Now sellingWoodlea offers a choice of new living options, from spacious lots to brand new move-in-ready townhouses.
Master planEverything at Woodlea supports future living, from the diversity of the homes and the use of the landscape to the spirit of the neighbourhoods.
How it worksWe’re here to support you throughout the complete process, from initial sale through to design, build and handover.
Where Journeys Began Originally, this site was an important meeting place for Aboriginal communities due to the site’s location on high ground, overlooking a bend in Kororoit Creek. As the Old Ballarat Road emerged in the 1850s, the Rockbank Inn was established by liquor merchants James Stewart and John “Como” Brown as a vital stop for travellers and miners journeying to the goldfields – offering rest, meals and stabling along one of Victoria’s busiest routes. The Inn became a well-known landmark of the gold rush era, welcoming everyone from the British “Red Coats” to notable visitors like William Kelly (an Irish author and barrister) before transitioning into a family farm for almost a century – playing a lasting role in our region’s early story.
Unearthing the Past The inn was eventually abandoned in 1960 and gradually fell into ruin through fire and neglect. In 2021, archaeological excavations uncovered thousands of artefacts dating back to the 1840s, revealing numerous layers of daily life at the Inn and reaffirming its significance as an important Victorian heritage site. Did you know? The Rockbank Inn remained largely intact until a fire in 1984 destroyed its slate roof. In the years that followed, vandalism and ongoing neglect accelerated its decline, leading local historian Judith Bilszta to observe that the building had deteriorated “to the point where there’s nothing left.”
Preserving the Legacy Guided by heritage specialists and delivered in collaboration with Heritage Victoria and Melton City Council, the Rockbank Inn has now been carefully stabilised and restored to preserve its original character. Thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape, the site now invites the community to pause, reflect and connect with the region’s past. At Woodlea, our role as community builders extends beyond creating new neighbourhoods – it also includes preserving and celebrating the stories that shaped this place long before our time. Together, we can ensure the Rockbank Inn remains a cherished chapter in Aintree’s story for generations to come. Click here to discover more!