1 July 2026
The historic Rockbank Inn, located about 30 kilometres west of Melbourne, is being shaped as part of the new 711-hectare suburb of Woodlea.
The site, comprising the three ruinous bluestone buildings (the inn, store and stables), is included in the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 2017 and has been conserved as the centrepiece of the new development.
Around 20,000 residents are expected to live at Woodlea by its completion in 2030.
From the early 1850s diggers stayed at the Rockbank Inn enroute to the Ballarat goldfields. Soldiers from the 12th and 40th regiments, on their way to suppress the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, camped in the inn’s grounds.
Now, nearly a decade into the planning, history is set to repeat itself, with a modern twist, as the site prepares to see residents returning to the transformed estate, says Jeremy Smith, Principal Archaeologist at Heritage Victoria.
“The project has been a ‘labour of love’ for me and Heritage Victoria for almost 10 years,” says Jeremy. “The site was almost totally ruinous and beyond saving, but a very successful heritage conservation program has now rejuvenated the Rockbank Inn.”
Heritage Victoria and Woodlea worked with Melton City Council, Extent Heritage, Abode Restoration and Purcell Architecture on the project, which aims to set a benchmark for heritage inclusion in new master planned communities.
“The conservation program included an archaeological dig, the conservation of the building remains and the development of the ‘site interpretation scheme’ to present the place back to the community,” says Jeremy.
A comprehensive conservation program
Purcell Architecture led a comprehensive conservation analysis of the site, which had lain inactive since a fire in the 1960s.
Works considered structural safety, public access and long-term sustainability, while preserving archaeological material and prioritising the retention of significant fabric in accordance with best-practice heritage principles.
More than 4,000 artefacts were excavated from the site, the ruins were stabilised and native plants were reintroduced to the landscape.
Bench seating, made from materials salvaged on-site, has been installed nearby, and educational signage has been positioned throughout the heritage park, which features a red river gum forest and wetlands.
“This is a unique example of breathing life back into a heritage place. The result has been fully embraced by Woodlea, who see this as a great project outcome, not a heritage ‘constraint’,” says Jeremy.
“Without doubt this is Victoria’s best example of the transformation of a derelict archaeological ruin into a vibrant and valued community space.”
In an interview with The Age, Domain, Jordan Lim, Woodlea’s head of strategy and initiatives, echoes the sentiments.
“Building a great community is not only about what you create from the ground up, but also what you choose to preserve,” says Jordan.
“The Rockbank Inn has been part of this place for generations, and it’s important it remains part of its future.”
Page last updated: 07/07/26