The tragic story of Thomas Chirnside who came to Australia with nothing but the bible, a little money and optimism. Joined by his brother Andrew and wife to be Mary, the friends successfully built a pastoral empire, bred famous race horses and acquired respect, fame and fortune. However, this was short lived and the three met devastating ends.

You can visit Point Cook Homestead and find out more about the Chirnside Love Triangle through Lantern Ghost Tours.

Click here for Lantern Ghost Tours website

Would you like to read the text of this episode again? No problem. Below you can read the story, Point Cook’s Tragic Love Story.

In 1839, young Thomas Chirnside left Scotland for Australia with nothing but the bible given to him by his mother, spending money from his father and boundless optimism.

Thomas eventually settled at what is now known as Point Cook Homestead, one of Melbourne’s undiscovered gems. A lovely bluestone cottage set on a country estate nestled on the beach. Thomas teamed up with his brother Andrew to build a successful pastoral empire. They had a passion for racing and their horses Haricot won the 1874 Melbourne Cup and Newminster won the 1879 Caulfield Cup. The brothers were well liked. Thomas was a Sabbatarian who did not allow work on Sundays. He donated £100 and land to build the first church in Werribee and £1000 to Ormond College, University of Melbourne.

However, life was not all smooth sailing for the brothers. There was something missing in Thomas’ life. He travelled back to Scotland and found the missing link - his cousin Mary.
Mary refused to go to Australia so Thomas returned alone. Not one to accept defeat, Thomas enlisted his brother’s help to assist in winning Mary’s heart.
Andrew was successful in coaxing Mary over to Australia, but perhaps not in the way Thomas has wished. Andrew married Mary!
Surprisingly, the marriage did not break the brotherly bond. The three remained very close.
Thomas gave his estate to his brother and assisted with building Werribee Mansion for Andrew, Mary and their children.

Sadly, Thomas remained a bachelor and was plagued with depression in his later years. He moved in with Andrew and Mary at Werribee Mansion. One fateful day in 1887, Thomas took his own life in the old laundry. Andrew died three years later, some say of a broken heart. Mary also met a fateful end. She died of burns after her hair had caught alight from a candle.

The family legacy lives on in the street names, buildings, churches and schools named after them to this day.

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Episode 7: Point Cook’s Tragic Love Story

The tragic story of Thomas Chirnside who came to Australia with nothing but the bible, a little money and optimism. Joined by his brother Andrew and wife to be Mary, the friends successfully built a pastoral empire, bred famous race horses and acquired respect, fame and fortune. However, this was short lived and the three met devastating ends.

Episode 6: Do You Know Your Neighbours?

Follow the baby chicks of one of the most visually-stunning creatures in Antarctica and now the cutest at SEA LIFE Melbourne. Early this year four King Penguins hatched in SEA LIFE Melbourne’s very own penguin colony. Stay tuned to hear how they navigate from chicks to adulthood, venturing through the Penguin Playground and interacting with our keepers. Get first hand insight from one of our keepers, Taylor, as she explains how the penguins grow and develop cheeky, unique personalities.

Episode 5: Bendigo’s Rebellious Tram Battle

As Bendigo Tramways prepared for closure in 1972, its fleet was reallocated to museums and individuals across the country for their own collections. It was soon discovered that the Bendigo community had other plans!

Episode 4: Urban Art Underground

Melbourne is experiencing a world-famous street art culture. This reputation has been built up over the past two decades and continues to grow. In this episode we hear from street artist, Adrian Doyle, who has been there from the start. Adrian guides us through the evolution of Melbourne’s Street Art to become what it is today and we discover some of the different works on offer and some of the artists, such as Meggs, Rone and Banksy.

Episode 3: Puffing Billy Keeps on Track

While Puffing Billy Railway takes a break, it’s not the first time it has had to close down for an extended period of time. Back in 1953 it almost shut down for good, if not for the power of the people.

Episode 2: An Arid Garden for the Future

In this episode we learn about a special garden that Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria have created as a response to Climate Change.
After the substantial donation of over 3000 rare cacti, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s new Arid Garden, designed by renowned Landscape Architect, Andrew Laidlaw, is almost ready to open to public and it features some very special plants.
The Garden would not have been possible without the cacti and succulent collection of enthusiast, Robert Field, who donated over 3000 cacti and succulents over 400 species.
Well known Melbourne Landscape Architect, Andrew Laidlaw, also designed the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden and Guilfoyle’s Volcano.

Episode 1: Grand Final Faith

Hear the story of Ian Synman, a Jewish Melburnian and a football player for the St Kilda Football Club. Ian found himself in the difficult position of having to choose between practicing his faith on Yom Kippur or playing in the 1966 VFL premiership game. Ian’s community were supportive of his decision and were eager to see him succeed in the sport they all loved – so much so that they were distracted in their prayers on the holiest day of the year!