The eastern Melbourne suburb of Ringwood developed around the Log Cabin Inn which opened in 1850 to accommodate wayfarers travelling to and from Gippsland and the Goulburn goldfields.
The first residents were timber-getters and paling splitters who eventually gave way to orchardists as the stands of trees were cleared.
As part of Maroondah City, Ringwood, which is 23km from the heart of Melbourne, is a strategic centre, with lavish amounts of lettable commercial space and a large shopping centre.
The heritage walk features spectacular views of the Dandenong Ranges. Many of the area’s parks and reserves are wetland sanctuaries for a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife.
Wombolana Park in East Ringwood conserves 7.5ha of bushland featuring a significant stand of remnant forest, wetland and wildlife habitat. The reserve supports 25 species of birds and colonies of possums and bats, and is networked by 2km of walking track which skirts picnic grounds, playgrounds and toilets.
