Choose Minibus Hire With Driver In Melbourne To Explore The City Of Greater Dandenong!
The City of Greater Dandenong is a local government region of Victoria and a south-eastern suburb of the capital city of Melbourne. The recent consensus of the area in 2014 marks the population of the city at 1,46,000 residents spread across an area of 130 square kilometres. If you are looking to explore this part of the city anytime soon, make sure to choose Melbourne minibus hire with driver for a convenient commute to notable locations of the area.
About the City of Greater Dandenong
It was in the year 1994, when the City of Greater Dandenong was formed by the merger of parts of City of Springvale and the former City of Dandenong. The then government of Jeff Kennet, reorganized the local government in Victoria, with his reforms dissolving 210 councils and creating 78 new councils through amalgamation. As a part of this reform, the cities of Dandenong and Springvale merged to create the Greater Dandenong. This place has witnessed the youngest female mayor in the nation’s history, when Clare O’Neil served the term from 2003 to 2004.
The suburbs of the region include Dandenong,Dandenong South, Dandenong North, Noble Park, Noble Park North, Bangholme, Keysborough, Lyndhusrt and Springvale. One of the key highlights of this city is the historic precinct of the Heritage Hills. It houses some of the ancient preserved buildings, offering an insight into the city’s transformation from a rural town to a happening metropolis. You can enjoy a range of experiences at this place, including musical events, workshops, picnics, exhibitions and much more.
Benga House
Built by the Norman Taylor in the Tudor Revival style, and designed by the famous architect Fredrick Ballantyne, Benga House is a comprehensive expression of architecture in domestic housing at the inter-war phase. During the time it was built, Benga House was the most expensive structure in the Shire of Dandenong for more than a decade. One can explore the social life of the families who resided here more than 5 decades back. The Heritage Hills oral history collection contains transcripts and tapes of over 300 interviews, sharing the life of past and present residents of the city.
With 24 squares comprising seven rooms, the house is intentionally situated on the south-eastern side to augment the northern aspect, so as to expose the garden to the winter sun. Today, a majority of this house serves as a gallery space for artists to exhibit their collections.
Laurel Lodge
One of the oldest buildings in the region, the 1869-built Laurel Lodge will take you to the Dandenong that once existed in the 19th century. It displays the modishness and elegance of the town that is not manifested in the modern structures. The design is inspired by the popular Chinoiserie, which was quite in use during 18th and 19th century. Given its past association with the prominent citizens of the district, the Laurel Lodge derives immense regional significance being the central focus of community life providing a link to the upper class social network.
Heritage Hill’s Gardens
An exclusive part of the region’s rich history, the gardens of Heritage Hill is a complete treat for the eyes and the soul. Apart from the historic buildings, the gardens tell us a story about how the residents of the past linked to their surrounding environment. There are a variety of gardens, which reflect the desires and aspirations of those who created it, and to what use it has been put.
Ever since the European Settlement began, domestic gardens have been a significant part of Australian culture, both as a recreational spot and a source of crop. The beautiful Benga garden was designed by Mrs Hart, and up until this date, the space exhibits a gorgeous representation of 1930s garden structure with ornamental trees, massive lawn, perennial garden beds, a pergola and formally designed paths. There hasn’t been much renovation done to this iconic spot since 1930, and is a remarkable survival of something that has been lost in modern times.
St James Anglican Church
Built way back in 1864, the St James Anglican Church is the oldest institution in the region of Dandenong. Its importance is not only marked in its sophistication and age as a building, but also in its rich association to the past history. For a period of over 135 years, the church along with its parish centre, hall and the gardens has served as a community meeting place for residents of Dandenong. The first ever Bishop of Melbourne, Bishop Parry started the proceedings at this church in January 1865, and since then services have been conducted till this day.
Drum Theatre
No matter how historic a place is, there is no life without some entertainment. The Town Hall of Dandenong has been a vital part of the city for a long time, and it houses the ever-happening Drum Theatre, with 100,000 visitors flocking in numbers annually to watch over 200 performances spread throughout the calendar year. With its striking modern architecture, and the restored beauty of a 19th century building, the theatre is an iconic landmark with a 521-seat auditorium, a fly tower included in a red oval drum, and a massive stage set for the performers.
Having built according to the industry benchmark standards, the theatre has been a fantasy for the performing arts community of the region for years. People from all walks of life can come and enjoy the exemplary display of art and live shows, while taking pride in them.
The theatre is open to performance companies, community groups, dance groups, and schools for their high quality entertaining performances. In addition to great backstage facilities and fully equipped stage, the large function and rehearsal rooms cater to the standards required for an ideal stage show.
If you are travelling in a group, and looking for some group travelling options without compromising the level of comfort you desire to avail, choose minibus hire with driver in Melbourne for a safe and hassle-free ride to the above destinations.