Mortlake Heritage Walk

Sitting at the bottom of one of Victoria's most recently active volcanoes, Mortlake is rich in both natural and early settler history. Mount Shadwell, a few minutes north of Mortlake, is an extinct volcano formed 25,000 years ago. It is believed that it last erupted about 5,000 years ago. It is rich in olivine crystal, the birthstone of August.

Take a walk down the main street to immerse yourself in the period bluestone buildings and shopfronts. Enjoy wholesome local produce from local eateries. Check out the Art Deco public swimming pool entrance (in summer take a dip) or hunt for antiques and collectables to take home with you.

Map of Route

1. PENROSE'S, 1867. Former blacksmith Nicholas Penrose's residence, now privately owned.
2. MOUNT SHADWELL HOTEL, 1855. The present hotel, with its 1928 brick rendered facade, has had an almost uninterrupted licence since 1855.
3. MOUNT SHADWELL STABLES, 1863. The stables were ravaged by fire in 1898 and again in 1909, when they were rebuilt.
4. MOUNT SHADWELL STORE, 1850s. With its doors open for more than 170 years, it now operates as the IGA supermarket.
5. WILLOW COTTAGE, 1860s.
6. FORMER SHAW MUSEUM, 1893.
7. MORTLAKE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, 1869. The current facade was added to the building in the 1970s.
8. DISTANCE INDICATOR, 1870.
9. MORTLAKE POST & TELEGRAPH OFFICE, 1864. This building was Mortlake's first official Post and Telegraph Office.
10. MORTLAKE COURT HOUSE, 1864. It served the town and the surrounding district until its closure in 1982 when it became the clubrooms of the Mortlake and District Historical Society until 1990.
11. MORTLAKE SHIRE OFFICES, 1878. Served as the Shire offices until 1964. Today the building is part of the Aberlea Aged Care Services.
12. UNITING CHURCH, 1862. The building served Mortlake as St Andrew's Presbyterian Church until 1978 when it merged with the local Methodist Church to become St Andrew's Uniting Church.
13. ST JAMES' ANGLICAN VICARAGE & SUNDAY SCHOOL, 1919. Today the only original part of the building is the western room.
14. ST JAMES' ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1865. The glass doors to the church were added in 1962/3 when the porch was added.
15. FORMER PRESBYTERIAN MANSE, 1884. Privately owned since 1953.
16. MOUNT SHADWELL FLOUR MILL, 1856. Originally built as a wind-powered flour mill, it was converted in 1859 to steam power. The bluestone chimney was built in 1862, and is one of the few remaining flour mill chimney's from the mid 19th century.
17. MOUNT SHADWELL MILL COTTAGES, 1850s. Built as two workmen's cottages and later converted into one dwelling.
18. FORMER WESLEYAN CHURCH, 1867. After the Wesleyan and Presbyterian churches merged in 1978, the building became St Stephen's Lutheran Church. Today it is privately owned.
19. SHAW STREET BLUESTONE RESIDENCE, 1870s.
20. MOUNT SHADWELL MASONIC LODGE, 1911.
21. TEMPERANCE HALL, 1873. The building served many purposes including Temperance Society functions, lodge meetings, dance classes and a glove factory in World War Two.
22. ORIGINAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1857. It was used as a church, a school, courthouse and the Mortlake Shire Offices until it became privately owned in 1878.
23. WAR MEMORIAL, 1922. A memorial was erected in memory of the 42 district men who died from injuries received during the First World War. Memorial tablets have been added over the years to include servicemen and women from the Second World War, Korean and Vietnam Wars.
24. FLANDERS BROS, 1910. Today only some of the building remains, part of which can still be seen on the western side.
25. MAC'S HOTEL, 1859. The front of the building was demolished in 1910 and replaced with the present brick hotel. Parts of the original bluestone hotel can be seen on Webster Street and in the Commercial Room in Dunlop Street.
26. TEA TREE LAKE. A picture-perfect, nostalgic relaxation spot, complete with a historic rotunda and summerhouse. Idyllic parkland centres on Tea Tree Lake, which is well-stocked with fish and yabbies. Dangle a line from the pier, go spotting for wildlife including more than 100 bird species, or laze away an afternoon soaking up the peaceful, natural vibe.
27. MORTLAKE CUP. Giddy-up to a country race meeting steeped in history, colour and excitement. Established in 1869 and with iconic Mount Shadwell as the backdrop, the Mortlake Racing Club continues to thrive. Thousands of people throng to the track for the annual Mortlake Cup meeting held on Derby Day. The family-friendly meet that's loved by punters, socialites and locals is an ideal way to squeeze a taste of the spring racing action into your itinerary.
28. MORTLAKE SWIMMING POOL. Established as Swimming Baths in 1926, the Mortlake Swimming Pool is now a big part of community life, opening throughout the summer season - a natural gathering place for young and old. Boasting a solar-heated 50m outdoor pool, a shaded toddler pool, vast lawn areas and a canteen, it makes for hours of splashing family fun and ice creams all-round.

Location

125 Dunlop Street, Mortlake 3272 Map

Web Links

→ Mortlake & District Historical Society Inc. on Facebook

→ Mortlake Heritage Walk Brochure (PDF)