Frank Thomson Reserve (Kinglake Central)

Enjoy a family picnic or barbecue in the open grassy area of Frank Thomson Reserve, with wonderful views of Melbourne's skyline rising from the southern plains and the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley to the east. A favourite spot to take in the view at Lady Stonehaven's Lookout at sunrise or sunset.

Picnic tables and a gas barbecue are located close to the parking area. There is plenty of space for the kids to roam while adults can relax and enjoy the view.

The Kinglake Bushfire Memorial is located at the reserve. The monument commemorates those who were affected by the February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The site includes 31 commemorative trees representing the lives lost in Kinglake. The memorial symbolises the persistence, courage and determination of the communities.

Frank Thomson Reserve (Kinglake Central)

Frank Thomson Reserve (Kinglake Central)

The memorial features two gathering spaces designed in an eternity shape. A copse of gums is at the west of the site. The memorial structure features a circular space enclosed by a tapering concrete wall. Within this space, the wall panels include text provided by the community which weaves around sandblasted tree motifs and stylised metal tree branches inscribed with names of individuals who died in each community. The space also includes an elliptical viewing portal looking to the west and the adjacent hills, local seating rocks and an etched map of the fire affected areas.

One plaque reads:

To those who assisted our community during and following the events of 7 February 2009
Emergency Services
Charitable Organisations
Government Agencies
All the volunteers and donors from near and far
Thank you

Another plaque, which has a map of the Kilmore East Fire reads:

In February 2009, an event that we now know as Black Saturday caused vast areas of country Victoria to be devastated by immense bushfires, which led to Australia's highest ever loss from such a natural occurrence.

Forty percent of Murrindindi Shire was burned and significant losses were also experienced in other parts of Victoria. Overall, the Shire was devastated with a total of 101 people losing their lives, and the destruction of 1,397 homes, 75 businesses, 16 community or government buildings and 234 sheds.

The Kinglake Ranges, including Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West and Pheasant Creek, Flowerdale and Marysville suffered significant loss of life and property. Toolangi, Castella, Narbethong and Strath Creek suffered some loss of life.

Indescribable disruption occurred both physically and emotionally among the affected families and the surrounding communities. The persistence, courage and determination shown by communities has been inspirational.

This memorial commemorates the experiences of our communities.

The lives lost that day will never be forgotten.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are prohibited in Kinglake National Park, but are permitted on a lead (at all times) in the Frank Thomson Reserve.

Frank Thomson Reserve (Kinglake Central)

Access for Dogs:

Photos:

Location

Web Links