What comes to mind when you hear “Mentone”? Perhaps images of a serene Italian coastal town? You might be surprised to know that Mentone, here in Melbourne, was indeed named after such a place. Mentone, Victoria, a charming suburb nestled along the beautiful Beaumaris Bay, owes its name to the Italian spelling of Menton, a town on the French Riviera. This connection is more than just a name. Mentone was envisioned as a resort town in the late 1800s, its streets christened after Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan. Imagine strolling down these streets, the salty air tinged with the scent of eucalyptus, and catching glimpses of the sparkling bay. Mentone’s connection to art runs deep. It was here, on the sun-drenched shores of Mentone Beach, that the famed Heidelberg School of Australian artists found inspiration. Masters like Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin set up their easels, capturing the play of light on the waves and the vibrant hues of the Australian landscape. Picture them, amidst the gentle bustle of beachgoers, immersing themselves in the beauty that surrounded them. While Mentone today is a vibrant blend of residential areas and bustling shopping streets, it still retains the charm of its past. The legacy of the artists lives on, and the allure of the beach continues to draw visitors and locals alike.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs