Ringwood East Historic Walk

Ringwood East Historic Walk created by Maroondah City Council

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Summary

Step back in time and explore the rich heritage of Ringwood East with this engaging 5.5km historic walk.

Description

Designed for all ages and fitness levels, the route weaves through the heart of the community, revealing stories of gold and antimony mining, early sporting clubs, and the evolution of local schools and landmarks. Along the way, you’ll encounter sites such as the original Boardman’s Gold and Antimony Mine, the East Ringwood Recreation Reserve, and the historic Ringwood East Railway Station.

This walk offers a fascinating glimpse into the areas transformation from a bustling mining hub in the late 1800s to a vibrant suburb with deep community roots. With easy access to public transport, local shops, and amenities, it’s the perfect way to connect with the past while enjoying the present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a local resident, or a visitor, the Ringwood East Historic Walk invites you to experience the stories and scenery that have shaped this unique corner of Maroondah.

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Points of Interest

1. Former Maroondah Council Offices

Maroondah City Council, formed in 1994, was based at Mines Road until 2015, when it relocated to the modern REALM facility in Ringwood, enhancing community access and council services.

2. Antimony Mining

The first discovery of antimony at Ringwood occurred in the late 1860s and numerous mines dotted this hill and employed well over a hundred men.

3. Karralyka Center

Karralyka Centre, opened 1983, expanded in 2025. Its landmark "Cassini" yellow sculpture by Charles Perry stands outside. A premier venue for theatre, events, and conferences.

4. East Ringwood Recreation Reserve

From the 1880s, this reserve has been used for picnics, gymkhanas, cycling races and athletic meets, as well as football and cricket finals. It is home to a football, cricket and tennis clubs.

5. Cass' School

In 1874, Edward Feehan Cass started the first school in Ringwood (now home to Lionsbrae Retirement Village). After this school closed in 1893, Ringwood State School began in 1924.

6. East Ringwood Primary School

State School 4180 opened in a new red brick building in 1924. Additional buildings were added later and student numbered reached 574 by 1966. Dwindling enrolments led to the school's closure in 1993.

7. Maroondah Hospital

Maroondah Hospital was officially opened by Sir Henry Winneke in 1976. The land was originally part of the Ware Estate, then a sports oval.

8. St Francis de Sales Catholic School

The school opened in 1958 by Archbishop Simonds. The building is now part of the hospital services.

9. Ringwood East Station

Ringwood East Station opened in 1925. In 2025, the railway line was lowered and a new modern station opened, improving safety and access for the community while preserving its historic role.

10. East Ringwood Post Office

Former location of the Ringwood East Post Office.

11. Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall

Established to serve seniors in 1923 , offering activities like dances, parties, fitness, hairdressing. . The hall received refurbishment in 2017.

12. 3rd Ringwood East Scout Hall

The 3rd Ringwood East Scout Group formed in 1955 and the hall was built in the 1950s as part of a community hub alongside other groups like the Red Cross,. The Group is still serving the youth.

13. Swimming Pool

A clay mine became a swimming pool in the 1910s/20s, closed after drownings, and is now Knaith Park. The Community Hall was built in the 1950s, later joined by Scouts and Red Cross.

14. Army Reserve Depot

Brick and tile works began in Ringwood East in the 1880s, producing kaolin for porcelain. In the late 1950s, the Army Reserve was established on the former Ringwood Brickmaking Co. site.

15. Flower Farms

What was later known as Howship Bros Rosedale Nursery, originated in 1905 with local identity John Hill. This property put Ringwood on the map as a centre for Melbourne's trade in flowers.

16. The Dairy

A dairy once operated on the east corner of Federal and Mt Dandenong Roads, supplying fresh milk to locals. It closed as the area developed, with the site later used for other businesses.

17. Club Hotel (Formally Daisey's)

The Club Hotel, built by George T. Wiggin, hosted livestock sales in the 1880/90s. Gordon Hall, Ringwood’s first hall, stood east of it and served as extra space for Cass’s school students.

18. Township of Ringwood

In the mid-1800s, Ringwood had stores, trades, and churches. A police station opened at 32 Mt Dandenong Road in 1888. Catholic, Methodist (1887), and Presbyterian (1909) churches served locals.