Knox history: Caribbean Gardens, Boronia Mall and Village Cinemas Knox old photos
From the Christmas parade in Boronia to fun on the lake at Caribbean Gardens and Market, take a stroll down memory lane and enjoy some of the best historical photos of Knox.
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Do you remember when the Boronia level crossing was removed, when the cinemas opened at Knox Shopping Centre or the devastating moment The Swagman restaurant burnt down?
Check out our incredible collection of historic photos which capture the events, places and people that shaped Knox’s history.
BORONIA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Thousands gathered to celebrate Christmas with a parade through Boronia in 1987, with Brownies and Girl Scouts among the groups that marched down Boronia Rd.
The Easter bunny bounced in to visit Boronia Mall in the 1980s. The Mall opened in October 14, 1986. A newspaper advertisement at the time said it would bring a “new era” to shopping in Boronia. The centre recently came under fire from tenants who want to see it upgraded.
VILLAGE KNOX 10
According to cinema buff David Kilderry, Village Knox 10 in Wantirna South opened in 1988 and was the first Village-Greater Union-Warner Bros multiplex in Australia.
It had four THX auditoriums (the larger ones) and was equipped with Kinoton projectors. The complex has survived and has been partly re-used as retail. It was replaced by the new Village Knox multiplex about 50m away in 2003.
BORONIA LEVEL CROSSING
The level crossing used to run right through the heart of Boronia until it was removed in 1998. Back in the 1990s Knox Leader (then known as Knox News) fought a long campaign to convince the government to put it under ground after multiple deaths, near misses and increasing traffic congestion.
KNOX SHOPPING CENTRE FOOD COURT
Many shoppers remember dining in the old Knox food court. Many have fond memories of the centre from years gone by, including the Target supermarket, Pink Cadillac Cafe, Venture store, McEwan’s hardware store and a water fountain.
CARIBBEAN GARDENS AND MARKET
Shoppers and stallholders were devastated when it was announced in July Caribbean Gardens and Market would be closing after more than 50 years. The 202ha site has been in the family since Archibald Spooner purchased the farmland in 1942. In 1966 the family developed an outdoor activity park, then a decade later opened the market, starting with fruit and vegetable stalls.
CENTURY CINEMAS BORONIA
The independent cinema, now known as Metro Cinemas Boronia, has been a favourite with locals for decades.
Owner Tom Schouten has run the business with his family for the past 16 years.
THE STRINGYBARK FESTIVAL
Knox Council hosts the popular Stringybark Festival every year. This year’s virtual event in October will include cooking demonstrations, children’s arts and craft activities, sustainability presentations and more.
WELLINGTON RD FLOODING
Drivers battled flooding near Stud Rd Rowville in 1987, with photographer Jim Sterling there to capture the scene.
THE DEVIL’S ELBOW
This great shot of cars navigating the Devil’s Elbow, a sharp corner on the Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, was taken in 1975.
BAYSWATER SECONDARY COLLEGE
Spot anyone you know? Photographer Ian McPherson snapped this great shot of Bayswater Secondary College students in 1991.
NORM OLIVER QUALITY MEATS
Norm Oliver Quality Meats was one of the first retailers to open at Knox City Shopping Centre. After two years of planning the centre opened in 1977, with Myer as the major tenant.
WOOLWORTHS BORONIA
Many people living in Boronia have fond memories of shopping at the old Woolworths store, which is now home to a Zagames restaurant.
HOLIDAY MAKERS AT FERNTREE GULLY
Girls from the Warragul Rd Methodist Youth Group were well prepared for the weather when they started off on their hike to Sassafras in 1956.
FERNTREE GULLY RD DUPLICATION
Laurie Knight, Geoff Dempster, Joan Schulz, Carolyn Hirsh, Bob Brown and John Saunderson gathered to cut the ribbon to celebrate the Ferntree Gully Rd duplication in 1990.
THE DEMISE OF THE SWAGMAN
Years of fun enjoying the smorgasbord and live entertainment at The Swagman came to a sad end in 1991, when the popular Ferntree Gully restaurant burnt down.
HOMICIDE BEING FILMED IN FERNTREE GULLY
Popular TV show Homicide, which ran from 1964 to 1977, was filmed on location in Ferntree Gully. It followed fictional detectives of the Victoria Police homicide squad as they solved crimes and murders.
FERNTREE GULLY HIGH SCHOOL
Many former students have fond memories of the school which shut its doors in 2006, after operating for more than 40 years.
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