of visitors get on and get off this stop over 30 years of operation.
Stop 2: Millgrove Lake
Yes, where the Millgrove Mill is there used to be a beautiful lake!! Find out the story of the Gravel Pitt and Lake. The timber milling of the forrest was a huge industry…
Stop 3: Millgrove School
The first Primary School ever made here in Millgrove was behind the bus stop at the King Mckenzie Bridge.
Stop 4: The Old Council Building
Yes, where the Millgrove Mill is there used to be a beautiful lake!! Find out the story of the Gravel Pitt and Lake.
Stop 5: Millgrove Gold Field
In the fields where panners crushed stones by the river searching for riches.
Stop 6: Murder by the River
Who is innocent? Who is guilty? Walk into the tale of mystery, and the demolishion of the MIllgrove Hall.
Stop 7: Historic Housing
Most of the original houses in Millgrove were burnt down in the fires that swept through the valley on Black Friday in 1939. However, after then many were rebuilt and still the 1940’s housing feel remains.
Stop 8: The Fall of Millgrove
1960’s-1980’s- Why did Millgrove begin to fall apart? Literally falling apart with the demolition of the Millgrove Community Hall.
Stop 9: Millgrove Shopping
So how long have these shops been here? Who would have come to be shopping here throughout all of time?
Stop 10: The Present
2023- So Who lives here now and what happens here in Millgrove? Why is it such a special place today?
Stop 11: Visions of the Future
What we wish to see in the coming years of the future! What special experiences await us for the coming years.
Although it is an extremely lovely place to be, it is the people who continue to make it truely special day after day!!
The people of Millgrove (population 1,666) want to particularly thank you for enjoying our historical walk through time and space. The Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG) welcome you to sign up for more information or to hear about our local events.