About
Dallas Brooks Scout Park nestles inconspicuously in the back blocks of Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, Australia. It is a private property, not public parkland.
Short Description of Dallas Brooks Park
Dallas Brooks Scout Park is a bush site the end of Harpfield Road, Beaconsfield Upper, Victoria, Australia. The site is about 175 acres (71 hectares) with mains water and two halls each with toilets and showers. The Park is deliberately under-developed to provide a return to more simple values where kids can be kids and experience the bush in a safe, closed environment.
The Beginnings of Dallas Brooks Park
In 1952, some visionaries within Caulfield District of the then Boy Scouts Association, acquired 120 acres of bushland at the end of Harpfield Rd in Upper Beaconsfield for the use of the whole District. The property consisted of the Chalet, a dam, a bridge built by Army Engineers, one of whom lost his life whilst on site (a plaque still remains at the bridge to commemorate this sad event) and a few shelters and tanks spread around the site. A team of interested leaders and the District Association slowly developed the site, building Camp Control with Jim Sneddon and Ken Walters taking key roles in the creation of camping sites and the overall site.
St Kilda district held 30 acres at the north of the Dallas Brooks Park. The St Kilda site, including what is now known as “The St Kilda Oval” was given to Caulfield District in the 1970’s, to look after and further develop.
The Years of Change and Transition
In line with re-structuring of local government in the mid 1990’s, Scout Districts re-aligned with Council boundaries. Glen Eira and later Glen Eira Stonnington Scout District emerged. This large District includes the Scout Groups: 10th Caulfield (Elsternwick), 12th Caulfield (Elsternwick), 9th Caulfield (Murrumbeena), Princes Park (formerly 4th Caulfield), 2nd Prahran, 13th Malvern (East Malvern), 1st Malvern (East Malvern), 6th Malvern (Chadstone), 9th Oakleigh, 15th Brighton, 1st Central Moorabbin, Bailey Reserve (East Bentleigh), 1st Bentleigh, 1st McKinnon. During this period a decreasing but stalwart committee kept the Park open and operational.
The people who Care about Dallas Brooks Park
A small and determined core of Scouters from the former Caulfield District and some dedicated volunteers have done their best to keep this bush site safe. Ongoing care and maintenance has depended largely on the generosity of people who love this site. Loyal groups of campers have ensured an income stream sufficient to cover some essential bills. During the COVID years a new generation of the local Upper Beaconsfield community discovered the Park. Inside their 5km zone the Park provided a much needed refuge and relief. Their ongoing support of the Park is very appreciated.
2025 – Revitalized Custodians
Under threat of sale, Dallas Brooks Scout Park is re-emerging. A place for meaningful youth programs in a bushland setting. A plan that incorporates conservation principles, safety and common-sense. If you would like to join our action-takers, especially, but not exclusively, if you are a Glen Eira / Stonnington present or past youth member or leader please get in contact with Trevor Howlett via the Contact Page. For all our visitors – we ask that you do your best to care for this outstanding piece of nature and the structures on it.
