Pakenham South and Rythdale

Pakenham South, a rural locality, is 62 km south-east of central Melbourne and between Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup. It is on flat, fertile land on the northern margin of the former Koo Wee Rup Swamp. It was originally covered with dense tea tree, and there are several artificial drains leading to the main Koo Wee Rup drain. Pakenham South includes the small locality of Rythdale.

Among early references to Pakenham South was a school opened in 1874. It was some way west of present day Pakenham South, and was renamed Cardinia.