Feel the cool breeze off Port Phillip Bay. Welcome to Edithvale a hidden gem on Melbourne’s coast.
Edithvale boasts a history stretching back to at least the opening of its post office in 1923. It wasn’t always a tranquil beachside suburb.
Imagine the scene pre-war. Melburnians escaping the city’s heat crammed onto trains. They sought refuge at Edithvale’s lifesaving club. They enjoyed the pure white sand. The pier was a popular gathering place. Families spent days swimming and fishing.
But Edithvale’s beach wasn’t always pristine. In the 1970s a beach reclamation project near Aspendale backfired. Coarser yellower sand spread south. It degraded Edithvale’s once-pure white sands.
The 1960s brought another significant change. Sewerage installation led to the bulldozing of the protective dune. Native vegetation was lost forever. Introduced grasses replaced it. This created the creeping sand dune we see today.
Edithvale is more than just its beach. Its primary school holds a special place in the hearts of many. A wooden building once stood there. A devastating fire in 1930 destroyed it. It took over 40 firefighters to tame the blaze. Today a red brick structure stands in its place. In the 1960s it was the largest school in the area. It housed over 1000 students.
Edithvale has also produced notable alumni. Victorian State MP Louise Asher and Federal MP Greg Wilton both attended Edithvale Primary School. The town’s rich sporting heritage includes the Edithvale-Aspendale Australian Rules football team. The team competes in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League.
Beyond sport Edithvale is renowned for its historic bathing boxes. The Kingston Boatshed Association tirelessly protects these treasured structures. Each box tells a unique story of family and leisure. The waters of Port Phillip Bay offer stunning sunset views. These views reflect the beauty of this historic location. Modern luxury homes now occupy the prime beachfront properties.
Remember John Bertrand. This renowned sailor learned his craft in Port Phillip Bay. He honed his seamanship skills at Chelsea Yacht Club. His accomplishments on Australia II etched Edithvale into yachting history.
Take a moment to soak in Edithvale’s unique character. Its history resonates in its sand its people and its enduring spirit. Its blend of the past and present makes Edithvale a truly captivating destination.