EXPLORING THE UPPER YARRA (Newsletter No. 105, November 1995, by Bettina Woodburn) We enjoyed the Spring Excursion, this year "Exploring the Upper Yarra" - in spite of the constant rain and the countryside under the cloud cover, especially in the valleys, being mainly shiny shades of green. The occasional fields of buttercups, clumps of arum lilies and splendid rhododendron and other flowering bushes became very special. The Cobb and Co coach was warm and a cosy retreat as we zig-zagged on the highways and byways to glimpse the Yarra River, upstream and down, its secret places, and particularly the many bridges. Russell excelled as 'Poet Laureate', reading from Dacre Smyth's book. This 1979 publication includes paintings of all the bridges along the river with poems and brief descriptions of each one. Some of the bridges are in out of the way places and are not very well known. We looked forward to hearing the poetry as much as seeing the ' constructions'…Big Pat (was he short or tall, lean or fat? He did win the two hundred pound reward for discovering gold and had the creek named after him), about the 'Eddies'?, and the disliked 'meccano' bridge in Warburton, etc. etc. The hot roast lunch in the old Reefton Hotel was also most welcome. It was easy to imagine it peopled by miners and early settlers. Starting by crossing the new (1974) concrete bridge at Warrandyte we headed through Wonga Park with views to the Christmas Hills and to the escarpment of the Yering Gorge, which causes flood waters to back up through the Yarra Glen plain, so avoiding disasters downstream. At the end of a long driveway we found the wooden, privately owned Henley Bridge (1935 after the 1934 floods). This facilitates access to different parts of Henley Farm and to Lilydale. Everard Park, named after Blanche Shallard's father, a State Member for 17 years, below the Highway Yarra crossing was in need of care. It is 10 miles from Yarra Glen by road but, as "Yarra Marra” canoeists well know, 32 winding miles down by water. After more delightful countryside scenes we joined the Warburton Highway at Woori Yallock. From the old Railway Station at Launching Place the Centennial Trail for walkers, cyclists and ' horse riders has replaced the rails. The line from Lilydale was opened in 1901, and the last diesel freight train ran to Warburton in 1965. It continued to rain as we had morning tea in Warburton in a shelter between footbridges. From here we continued upstream past the Bridge to O'Shannasy Lodge and Reservoir, Starvation Creek, and the Peninsular tunnel (miners dug it as at Pound Bend) which we visited (scrambling down those steps!) on our return after lunch. Our furthermost point was the Upper Yarra Dam Reserve (and vast catchment area). Finished in 1957 after ten years work and 100 years after Yan Yean, it supplies much of Melbourne's water. After crossing the 30m Launching Place Bridge to the Eltham side of the Yarra and Healesville, we saw in the distance the Yarra Glen Timber Trestle Bridge over the river flats "the longest for years in the land it was said!" Harry's dream of "better weather over the Divide" unfortunately didn't come true, but I'm sure we 36 members will retain happy memories of a day that was wet and green and filled with Bridges. Bettina Woodburn - October 1995 Record of the Society's history of activities - Spring 1995 excursionRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak Gold 100-4shire of eltham historical society, activities, upper yarra dam, henley bridge

EXPLORING THE UPPER YARRA (Newsletter No. 105, November 1995, by Bettina Woodburn) We enjoyed the Spring Excursion, this year "Exploring the Upper Yarra" - in spite of the constant rain and the countryside under the cloud cover, especially in the valleys, being mainly shiny shades of green. The occasional fields of buttercups, clumps of arum lilies and splendid rhododendron and other flowering bushes became very special. The Cobb and Co coach was warm and a cosy retreat as we zig-zagged on the highways and byways to glimpse the Yarra River, upstream and down, its secret places, and particularly the many bridges. Russell excelled as 'Poet Laureate', reading from Dacre Smyth's book. This 1979 publication includes paintings of all the bridges along the river with poems and brief descriptions of each one. Some of the bridges are in out of the way places and are not very well known. We looked forward to hearing the poetry as much as seeing the ' constructions'…Big Pat (was he short or tall, lean or fat? He did win the two hundred pound reward for discovering gold and had the creek named after him), about the 'Eddies'?, and the disliked 'meccano' bridge in Warburton, etc. etc. The hot roast lunch in the old Reefton Hotel was also most welcome. It was easy to imagine it peopled by miners and early settlers. Starting by crossing the new (1974) concrete bridge at Warrandyte we headed through Wonga Park with views to the Christmas Hills and to the escarpment of the Yering Gorge, which causes flood waters to back up through the Yarra Glen plain, so avoiding disasters downstream. At the end of a long driveway we found the wooden, privately owned Henley Bridge (1935 after the 1934 floods). This facilitates access to different parts of Henley Farm and to Lilydale. Everard Park, named after Blanche Shallard's father, a State Member for 17 years, below the Highway Yarra crossing was in need of care. It is 10 miles from Yarra Glen by road but, as "Yarra Marra” canoeists well know, 32 winding miles down by water. After more delightful countryside scenes we joined the Warburton Highway at Woori Yallock. From the old Railway Station at Launching Place the Centennial Trail for walkers, cyclists and ' horse riders has replaced the rails. The line from Lilydale was opened in 1901, and the last diesel freight train ran to Warburton in 1965. It continued to rain as we had morning tea in Warburton in a shelter between footbridges. From here we continued upstream past the Bridge to O'Shannasy Lodge and Reservoir, Starvation Creek, and the Peninsular tunnel (miners dug it as at Pound Bend) which we visited (scrambling down those steps!) on our return after lunch. Our furthermost point was the Upper Yarra Dam Reserve (and vast catchment area). Finished in 1957 after ten years work and 100 years after Yan Yean, it supplies much of Melbourne's water. After crossing the 30m Launching Place Bridge to the Eltham side of the Yarra and Healesville, we saw in the distance the Yarra Glen Timber Trestle Bridge over the river flats "the longest for years in the land it was said!" Harry's dream of "better weather over the Divide" unfortunately didn't come true, but I'm sure we 36 members will retain happy memories of a day that was wet and green and filled with Bridges. Bettina Woodburn - October 1995 Record of the Society's history of activities - Spring 1995 excursionRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 4 of 5 stripsKodak Gold 400-5shire of eltham historical society, activities, upper yarra dam, henley bridge

The Yarra River Footbridge was opened in August 2004 and links the Diamond Creek Trail between the Shire of Nillumbik and City of Manningham. It is a shared pathway and also links with the Main Yarra Trail. It affords lovely views over the Yarra River.Colour photographbridge, eltham lower park, eltham south, homestead road, lenister farm, yarra river, footbridge, lookout, diamond creek trail

The Yarra Footbridge Newsletter No., 234, June 2017 Heritage Excursion - Saturday 1st July - Eltham Lower Park - Walk and Talk Eltham Lower Park has played an important part in the history of our area since the early days of European settlement when it was used by local residents as an informal racecourse. Prior to that its location at the junction of the Diamond Creek and the Yarra River made it an important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people. The park combines formal elements and sporting facilities with remnant bushland that is of environmental significance. It is home to sporting and horse riding clubs, popular play spaces and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, which attracts large numbers of visitors. The park will be the venue for our July excursion which will comprise a walk of about 3.5 km around the park and adjacent areas. Along the way we will discuss the history and natural history of the area. The path along the creek and the river provides a pleasant and scenic walk. This walk on Saturday 1st July is about 3.5 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the Main Road car park at the front of the park. (Melway ref 21 H 10). Born Digitalheritage excursion, activities, eltham district historical society, eltham lower park, yarra footbridge

Black and white photographHenley Flats - Yarra River henley flats, yarra river

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". This photo seems to be depicitng women waiting to use the shower near the river, or are they going swimming?Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands, c.1926 bend of islands, camping, shower block, yarra river, swimming

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". Was this a church group? This photo depicts individuals "resting" on a verandah undertaking various solo activities including listening to their gramophone.Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands, c.1926 bend of islands, camping, recreation, gramophone, group, campers

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands, c.1928 bend of islands, horse riding, camping, tent

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands bend of islands, camping, tent, horse riding

Black and white photographCopied by Hugh Fisher, Photographer, 6 York Street Eltham A1679Bfloods, heidelberg, other areas, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, yarra river

Published in the Diamond Creek Basin Study, 1980 and identified at Diamond Creek, locality not identified, 1934. The location is actually looking south across the Diamond Creek towards Falkiner Street, beside the Main Road bridge at Eltham South from what is now part of Wingrove Park opposite Antoinette Boulevard. The bridge railing is just visible to the left of image. The large leaning Manna Gum beside the bridge still stands in 2021 alongside the Diamond Creek trail. In 1934 extensive flooding of the Yarra River and Diamond Creek set new records for flood plain level (Eltham Chronology, EDHS)Black and white photographCopied by Hugh Fisher, Photographer, 6 York Street Eltham A1678B Floods- Eltham - 1934floods, yarra river, eltham, flooding, diamond creek, flood

Situated near Sweeney's Lane, the house in the picture was owned by the man who was Commissioner that looked after the Aboriginees - Ivy Reynolds. Labelled by Ivy Reynolds' mother who had a good sense of humour.The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, eltham, yarra river, sweeneys lane

Born Digitaleltham, candlebark park, yarra river, diamond creek, lennister farm

Exploration of the history and meaning of Melbourne's Yarra river and those who have lived and worked on it. Softcover, 245 p. : ill. maps, ports. ISBN 9781921520006yarra river

Hardback with dust jacket; 426 p. : ill. (some col.), geneal. tables, maps, ports. ; 31 cm.ISBN 0958135851yarra river valley, wine making, vineyards

This card depicts the Yarra River at Eltham circa 1910. It was addressed to "Mr J. L. Brown, "Elthamville", Tinning Street, Brunswick" most probably from an extended family member. From the same collection as accession no 00779, (Pond near Eltham Park) and no. 00780 (Eltham, J.H. Clark Photo - dated 20 May 1911). Sending postcards to family and friends including short messages was a common form of communication in the early 20th century. Photographer: J.H. Clark John Henry Clark was the youngest of three boys born to William Henry Clark (1823-1877) and Maria White (1843-1914). He and his brothers, William Charles Clark (1872-1945), Clement Kent Clark (1874-1912) operated a photography business (Clark Bros.) from 25 Thomas Street, Windsor near Prahran during the period c.1894 to 1914. Following death of Clement in September 1912 and their mother in 1914, the Clark Bros business appears to have dissolved, the premises demolished, and a new house was under construction in 1915. John set up business independently in 1914 operating out of 29 Moor Street, Fitzroy where he is registered in the 1914 and 1915 Electoral Rolls. By 1916 John had relocated to Eltham where he continued his practice as a photographer and took many of the early images around the district of Little Eltham. Around 1930 John changed professions and opened a small cobbler's shop in 1931 near the pond opposite Dalton Street adjacent to the Jarrold family cottage. He never married and continued his profession as a bootmaker from this little shop, maintaining a close relationship with Mrs Jarrold for the rest of their lives. His bootmaker shop remains today beside the Whitecloud cottage and is one of only three remaining shops in the area from the early 20th century. There are a couple of images of Eltham taken by Clark Bros. in the Eltham District Historical Society collection, one such example being Hunniford’s Post Office with Miss Anne Hunniford out front (EDHS_00140 - marked on the back of the print, Clark Bros., 25 Thomas St. Windsor), which would date this image between c.1894 and 1914. Other early images of Eltham taken by John Henry Clark are marked on the face “J. H. Clark Photo” and it is assumed these are dated between 1914 and 1930. It is noted that the Grant of Probate for John H Clark of Eltham South dated 5 April !957 (513/387) records his occupation as "X Photographer".Sending postcards to family and friends including short messages was a common form of communication in the early 20th century.Postcard in very poor condition which has been removed from an album. Glue residue and album page adhering preventing information being readFront: Yarra at Elthameltham, yarra river, brown family, j.h. clark photo

Sepia aerial view of Yarra river at Bend of Islands; Henley Road on left in foregroundbend of isles, kangaroo ground, yarra river, henley road

Black and white photograph of Warrandyte Bridge over Yarra River c.1970warrandyte, yarra river, bridges

Black and white photograph Yarra River Flats, Sweeneys Lane, Eltham c.1960ssweeneys lane, yarra river, eltham, farming, george w bell collection

Black and white photograph of Yarra River Flats, Sweeneys Lane, Eltham c.1960s.sweeneys lane, yarra river, eltham, farming, george w bell collection

Two colour photographs of view south across Sweeneys flats and Yarra River, Sweeneys Lane, Elthamsweeneys lane, yarra river, eltham, thomas sweeney, culla hill

Colour photogrpah of oblique aerial view looking east over Yarra River and Sweeneys flats c.1994sweeneys lane, yarra river, culla hill, thomas sweeney, aerial photographs

"It was John Wedge, Batman's private surveyor, who named the Yarra Yarra. In September 1835 he was at the Turning Basin with some Kulin and heard them identify the river as it came over the Falls as, he wrote, 'Yarrow Yarrow'. It was only some months later that Wedge discovered they had been referring to the pattern and movement of water over the Falls, not the river itself. And ever since, it has been the Yarra's fate to be misunderstood: maligned for its muddiness, ill-used as sewer and tip; scooped, sculpted, straightened and stressed, 'cleaned up' to the detriment of its natural inhabitants; built-over, under and beside; worked mercilessly and then bridged almost to maritime extinction. In Kristin Otto's superbly entertaining new history, the whole sorry tale is laid bare. From the creation stories of Kulin owners and geologist blow-ins (and Robert Hoddle's bad-tempered expedition to the headwaters) to the twenty-first-century waterside building boom, Otto traces the course of Melbourne's murky river. Erudite, affectionate and witty, with more meanders and diversions than the river itself, Yarra is both a fascinating read and a fitting tribute to the 'noble stream'." -- Publisher's website.Paperback; [viii], 245 p. : illus., maps ; 24 cm.ISBN 1920885781yarra river

Sister publication to "Coranderrk database". This is a compilation of Mick Woiwod's research material, gathered over many years with information on the history of the Wurundjeri people of the Yarra Valley, from the time of first European contact. The publication runs in excess of 140,000 words. Its prime focus is the Yarra River as it has been understood by its Wurundjeri people. Includes a compilation of those difficult to locate "brief snatches of the action" collated under headings with in each instance, the provenance as to source and / or author included. Themes include: agriculture, law, ceremony, language, reconciliation, retribution, lifestyle, art & craft, climate, personalities, disease, death and the river's flora and fauna.318 pages : illustrations, maps ; 30 cm + 1 CD-ROM (4 3/​4 in.) PDF or Microsoft Office Word 97-2003.ISBN 9780987157423wurundjeri, yarra river, indigenous history

Not Just a Pretty Place acknowledges the cultural significance of this site for the residents of Nillumbik Shire and for the Wurrundjeri community. Historically the confluence of rivers have particular importance as these were sites where rituals and ceremonies took place. The carved bluestone form presents an oversize river pebble that echoes the spirit of the water and draws attention to this location as a meeting place an landmark. Awarded the 2000 Nillumbik Art in Public Places Award and situated behind Lennister Farm near Yarra ParkColour photograph printaleks danko, eltham, lennister farm, yarra park

Odyssey House drug rehabilitation centre in Bonds Road, Lower Plenty is a distinctive landmark, especially when viewed from across the Yarra at Templestowe. It was built in the 1950’s as a seminary for the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. Because of the poor and circuitous road access, a suspension footbridge was built across the river. As well as providing easy access for the priests residents of Templestowe could attend services at the seminary. The bridge is now part of the Yarra Trails system.Two black and white photographs of footbridge over Yarra River, part of the Ruffey Trail just off the Main Yarra Trail near the former seminary (now Odyssey House) Lower Plentybridges, yarra river, odyssey house, bonds road, lower plenty, seminary, blessed sacrament fathers

Odyssey House drug rehabilitation centre in Bonds Road, Lower Plenty is a distinctive landmark, especially when viewed from across the Yarra at Templestowe. It was built in the 1950’s as a seminary for the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. Because of the poor and circuitous road access, a suspension footbridge was built across the river. As well as providing easy access for the priests residents of Templestowe could attend services at the seminary. The bridge is now part of the Yarra Trails system.Colour photograph of footbridge over Yarra River, part of the Ruffey Trail just off the Main Yarra Trail near the former seminary (now Odyssey House) Lower Plentybridges, yarra river, lower plenty, seminary, blessed sacrament fathers, odyssey house, bonds road

Postcard showing old timber trestle Warrandyte Bridge over Yarra Riverbridges, yarra river, warrandyte, kangaroo ground road

Built at a cost of £75,000 the five-span reinforced concrete bridge replaced the oldest bridge across the Yarra river, linking the Shire of Doncaster-Templestowe on the south bank with Eltham on the north. The bridge was opened by Mr. G. Reid, M.L.A.Three black and white photographsbridges, warrandyte, yarra river, councillors, ceremonies, stanley addison

Postcard showing old timber bridge over Yarra River at WarrandyteThe Rose Series P.2046bridges, yarra river, warrandyte, kangaroo ground road, postcards