Notably, Churchill Island was the site of Victoria’s first European garden and wheat crop.

[2] The island features a working farm, fully restored cottages from the 1860s, and a homestead dating back to 1872, all accessible to visitors.

In 1801, during the course of a survey of Western Port, Lieutenant James Grant had some of his convict crew fell some trees and build a blockhouse on Churchill Island.

They cultivated a patch of soil and Grant planted seeds of wheat, corn, potatoes, peas, coffee berries, apples, peaches and nectarines given to him for the purpose of creating a garden "for the future benefit of our fellow men be they Countrymen, Europeans or Savages" by John Churchill of Dawlish in Devon, England.

[6] Samuel Amess, a former mayor of Melbourne, purchased the island in 1872 and built the substantial home that still stands today.