Bolin was the largest lake/billabong in the area and was a significant ritual meeting place for the Aboriginal people, where numerous corroborees were held either by the billabong or on the hills.

In 1841, Frederic Unwin, a Sydney solicitor, purchased 5,120 acres – or eight square miles – of land, including all of the present suburb of Bulleen.

Throughout the 1970s the Doncaster railway line was planned by the State Government to run down the middle of the Eastern Freeway and serve the suburb.

[8] On Bulleen's northern border is the Yarra River, which adjoins parklands, including Banksia Park with its bike paths and picnic facilities.

The Bulleen Park complex has a number of grounds suitable for Australian rules football, cricket and soccer, as well as an archery range and model aeroplane club.

Ted Ajani Reserve, home of the Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club,[9] is located on Thompson Road.

FC Bulleen Lions play soccer at the Veneto Club and currently compete in the National Premier Leagues of Victoria 2 East.