Packenham Upper

Pakenham Upper, in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, has its roots in the late 1800s when selectors and farmers established homesteads across the rolling hills. The area developed as a rural community known for its dairy farms, potato crops and grazing land, with families drawn to the fertile soil and reliable rainfall that made agriculture thrive.

The arrival of the narrow-gauge railway in 1900 brought new opportunities to the district. The Gembrook South train station, located within the Pakenham Upper area, served as an important stop along the line from Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook, connecting local farmers to markets and bringing visitors to the ranges. After the railway closed in the 1950s, it was restored as the iconic Puffing Billy Railway in 1962, and Gembrook South Station remains a cherished landmark where passengers can still experience the historic steam train journey.

Today, Pakenham Upper is part of the Shire of Cardinia and maintains its peaceful, semi-rural character while offering excellent community facilities. The Upper Pakenham Recreational Reserve provides sporting grounds and gathering spaces for local clubs and events, while the RJ Chambers Flora and Fauna Reserve (pictured in header) protects native bushland and offers walking trails where visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the ranges.

With its blend of farming heritage, natural attractions and strong community spirit, Pakenham Upper offers a relaxed country lifestyle within easy reach of Pakenham, Emerald and Melbourne's southeast.