Toorak, one of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area has been home to many prominent figures and features several historic landmarks that offer a glimpse into its past. Here are some notable historical landmarks in and around Toorak:
1. St. John’s Anglican Church
– Located on Toorak Road, Toorak
– Built in 1862, with additions made in the 1920s
– The church is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture and features beautiful stained glass windows
2. Toorak House
– Located on St. Georges Road, Toorak
– Built in 1849, making it one of the oldest surviving mansions in Melbourne
– The house has been associated with several prominent families throughout its history and is now owned by the Swedish Church
3. Illawarra House
– Located on Toorak Road, Toorak
– Built in the 1880s as a grand Victorian mansion
– The house has been used as a hospital, a private school, and a reception center over the years
4. Stonington Mansion
– Located on Glenferrie Road, Malvern (near Toorak)
– Built in 1890 as a private residence for a wealthy pastoralist
– The mansion now serves as the campus for Deakin University’s School of Psychology
5. Romanesque House
– Located on Heyington Place, Toorak
– Built in the 1890s as a private residence
– The house is a rare example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Melbourne
6. Toorak Railway Station
– Located on Toorak Road, Toorak
– Opened in 1879 as part of the Glen Waverley railway line
– The station building, constructed in 1915, is a good example of Edwardian railway architecture
7. Prahran Town Hall
– Located on Chapel Street, Prahran (adjacent to Toorak)
– Built in 1861 and expanded in the 1880s
– The town hall is an impressive example of Victorian architecture and has played a significant role in the local community
These historical landmarks offer a fascinating insight into Toorak’s past and the development of Melbourne’s inner southeast. Many of these sites have been carefully preserved and repurposed, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the area’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.