Petty’s Heritage Orchard
Petty’s Orchard is beautifully positioned on the Yarra River in Templestowe. It harvests over 200 different types of apples, pears and nuts, there are several wetland areas and an old packing shed which displays the history of Petty’s Orchard.
In 1853 Thomas Petty arrived in Australia from England and selected land in the Doncaster and Templestowe area. Three generations of Petty Family worked as orchardists until 1981 when Parks Victoria purchased the Homestead Rd property.
As collectors of apple cultivators, Parks Victoria has become part of a world wide network which is conserving antique apples and protecting them from extinction.
Pettys Orchard will continue to be managed as an orchard in order to remind Melburnians of the landscape and rural activities which once dominated the Doncaster - Templestowe region.
Open every Friday for organic produce markets, and also by appointment, you can arrange school tours on (03) 9726 9784.
Things To Do
- Walk to the riverbank for a lovely view and acquaint yourself en route with the range of fruit and nut trees.
- Rediscover antique apples on a ranger guided walk.
- Learn about the history of the apple, orcharding and the Petty family in the museum. The old packing shed features working grading machines and packing systems from the 1840s onwards.
- Visit the bird hide to see local wetland life.
Contact details
- Phone: (03) 9726 9784
- Website: Pettys Orchard
- Address: 1 Homestead Road, Templestowe. Melway reference 22 A12.
