The land where Greythorn Park currently is situated was owned by the Maughan family from 1838, when the area was thinly settled and largely bushland.

Operated by the Maughan family, the facility contained Australian native animals, and played host to many American serviceman who were stationed in Melbourne during the Second World War in the 1940s.

The remainder of the land was subdivided into 62 blocks, and the legacy of the sanctuary survives through street names such as 'Wildlife Parade'.

These signs display information regarding the history of Greythorn Park and the surrounding area.

The park is located on top of a large hill, with an elevation of 91.2m above sea level.