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Belgrave fell within the pastoral run of early pioneer James Clow, with the initial settlement built in the area now known as Tecoma.
On the 18th December 1900, a narrow-gauge railway was opened in the area now known as Belgrave. The railway was built to serve the farmers in the area to transport their goods to the markets in Melbourne. The railway played an essential part in the growth of the area, as a township grew around it's main station.
When the railway was restored in 1962, Belgrave was opened up to the tourism industry, as Puffing Billy became very popular for bringing visitors up to the hills area. The famed Puffing Billy continues this trend to this day.
Today, Belgrave is a vibrant hub of shopping and café lifestyle. It offers all the major services anyone could need including: doctors, chemists, dry cleaners, newsagent, real estate, travel agents, several banks, clothing, framing, homewares, books, videos, hairdressers, bakeries, and take away food. All nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Sherbrooke forest.
Belgrave’s diversity also allows it to offer the alternatives of holistic services, such as organic and locally grown produce, health foods, organic cafes and take away. Such alternatives cater for those with food intolerances, natural healing, fair trade goods, free range and chemical free meats.
At night, Belgrave is transformed into a vibrant restaurant and entertainment precinct with choices of cuisine from all over the world including Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Modern Australian and many more. Belgrave boasts some of the premier entertainment venues in the area with a cinema specializing in art house and foreign films, excellent bars and music venues with local and visiting musicians, performers and artists.
Here in Belgrave, our traders are making choices for their businesses that address the issues facing our future. We have a focus on sustainability, promoting the use of green energy; recycled products and a reduction in the use of plastic. With excellent access via public transport, you could even catch the bus or train to Belgrave to reduce your cars carbon emissions.
Come and enjoy our unique surroundings amongst the trees, as we create a sustainable future for all. |
The township, named 'Belgrave' after the estate of local councillor E. W. Benson. Belgrave, became a transport hub for the surrounding areas of Monbulk, Kallista, Olinda and The Patch. However, in 1953 a landslide came across the railway tracks and the railway was officially closed.