Mid 1850
The Crown first disposed of land in the Nunawading
district.
1889 - Damming of Creek.
The Lake itself was formed by the damming
of Gardiner's
Creek. The Freehold Investment and Banking Company, an early land
speculative syndicate in Blackburn, is credited with having built the
Lake for the purpose of enhancing land values, and to provide a
reservoir for local orchardists.
1889 - Picnic Excursions
The Company built a refreshment
room and jetty at the
water's edge. Four rowing boats were available for hire. Picnic
excursions were organised from Melbourne; passengers rode in converted
cattle trucks. The journey took up to two hours by steam train.
