Description

Court House: Built in 1890 according to the designs of prominent Public Works Department architect, Samuel Edward Bindley, the Moonee Ponds (former Essendon) Court House is characteristic of a late 19th-century Medieval Revival building.

As the local seat of justice, the court heard cases ranging from petty theft to disorderly conduct which provide insight into the past. In 1981, after a decade under threat of demolition, the Court House became the home of the Essendon Historical Society as a museum. Since a disastrous fire in 2016, the Court House has been restored and revitalised, and remains standing proudly in the hub of the locality.

Queens Park: In 1863, the Victorian Government granted 20 acres of swampy land to the Council for a reserve. The first plantings occurred in 1865, but the majority were planted in 1890 by John Oliver. The Caretaker's Cottage was built in 1891. The Park has a Burke & Wills, industrial, policing and sporting history as well as its existing memorial, gardens and lake.

What's On

Come enjoy a self-guided tour and explore the architecture of the Court House and locality, see the effects of the 2016 fire and peruse an embroidery exhibition. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

There will also be a guided walking tour of Queens Park’s heritage. A specially prepared booklet will be provided.