In 1853, English ex-pat James Ellis established an amusement park on the banks of the Yarra River. Ellis named it The Cremorne Gardens, after a similar park he had operated on the banks of the Thames in London. The gardens were later acquired by the popular theatrical and local identity George Coppin . Coppin expanded them significantly and had the idea of expanding the amusements necessary to keep up the public interest. A proposal to make the first balloon ascents in Australia was floated. Charles Brown, a balloon maker and post office clerk from Leeds, was contracted by Coppin to undertake the ascent.

So on February 1 st 1858 and for 25 wondrous minutes – The balloon known  as The Australasian, lifted to the heavens and floated skywards to its eventual landing place in Heidelberg.

Despite the Gardens holding as many as 5000 people on a busy day, the site was eventually closed in 1863.  Weather and distance would always be a factor, especially if it rained, with the lack of indoor entertainment discouraging many from visiting.