My ‘mountaintop’ suburb was renamed to add appeal. Even the Queen travelled here

June 29, 2026 — 7:00pm

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So, Mount Evelyn. At 225 metres, it’s more a hill than the name implies and easy to walk up to pick up the Saturday Age.

My wife and I moved here in 1986, looking for more space, less noise and less travel for work. Surprisingly, whenever we gave our address on the phone, there would be people who thought we meant Mount Martha on the peninsula. Near the Yarra Ranges, we would say. Yes ... there were wineries. No, few hippies we knew of and hopefully no religious sects.

Now, there’s a Methuselah of wineries and one known exclusive religious group in the vicinity. There are a few hippies, but the air up here smells clean, free of odd aromas, man. Well, so long as no one is burning off their prunings – yes, burning off to reduce fire material is allowed in certain zonings.

The fire threat is real, especially in lower Mount Evelyn. As are fallen trees blocking roads after strong winds, taking out the power with it. The Big Blow in June 2021 was the scariest night for everyone around the Dandenong Ranges. No power for days, generators adding their buzz to the sound of multiple chainsaws clearing the roads and driveways (if your garage has electric doors, get the car out quick!).

When the fire danger is extreme or catastrophic, we pack the car and prepare to flee. Fire prevention strategies are essential here. In 40 years here, we’ve had one scary day and left, but the CFA had two burning trees under control quickly. At least there are multiple exit roads to choose from if necessary. Nonetheless, it’s the trees – that olive........

© The Age