Cranbourne
Old settlement noted for its meteorite
display
Cranbourne is located just north of the
Mornington Peninsula and Westernport. It is 49
km south-east of Melbourne via the M1 and the
South Gippsland Highway and is situated at an
elevation of 50 metres above sea-level. The
combined population of Cranbourne and Cranbourne
South, in 1991, was 19 137. It is now part of
the City of Casey.
Cranbourne has become a dormitory area for
Melbourne as the metropolis has expanded
although dairying continues to be important to
the rural hinterland. Sand and gravel quarrying
is also conducted and the town itself supports
light engineering and building industries.
Prior to European settlement the area is
thought to have been occupied by the Boonwurung
Aborigines. The first white settlers, the Ruffy
brothers, arrived in 1836. They later opened the
Cranbourne Inn.
As the result of increasing settlement a
townsite was reserved in 1852 with some
allotments being offered for sale later that
year. However, an allotment survey did not occur
until 1856. It was conducted by Surveyor Foot
who is probably responsible for the present name
which was inspired either by Viscount
Cranbourne, the son of the Marquess of
Salisbury, or by a district of the same name in
England. It was proclaimed a town in 1861.
In 1860 a number of meteorites landed in the
area. The largest, at 1.5 tonnes, was then
considered the world's largest.
A major cattle market was established at
Cranbourne in the 1870s, aided by the arrival of
the railway in 1887. A market gardening industry
emerged after World War I with the arrival of
Italian immigrants.
Things to see:
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Meteorite Display
In 1860 a number of meteorites landed in the
area. The largest, at 1.5 tonnes, was then
considered the world's largest. Full-scale
replicas of twelve meteorites are on display at
the corner of the South Gippsland Highway and
Camms Rd. It is open during daylight hours and
there is a picnic area.
Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
Covering over 350 ha, the Botanic Gardens are
open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. except
on days of total fire ban. There are self-guided
walks or guided tours by appointment, tel: (03)
5990 2200. To get there turn west off the South
Gippsland Highway into Ballarto Rd which leads
to the driveway.
Gippsland Galleries
Gippsland Galleries, at 1656 Sth Gippsland
Highway, is the home of artist Ern Trembath who
does oil paintings of the Yarra and Goulburn
Valleys. There are also crafts, jewellery,
woodwork, wildlife art, quilting and teddy
bears. Opening hours are 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
every weekend or by appointment, tel: (03) 5996
1232.
