Eltham: Population, history, sights, shopping, fashion and crime
Known for its historic trestle bridge and artist’s colony Montsalvat, Eltham is popular with families who love its rural feel. Here’s a look at the history of postcode 3095.
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The peace, natural environment and village feel of Eltham is what residents loved most about the area back in 1980, according to a council survey – and it’s fair to say those attributes are still treasured today.
Once home to orchards and open space, Eltham sprung up on the banks of the Diamond Creek in the 1850s.
Well-known attractions include it historic trestle bridge, built in 1902, and magnificent artist’s colony Montsalvat, established in 1934.
The trestle bridge has stood the test of time, despite trains being slowed in 2016 until repairs could be done.
The State Government is duplicating the track between Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen and Greensborough and Eltham while maintaining the bridge.
Many people growing up in area would also have fond memories of the Eltham Barrel.
The restaurant and architectural oddity was modelled on a similar building in Austria and was designed by Melbourne architect Jack Tipping.
It was destroyed by fire in 1989.
Montsalvat was founded by artist Justus Jörgensen, who took his inspiration from the villages of France.
Montsalvat prides itself on “being a place where art is made and taught as well as exhibited”.
Visitors can explore many gallery spaces in the historic buildings, and keep an eye out for the magnificent peacock that strolls the grounds.
The faces of Montsalvat artists are carved into the Bluestone Chapel, and the music from instruments made at Montsalvat echoes all around the grounds.
According to Nillumbik Council, artists have traditionally settled in the area, with a notable member of the Heidelberg School, Walter Withers (1854-1914) living at Eltham.
Eltham also has many places to entertain the kids, including a miniature railway and the adventure playground.
The Diamond Valley Railway has been operating for more than 50 years and is one of Australia’s most popular miniature railways.
It includes scale replicas of famous passenger cars once used in Victoria’s golden age of railways.
The Eltham North Adventure Playground was been named the best new play space in Victoria and Tasmania in 2019, just 15 months after the original site was destroyed by fire.
The playground includes unique wooden structure with tunnels, “hidey holes” and slides.
Eltham has been the breeding ground for a number of sporting champions including cyclist Cadel Evans, who attended Eltham High School.
AFL players Marcus Bontempelli, David Zaharakis, Josh Caddy, Nick Vlastuin and Daniel Currie all played junior footy with Eltham Football Club.
Collingwood premiership player Brent Macaffer recently recommitted to playing with Eltham for the 2021 season.
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