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The History of Point Lonsdale

An extract from Tourists' Guide to Geelong and the Southern Watering Places, published in 1893.

"Point Lonsdale, which is about four miles beyond Queenscliff, forms one of the headlands at the entrance to Hobson's Bay - the opposite one being Point Nepean. It has a Lighthouse and signal station. There are a few cottages scattered about besides those belonging to the lighthouse, none large except a beautiful gabled house which has been recently erected, and commands a splendid view.

There is a reef of rocks extending some distance out from the beach, around which can be seen at low tide the remains of many sad wrecks; the current rushing past the end of the reef is tremendous. Until quite recently on the sandy beach beyond the Point the wreck of the "Glaneuse" was lying with masts still standing, and at high tide the waves dashing over her.

The climate in summer is delightful, and unless there is a strong north wind it is never very hot.

One point of interest is the life boat and jetty which has been built within the last two years, and makes a good place for fishing. At low tide there is a splendid beach for walking either into Queenscliff or to Ocean Grove, eight miles away. After a good sea there are innumerable specimens of beautiful seaweed strewn upon the shore.

The Cave in which Buckley is supposed to have lived for some time is at the Point, and bears his name.

There is a constant interest in watching the ships passing through the rip, and sometimes the sunsets are very beautiful.

Facilities are always given to visitors to go up the Lighthouse tower, from the top of which a splendid panorama presents itself, both varied and extensive. Sea bathing and fishing can generally be indulged in at the proper state of the tide. Much has been done of late years to reclaim the sand hummocks, and according to the present rate of improvement in this locality, a few years will see it one of the most desirable seaside resorts in Victoria.¹"

References :

1. A. J. Campbell, Tourists' Guide to Geelong and the South Watering Places, Henry Thacker, Geelong, 1893, between pp.46-47.

[From the Geelong Historical Records Centre and the files of the Bellarine Historical Society]

Point Lonsdale History & Other Links

Members of the Bellarine Historical Society and residents of the towns of the Bellarine Peninsula have commenced a major project to document the history of their local areas on the Internet. These histories will includes towns, buildings, families, schools, environment - in fact any subject which adds to the history of the Bellarine Peninsula.

These are not all encompassing histories and certainly will not replace the need for researchers to visit or contact the Bellarine Historical Society and other local repositories for more detailed information. The purpose of these histories is to increase the awareness of the depth of history on the Peninsula and to encourage further research into local archives.

Across Australia and around the world : other sites with similar associations or interests have contacted us or linked to our site.

Your Contribution

We'd love your input to the history of Point Lonsdale. This is how you can help :

Please don't be bashful - your contribution can be anonymous or we'll happily put your name to it.

If you don't have email access, please mail information or questions to :

Publicity Officer, Bellarine Historical Society, PO Box 53, Drysdale, Vic 3222

Record Sources for Point Lonsdale

Bibliography

Brownhill, Geo. H. Illustrated Guide to Geelong And District, Facsimile edn., Deakin University Press, Geelong, 1990.

Campbell, A. J. Tourist Guide to Geelong and Southern Watering Places, Henry Thacker, Geelong, 1893.

McLeod, Eunice. Early History of Portarlington and East Bellarine, Indented Head and St. Leonards, Eunice McLeod, Portarlington, 1962.

McLeod, Eunice. Portarlington, Indented Head, St. Leonards : History & Reminiscences, Marine History, Portarlington, n.d. (reprint with changes to above publication).

Wynd, Ian. Balla-wein : A history of the Shire of Bellarine, Shire of Bellarine, Drysdale, 1988.

Wynd, Ian. Geelong The Pivot : A Short History of Geelong and District, Cypress Books, Mont Albert North, 1971.

Created by : Susie Zada
© 1997 Susie Zada, Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia
Last revised : July 17, 2004.
Email : szada@zades.com.au