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Mortlake is nestled at the very foot of Mount Shadwell, and is literally filled with things to see and do. The area's rich history is still very evident today, with many historic buildings scattered not only throughout the town, but also the surrounding area as well. A large majority of these buildings are located within the Shaw Street Bluestone Precinct. Complementing this history are the area's geological formations and rare wildlife.
Olivine
As most people
notice when they enter the town via one of the main roads, Mortlake is Australia's
Olivine Capital. Just what is Olivine? Well no, it's not anything to do with
olives, as Olivine (pronounced oliv-een) is actually a gem that is found rather
readily at the local quarry. Some people might be actually more familiar with
the name Peridot, the birthstone for August, which is generally assigned to
the larger dark green crystals. The Mount Shadwell Quarry is located 1.5km north
of Mortlake on the Ararat Road. The quarry is owned and operated by the Moyne
Shire, who utilise it to supply low cost materials for road maintenance and
construction. Click here to visit the Mt Shadwell Quarry Website.
The
majority of olivine is found in what are known as bombs. These bombs are often
egg shaped as a result of their solidifying from a liquid or semi-liquid state
as they fly through the air. The best way to find the Olivine is usually to
break one of these bombs open. These bombs usually contain some crystals, although
the harder you have to tap, the less likely there'll be anything worthwhile
inside. Olivine crystals come in a wide variety of sizes and colours, ranging
from dark green through to browns and even gold. Before going fossicking, you
must fill out an indemnity form, which can be found at the Mortlake Visitor
Information Telecentre or at the Shire Offices in Mortlake. For more information,
phone (03) 5599 2899
The Shaw Street Bluestone
Precinct
As mentioned above,
the Mortlake area is home to many fantastic buildings many of which date back
to the mid-19th Century. The largest concentration of these buildings is located
in Mortlake's Shaw Street Bluestone Precinct, which features nine remarkable
examples of 19th century architecture and reflects an important phase in Mortlake's
urban development.
In all, there are a total of 22 buildings dispersed throughout the town that are well worth a look, including the Mount Shadwell Mill, and for the best possible chance to view these buildings, it is highly recommended to pick up a copy of the Mortlake History Trail Brochure from the Mortlake Visitor Information Telecentre. For more information, contact them on (03) 5599 2899.
Mortlake Botanical Gardens
& Tea Tree Lake
Originally a
swamp, the area to the south east of Dunlop Street was drained in the late 1870's
and by 1883 this area was renamed the Mortlake Botanical Gardens. At its height,
the botanical gardens and surrounding parkland covered nearly 50 acres. In 1918,
the area was described as "a charming rural retreat standing in the centre
of the town, with it's promenades and pleasure grounds, it's avenues of towering
elm trees, pines and stretches of bewitched willows, the area also contains
an interesting and unique Boer War Memorial". Also of note in this area
are the Garden keeper's cottage and the Thomas Montgomery Pavilion, also known
as "the rotunda" by the locals. Built in 1907, this building was named
in to honour a local businessman of some influence, who is recognised as one
of Mortlake's greatest benefactors during it's formative years.
In 1987, work commenced on the excavation of a new lake within the Mortlake Botanical Gardens. The works were a bicentennial gift to the citizens of Mortlake by the Bicenntenial Celebrations Committee, The Victorian State Government & the Shire of Mortlake. The lake was officially opened in 1988, and to this day remains a spectacular venue for picnics, family get togethers and various community celebrations. Since its construction, the lake has been beneficial to the area, attracting many different species of bird life to the town that had not been seen for many years prior. The lake is also a great place for fishing and yabbying activities, being regularly stocked with Trout, and is also a good spot for a picnic or barbeque. Also located within the gardens is the Mortlake Caravan Park, with 20 powered and 30 unpowered sites, as well as Laundry facilities.
Mortlake's Avenue of
Honour
Mortlake's Avenue
of Honour is located at the eastern entrance to Mortlake via the Hamilton Highway.
This avenue is comprised of Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and is planted
in two sections. The first section was planted to honour those servicemen in
the district who took part in the First World War, the second section dedicated
to those involved the Second World War. The avenue is roughly 2.2 kilometres
long and contains 196 trees. Each tree originally had a name plate at it's foot
and many of these are still visible.
Koonendah Private Museum
To further explore the areas fascinating connection with the past, a trip to
the Koonendah Private Museum is highly recommended. The museum was originally
The Sisters Presbyterian Church, but in the late 1980's was purchased by Tom
& Bev and shifted to their property on the Noorat Rd, The Sisters in 1990.
The Museum now resides in a pleasant garden setting, and is host to a wide variety
of antique furniture, musical instruments and even military memorabilia. Visits
can be organised by contacting Tom & Bev on (03) 5592 6240.
Woolongoon
This property has a large country garden with spacious sweeping lawns, mature
trees and wide perrenial borders. Of special note is an oak tree that was planted
by John Masefield, Great Britain's Poet Laureate from 1930 to1967. Small numbers
of interesting plants from the garden are generally available for sale. The
garden is opened by appointment, and admitance is $5.00. For bookings and more
information, contact James & Luki on (03) 5599 2040.
Sporting Facilities
Mortlake has a wide range of sporting facilities available for use by the general
public. The Mortlake Golf Club in Hopetoun Street, Mortlake offers a nine hole
golf course. The Mortlake Bowls Club, located in Park Street, has two lush greens.
The DC Farran oval contains a football oval, several tennis courts and some practice cricket pitches. Numerous other facilities, sporting clubs and the like are located throughout the area.
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