In the 1840s European settlers named it the Parish of Boroondara – meaning "a place of shade" in the Woiwurrung language.

[3] John Hodgson established a squatters run at Studley Park, on the eastern bank of the Yarra River, in 1840.

The house was also owned by former bookmaker, ALP lobbyist, influential Irish-Catholic and millionaire, John Wren and was donated to Xavier College by the land developer, Thomas Burke.

It illustrates the importance of a residence in indicating success and status in nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Melbourne society.

The first store was opened by Mr. J. J. French in August 1853 and the first post office on 6 October 1856,[8] however, it was not till towards the end of the decade that many shops appeared in High Street.

The block of civic buildings comprising the former post office, the former court house and the former police station were built in 1888 as was the National Bank, at the corner of Walpole and High Streets.

The hospital was built despite objections by residents and the Kew Borough Council[10] and provides an historical example of nimbyism.

In 1960 it was said: "it would be difficult to find any locality so richly endowed with so many and such large educational institutions as are to be found in Kew.

"[12] A railway branch line to Kew from Hawthorn Station opened on 19 December 1887 and was officially closed on 13 May 1957.

Pratt extensively renovated the house and gardens, including the addition of a new wing, designed by Glen Murcutt.

[14] Kew has grown steadily since the early Bridge Road crossing development and is cited as one of the most prestigious suburbs in Melbourne.

Other languages spoken at home included Mandarin 8.6%, Greek 3.0%, Cantonese 2.8%, Italian 1.7% and Vietnamese 1.4%.