Cranbourne.

A former rural township with a rich history in agriculture, cattle farming and market gardening, Cranbourne is situated between Dandenong and Tooradin 43km southeast of Melbourne. It is a short drive from the Mornington Peninsula and also on the main route to Phillip Island. The traditional owners of the land are the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, with the first Europeans arriving in 1836. It is widely considered as being named after the town of Cranbourne in Berkshire England.

The suburb enjoyed fleeting fame in 1860 when several meteorites were discovered in the area. The largest is still exhibited by the British Museum, while full scale replicas remain displayed in the suburb. Cranbourne’s most celebrated feature is the Royal Botanic Gardens covering 363Ha featuring woodlands, wetlands, walking trails and picnic areas. Cranbourne also has a long history with the horseracing industry. Its first race meeting dates back as early as 1867, with today’s modern turf club hosting regular carnivals such as the Cranbourne Cup.

It is well known for a mix of residential and commercial development. There are various dwelling sizes and styles to suit families or investors, with modern builds the most prevalent. Buyers have a choice of older-style homes with renovation potential or newly constructed homes, townhouses or apartments.

Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre in the middle of town is one of two major retail precincts servicing the suburb, with Cranbourne also home to a golf course, excellent sporting facilities, numerous schools and excellent public transport, including trains from Cranbourne station.