Riverview Tea Gardens index
In 1909, Daniel Hicks established the Riverview Tea Gardens, (which were located a few miles upstream from the Wine Hall) near what is now called the Canning Reserve in Avondale Heights. The gardens utilized part of a 112 acre allotment and Hicks created a beautiful setting on the sloping banks leading down to the river.
The gardens were laid out by John Oliver, who was the curator of Queen's Park in Moonee Ponds. The gardens were magnificent and contained a spectacular array of flowers. The rockeries were also a main attraction as were the many statues that were situated throughout the grounds, the most remarkable being the "White Lady" that was prominently positioned as to be a welcoming symbol to arriving guests.
The facilities that were offered to the patrons included tennis courts, sports grounds, a dance hall, kiosks, pavilions and three aviaries. The fauna included such magnificent creatures as emus, parrots, peacocks, pheasants, wallabies and wombats. Patrons could partake of tea & scones & ice-creams while enjoying the picturesque surrounds.
Visitors to the Tea Gardens, like the Wine Hall, arrived via riverboat cruises. Daniel Hicks operated the "Maribyrnong River Boat Co" and being a brilliant businessman and forward planner was keen to profit from the expanding interest from eager 'day-trippers'. He was continually increasing the number of boats in his fleet to keep up with passenger demand.
He commenced his business with 4 craft, gradually building to 12. Names of the boats in his service included: "Maribyrnong", "River Queen", "River Countess", "River Belle" and "Ascot".
Patrons were able to travel on the tram from Flemington bridge and board the riverboats at the Saltwater River (as the Maribyrnong River was known then) at Maribyrnong Road Bridge, near the Anglers Tavern.
The cruises ran at frequent intervals from 2.30 pm on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On holidays the service began at 9.30 am. On fine days, the cruises were so popular that a continuous service was in place.In 1913, the name of the river was changed from Saltwater to the Maribyrnong and by this time Hicks' business was well established.
The 1920's and 30's was the boom time for the Riverview Tea Gardens. Moonlight cruises became a feature at this time. River boats, filled with revelers, could be seen traveling side by side upstream to the Tea Gardens. Much excited singing and laughing could be heard as the boats made their way to the venue for the dancing and partying. The words of songs such as "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Under The Silvery Moon" could be clearly heard across the river. Return fares were 1/6 d (one shilling and sixpence).
With the onset of World War 2, access to the Riverview Tea Gardens was restricted due to the proximity of the Ammunition Storage Facility. A curfew was enforced and a boom was placed over the river (near where the Afton Street footbridge is now) at 6 pm. This brought an end to the moonlight cruises.
After the war, although access was once again permitted, popularity of the Riverview Tea Gardens had waned. Potential customers had discovered other avenues of interest, and with cars and petrol being increasingly available, a new range of recreational activities were able to be pursued.
The Riverview Tea Gardens ceased business in 1947 and the buildings and related structures were destroyed by fire in the 1950's. Sadly, all that remains of this beautiful attraction is some exotic trees and stone walls.
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References:
Mackay, R W
1999
Riverview Tea Gardens
Essendon Historical Society Inc
Moonee Ponds Courthouse Museum
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