HistoryResidential development did not begin until the early 1960s due to difficult access and terrain. It was originally part of the Holt Sutherland Estate purchased by pioneer Thomas Holt in the 1860s. Settlement was at first limited to a few farms. Bates Drive was created providing road access from the 1960s. This also saw the beginning of new housing estates. It was at this time it was decided to give the area a name. For a short time it was known as Salisbury and the golf course was once known by this name until 1978. It was first officially confirmed as Kareela in 1968. The Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve which is located nearby was established in 1970.
