schwerkolt cottage and museum, mitcham
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I guess you don't have to go all the way to Ballarat for some pioneer history lessons. You just need to pop into Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham and you will feel like you have been transported back to the 1890s. This original building has been on the site for nearly 130 years and has been the backdrop of countless family photographs! The site is looked after by volunteers and it is in fantastic shape. The gardens alone are worth the visit. You can wander the grounds any day of the week, learning about the way the European settlers managed and worked their land with the outbuildings. On weekends you can also head through the museum itself and view the toys, clothing and household bibs and bobs from the olden days. It’s the most beautiful slice of local history.
There is plenty of other things to discover with the playground down the hill, lots of open space to kick a footy (apart from some hilly sections of course) and the walking trails along the Mullum Creek. If you are local to the area you would have run school cross country on the old tracks, but now there are nicely paved sections heading along the Eastlink Trail and also back into Ringwood under the bridge. Great for a bike ride.
Mamma's special mention: The museum is only open on weekends and public holidays but also once a year for the annual Schwerkolt Cottage Heritage Family Day. As part of Whitehorse Heritage Week, this family fun day is packed with a petting zoo, children's entertainers, workshops and historical displays. Head to the City of Whitehorse website for more information about Heritage Week celebrations.
