Tullamarine: A History of Settlement, Agriculture, and Aviation
Tullamarine is a region defined by its transformation. Once a collection of sprawling farm lots and a quiet village situated at the intersection of municipal boundaries, it has evolved into a critical hub of international transport and residential living. From its early days as a grazing district to the establishment of one of Australia's busiest airports, the area's journey reflects the broader development of Victoria.
Etymology and Origins
The origin of the name Tullamarine is subject to three primary theories. The first suggests it derives from Tullamareena, a member of the Wurundjeri clan who, in 1838, burnt down the bark hut where he had been imprisoned. A second theory, proposed by Reverend George Langhorne, claims Tullamareena was a boy's name that Langhorne provided to Robert Hoddle, the first government surveyor, to be used for the district.
A third possibility is that the name stems from an indigenous word for a native forest flower, which also served as a boy's name, as noted in an early poem by Richard Howitt.
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The 19th Century: Pioneering and Parish Life
Tullamarine Village was originally located on Bulla or Lancefield Road (now Melrose Drive), positioned where the boundaries of Broadmeadows, Bulla, and Keilor met. In its early years, the area extended west to the Organ Pipes National Park. A region bounded by the Maribyrnong River, Jacksons Creek, and Deep Creek was known as Tullamarine Island due to the difficulty of crossing these watercourses during wet weather.
Land Subdivision and Early Infrastructure
The Tullamarine Parish was subdivided into farm lots in 1842, though most were not sold by selection until 1850. The community grew steadily with the opening of a Wesleyan school in 1855, followed by two other schools in 1859 and 1864. A State primary school eventually replaced the Wesleyan institution in 1884. The Tullamarine Post Office opened on March 4, 1859, and by 1865, the district supported a hotel and a population of approximately 200 people.
Prominent Estates and Landowners
The parish was divided into sections, each hosting notable figures and enterprises:
- Section 1: Home to Edward Wilson, editor of The Argus, and Robert McDougall, a renowned breeder of Booth strain Shorthorns.
- Section 2 (Annandale): Named after Annandale Road and occupied by Bill Parr.
- Section 3 (The Springs): Granted to William Foster. Later, J.F.L. Foster (acting Governor) acquired Section 21, known as Doutta Galla, where the homestead was locally called the Governor's House. This section also featured the Junction Hotel and the Reddans' "Brightview" farm.
- Section 4: Included "Camp Hill," where gold seekers camped, and "Viewpoint." The area known as "Stewarton" (later Gladstone) eventually became part of the 1,014-acre Gladstone Park.
- Sections 6 & 15: Granted to John Carre Riddell, for whom Riddells Creek is named. This area included the 450-acre Chandos farm.
- Section 7: Granted to John Pascoe Fawkner, who subdivided his land into 7-acre blocks to support yeoman farmers.
Agricultural Innovation
Section 8, granted to John Grant and the McNabs, was home to the "Seafield," "Victoria Bank," and "Oakbank" farms. These families are credited with introducing Ayrshire cattle to Australia. Additionally, Alister Clark, the breeder of the Black Rose and first Chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club, owned the "Glenara" estate in the area.
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20th Century Transition
By the 1930s, Tullamarine Village was a established community with a church, football and tennis clubs, and a progress association. While hay production and grazing remained the primary industries, pig farming became more common by the 1930s as the demand for hay declined.
The Arrival of Aviation and Infrastructure
The mid-1950s marked a turning point. In 1955, the Village Drive-In opened with a capacity of 862 cars, operating until 1984. However, the most significant change came in the late 1950s when the Federal Government announced plans for a new airport. Land acquisition began in the early 1960s, necessitating the relocation of the local school in 1961.
Between 1967 and 1970, the construction of the Tullamarine Freeway physically divided the township from Gladstone Park to the east. The area west of the freeway transitioned into a mix of residential housing and a large industrial estate, further connected by the Western Ring Road.
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Tullamarine in the 21st Century
Modern Tullamarine is characterized by high-capacity transport corridors. Sharps Road, once a single carriageway lined with pine trees and a small pony club, is now a dual-carriageway providing direct access to Melbourne Airport. The region's real estate has mirrored metropolitan trends, with median house prices sitting at 97% of the Melbourne metropolitan median in 1987 and 82% by 1996.
Key Facts
- Aviation Hub: Much of the current airport sits on former farm lots, including Section 14 ("Gowrie Park").
- Agricultural Legacy: The region is credited with the introduction of Ayrshire cattle to Australia.
- Community Leaders: Alec Rasmussen, Major Murphy, and Leo Dineen were pivotal in establishing local sporting facilities and reserves.
- Land Use: Transitioned from 19th-century yeoman farming and hay production to 20th-century aviation and industrial estates.
| Section | Notable Name/Estate | Key Figure/Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | N/A | Edward Wilson & Robert McDougall |
| Section 2 | Annandale | Bill Parr |
| Section 3 | The Springs / Doutta Galla | William & J.F.L. Foster |
| Section 4 | Camp Hill / Viewpoint | E.E. Kenny / Edmond Dunn |
| Section 6 & 15 | Chandos | John Carre Riddell |
| Section 7 | The Elms | John Pascoe Fawkner |
| Section 8 | Seafield / Oakbank | John Grant & the McNabs |
| Section 14 | Gowrie Park | Site of current Melbourne Airport |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name Tullamarine come from?
There are three theories: it may be named after a Wurundjeri clan member named Tullamareena, a boy's name provided to surveyor Robert Hoddle, or an indigenous word for a native forest flower.
What was the primary industry in Tullamarine before the airport?
The area was primarily agricultural, focusing on grazing and hay production, with some pig farming becoming common by the 1930s.
Who introduced Ayrshire cattle to Australia in this region?
The Grant and McNab families, who owned farms in Section 8 (including Seafield and Oakbank), are credited with introducing the breed.
What happened to the Village Drive-In?
Opened in 1955 with a capacity of 862 cars, the drive-in closed in 1984. The site was later developed into a housing estate with streets named after film studios like Paramount and Forum.
How did the Tullamarine Freeway affect the local geography?
Built between 1967 and 1970, the freeway created a physical divide between the main Tullamarine residential/industrial area and Gladstone Park to the east.