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Main Ridge, Dandenong Ranges

Location

VIC - Property No L10106

File Number

L10106

Level

State

Statement of Significance

This is a unique hill landscape of high aesthetic and visual value. Its vegetation is a combination of original native species and the exotic character of the many introduced species. The many lookout points provide exceptional panoramic views of Melbourne and the surrounding landscapes to the north and east. It has been one of the state's primary tourist attractions for over a century.

The area is of State significance because of:

- Historic association with the early explorers including Daniel Bunce and Ferdinand Von Mueller;

- Site of an early trigonometric station and its contribution to surveying of the Colony of Victoria;

- Urban settlement following the 1893 Settlement Act which proposed rural village settlements for the urban poor (many of which were unsuccessful and poorly planned);

- Association with early tourist development facilitated by improving mass rail transport to the foothills which usherd in the "guest house era";

- Early subdivision and development of weekend holiday houses and "hill stations" by the wealthy;

- Private gardens and street plantings established prior to the Second World War;

- Remnant roadside vegetation along winding scenic mountain roads;

- Pockets of remnant native vegetation including wet sclorophyll, forest fern gullies and habitat providing movement corridors for native fauna and birds.

Classification updated 18 July 2000.

Group