Cranbourne
Old settlement noted for its meteorite display
Cranbourne is located just north of the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport. It is 49 km south-east of Melbourne via the M1 and the South Gippsland Highway and is situated at an elevation of 50 metres above sea-level. The combined population of Cranbourne and Cranbourne South, in 1991, was 19 137. It is now part of the City of Casey.

Cranbourne has become a dormitory area for Melbourne as the metropolis has expanded although dairying continues to be important to the rural hinterland. Sand and gravel quarrying is also conducted and the town itself supports light engineering and building industries.

Prior to European settlement the area is thought to have been occupied by the Boonwurung Aborigines. The first white settlers, the Ruffy brothers, arrived in 1836. They later opened the Cranbourne Inn.

As the result of increasing settlement a townsite was reserved in 1852 with some allotments being offered for sale later that year. However, an allotment survey did not occur until 1856. It was conducted by Surveyor Foot who is probably responsible for the present name which was inspired either by Viscount Cranbourne, the son of the Marquess of Salisbury, or by a district of the same name in England. It was proclaimed a town in 1861.

In 1860 a number of meteorites landed in the area. The largest, at 1.5 tonnes, was then considered the world's largest.

A major cattle market was established at Cranbourne in the 1870s, aided by the arrival of the railway in 1887. A market gardening industry emerged after World War I with the arrival of Italian immigrants.

Things to see:  

Meteorite Display
In 1860 a number of meteorites landed in the area. The largest, at 1.5 tonnes, was then considered the world's largest. Full-scale replicas of twelve meteorites are on display at the corner of the South Gippsland Highway and Camms Rd. It is open during daylight hours and there is a picnic area.

Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
Covering over 350 ha, the Botanic Gardens are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. except on days of total fire ban. There are self-guided walks or guided tours by appointment, tel: (03) 5990 2200. To get there turn west off the South Gippsland Highway into Ballarto Rd which leads to the driveway.

Gippsland Galleries
Gippsland Galleries, at 1656 Sth Gippsland Highway, is the home of artist Ern Trembath who does oil paintings of the Yarra and Goulburn Valleys. There are also crafts, jewellery, woodwork, wildlife art, quilting and teddy bears. Opening hours are 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every weekend or by appointment, tel: (03) 5996 1232.

	Motels
	Fourth Furlong Motel 1449 South Gippsland Hwy Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 7500 Facsimile: (03) 5995 0034 Rating: **
	Mahogany Park Motel 110 Sladen St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 8555 Facsimile: (03) 5996 1865 Rating: ****
	The Terrace Motel Cnr South Gippsland Hwy & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3366 Facsimile: (03) 5996 7717 Rating: ****
	Hotels
	Cranbourne Hotel Cnr South Gippsland Hwy & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3344, 1300 366 600
	Kelly's Motor Club Hotel High St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 1004
	The Settlement Hotel Cnr South Gippsland Hwy & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3300, 1300 366 600
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Willow Mere Ostrich Farm 1300 Dandenong Hastings Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 9783 6297
	Restaurants
	Ajanta Restaurant 163 Sladen St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 7455
	Heavenly Pancakes Cnr Stawell & High Sts Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 7977
	Lee Palace Chinese Restaurant High St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 1202
	Lyall's Restaurant Cnr South Gippsland Hwy & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: 1300 366 600
	Mirama Chinese Restaurant High St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3615
	The Settlement Bistro Cnr South Gippsland Hway & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3366
	The Terrace Motel Cnr South Gippsland Hwy & Camms Rd Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 3366 Facsimile: (03) 5996 7717
	Yue's Restaurant 134 High St Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 8888
	Cafés
	Frankie's Cafe Cranbourne Park Shopping Cntr Cranbourne VIC 3877 Telephone: (03) 5996 6880