Caribbean Gardens

Caribbean Gardens is a 100 acres (0.40 km2) market and gardens located in the outer eastern suburb of Scoresby in Melbourne, Australia.

Caribbean Gardens and Market has been operating since 1965, when it started with only a handful of traders selling wares from their car boots and Water ski shows. What once was “a handful of traders” has today grown into a bustling undercover market with over 1000 stall sites. It is known as one of the largest markets in Victoria, occupying a 10,500 m2 pavilion.

The market offers hundreds of different products ranging from fresh produce, accessories, huge computer and IT section, household products, men’s, women’s and kids clothing and shoes, tools and toys. Rides and entertainment also operate in the Gardens during market hours, including:

  • 9-Hole Mini Golf in Japanese Gardens
  • 5 km Train around the perimeter of Caribbean Gardens
  • Jungle Cruise boat ride around Lake Caribbean
  • Chair Lift

Caribbean Gardens and Market is situated at the foothills of the Dandenong’s in Scoresby, just 25 km from Melbourne. Caribbean Gardens and Market is open from 8.30am every Wednesday,and Sunday, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.it used to be open on Fridays

History

In 1945, A.W. Spooner acquired 300 acres (1.2 km2) of land in Scoresby which he named "Dalmore Park". On this land he built a French Provincial mansion.

In 1958, whilst overseas, he found the material known as fibreglass, and realised its potential in the boat-building industry. Soon after, he established the Caribbean Boat Factory. It soon became necessary to have a lake for the testing of the boats and in the early 1960s, Lake Caribbean was built. It was subsequently opened to the public and developed by one of his sons, Rod Spooner, as Caribbean Gardens.

The site is significant being Victoria's "first local example" of a theme park,[1] with many original features (Japanese gardens, railway, chairlift, jungle cruise & picnic areas) still intact today.

The chairlift ride was built by Jack Griffiths, originally from Whistlestop Amusement Park in Langwarrin* which closed in 1974.

Caribbean Gardens also has a former sugarcane locomotive (1924) from Victoria Mill, Ingham.

The park also has a number of other features including cast iron street lamps originally from Melbourne dotted around the gardens.

Caribbean Park is now set to expand. This comprehensive masterplan will deliver new office buildings, expansive parkland, integrated landscaping, new retail areas, lifestyle facilities and more.[2]

*Whistlestop Amusement Park was in Skye Road, Frankston, now a housiing estate bounded by Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, Skye Road, The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve and Peninsula Link. A chairlift operated across a lake that was filled in for construction of the housing estate. A small recreation reserve "Whistlestop Reserve" currently fronts Skye Road, along with the housing estate. The amusement park in Langwarrin was Leisureland Fair.

See also

  • List of farmers' markets

References

  1. ↑ "Survey of Post-War Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage One" (PDF). Volume 1: Contextual Overview, Methodology, Lists & Appendices. 1 (1): 30. October 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "Survey of Post-War Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage One" (PDF). Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. Heritage Alliance prepared for Heritage Victoria. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
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