Early history After the melting of the
last ice age, sea levels were 1–2 metres higher than today. When sea levels subsided to their current levels, fresh water from the
Dandenong Ranges flowed into low-lying regions.
Carrum Carrum Swamp, an extensive
coastal wetland, was created, encompassing an area some 5,000 hectares from present-day
Mordialloc to
Frankston and inland towards
Dandenong. Prior to
European discovery, the Patterson Lakes area was populated by
Indigenous Australians known as the
Kulin people. Inhabitants in the area were from the
Bunurong language group, of the Mayone-Bulluk clan. Both the Mayone-Bulluk and Ngaruk-Willam clans would meet in the area of
Dandenong often to hold ceremonies and trade. These gatherings were often attended by guests from other
Bunurong clans or from neighbouring tribes, such as the
Wathaurung and the
Wurundjeri clans from the Woiwurong. As with most indigenous people of the world, Mayone-Bulluk cultural, ceremonial and spiritual life was dictated by the seasonal availability of natural resources. Through thousands of years of observation
Bunurong People were able to predict the availability of their seasonal resources by certain changes in plant growth and animal behaviour.
Europeans first set foot in nearby
Frankston as early as 1803, thirty-two years before the founding of
Melbourne (the first major European settlement in the then Port Phillip District). A commemorative plaque near the mouth of
Kananook Creek marks the location of where
Charles Grimes and his party went ashore searching for fresh water, and met with approximately 30 local inhabitants.
The foundation of Patterson Lakes Early development was hampered by poor soils, distance from the
Melbourne city centre, and the existence of a major
swamp occupying much of the area between
Mordialloc and
Seaford. In 1876 the area that is now occupied by Patterson Lakes was owned by Kate and Henry Woodward, (HRW Woodward and Sons) who used the area for holding pastures for livestock. In the early 1970s some 200 acres of this area was subdivided by the Woodward family into Melbourne's first subdivision around artificial lakes. Other occupants of the area were the Priestly family who had landholdings either side of the
Patterson River and ran a marina just east of what is now Pier One Drive. The Fitzgerald family ran a horse riding centre on the north-east corner of Thompsons Road and Old Wells Road on land that is now owned by Melbourne Water. The Walker family also owned some of the southernmost land bordering Eel Race Creek at one stage. The suburb of Patterson Lakes was to be located in
Carrum on what was originally part of the Carrum Carrum Swamp. The Carrum Carrum Swamp was drained in 1879 when the Patterson Cut, and other drainage measures were undertaken to prevent flooding of the Eumemmering Creek, which overflowed into the Carrum Carrum Swamp. The mouth of the Patterson Cut was mostly only open during the winter months, so heavy spring and summer rains often caused flooding to properties on the edge of the swamp area. Flood damage as far north as
Edithvale often occurred. The only remnants of the Carrum Carrum Swamp now form the
Edithvale–Seaford Wetlands (a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.)
The Carrum Cowboys The Carrum Cowboys were a group of teenagers, who rode their horses around
Carrum and the surrounding areas in the late 1950s and 1960s. The name was a tag given to the group by the local police. The Cowboys rode on footpaths and were often riding too fast at the beach, which would lead to a number of complaints from local residents. On several occasions members of the Cowboys were pursued by police, which led to court action and fines being imposed. The over 50s AFL team for Patterson Lakes and
Carrum is called the Carrum Cowboys.
The development of Patterson Lakes The decision to go ahead with what was originally going to be called Gladesville took place in 1973. The development of residential areas adjacent to canals and waterways had been carried out successfully in many places. No-one had attempted to do this in Victoria unlike in other states. When Len Woodward looked closely at the land adjoining the
Patterson River, he saw the possibility of a development. If it proved to be feasible and practicable, it would give home owners access to Port Phillip from their "back door". A large part of the area to the east of
Carrum had flooded in the 1930s and 1950s, but to the engineers investigating the land, the important issues were why this occurred and how it could be prevented from occurring again. A common misconception was that the area was all swamp and mud. Extensive drilling found that only a surface layer of peat-like material was unsuitable. Underneath this layer was fine dense sand. The engineers realised that once the unsuitable material was removed (and used to strengthen levee banks and create landscaped areas and reserves) they would then be able to excavate to form lakes and canals, and use the excavated sand in forming residential sites. By using this fine, dense, carefully compacted sand, all the proposed residential sites would be brought to a level above that required by the authorities. The first soil was turned in 1974 in the north-east corner of Patterson Lakes around Iluka Island (Lake Legana.) Originally the plans were to build high rise towers of up to 15 stories in height. Patterson Lakes was rezoned from rural to residential. Central sites were planned for a shopping centre and for a marina which would have a second access to the river via flood gates. Sites for housing and apartments overlooking the marina and the river were identified. Sites for a primary school and for community facilities were also incorporated into the overall plan. Also the project was "different", in that more than a hundred non-lake, residential sites were created to further the concept of a new community having a mix of socio-economic groups. The executive was made up of: • Commander: Reg Skinner • Deputy Commander, Bill Hills • Staff Officer, Bob White • Training Officer, Alf Priestley • In April 1966 the Patterson Lakes Canoe Club was founded, and in 2001 a new clubhouse was built at the
Patterson River Launching Way.
1980s • The Patterson Lakes Radio Model Yacht Club was founded in 1981. • The Patterson Lakes Community Centre was founded in 1985. • Patterson Lakes Post Office opened on 1 April 1986. • The National Watersports Centre was founded in 1988.
1990s • Carrum Rowing Club was founded in 1991. • The National Watersports Centre Ski Club was founded in 1992. • In 1999 the Dingley Pony Club moved to Patterson Lakes.
2000 - current • In January 2004 the Patterson Lakes Outrigger Club was founded at the
Patterson River Launching Way. • The Patterson Lakes Library was founded in late 2009. • The Gladesville Shopping Centre was founded in late 2011. • The Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum was formed in 2010 and the now disbanded, Residents Association of Patterson Lakes was formed in 2012 after Melbourne Water made changes to the precept rates. • An international standard sculpture trail along the banks of Patterson River commenced in 2024 and will feature further artwork celebrating the boating lifestyle. ==Facilities==