“The great river which flows from the uplands to the sea”. That’s the rough translation of the Aboriginal name for this majestic waterway before us, the Barwon River, here at Barwon Heads. The name might be a mouthful, but it speaks volumes about the river’s significance to the traditional custodians of this land, the Wathaurung people. Now, Barwon Heads itself is more than just a charming seaside town. It’s a place where the river meets the sea, a place steeped in history, echoing with tales of shipwrecks, a haven for artists and nature lovers. Imagine, in 1853, the ill-fated Earl of Charlemont met its tragic end just off the coast here. The survivors, finding their way ashore, became some of the first European settlers in these parts. Their story is just one thread in the rich tapestry of Barwon Heads. In the early days, fishing was the lifeblood of this town, but as whispers of its beauty spread, it blossomed into a favoured holiday retreat. By the 1920s and 30s, Melbourne’s elite were building their summer homes here, drawn by the allure of the coast and the peace of the river. You can almost picture them, sipping tea on verandas overlooking the water, their laughter mingling with the cries of gulls overhead. And speaking of those bygone days, have you noticed the grand old building overlooking the golf course? That’s the Barwon Heads Golf Club House, a proud landmark since 1924. In the late 1990s, Barwon Heads was thrust onto the world stage as the backdrop for the beloved Australian TV series “SeaChange”. Remember “Pearl Bay,” the idyllic coastal town that captured hearts around the country? That was Barwon Heads, with its iconic timber bridge taking centre stage. The show’s legacy is still felt today, the “SeaChange effect” still drawing people seeking a slower pace of life. Barwon Heads. A place where history and nature intertwine, a testament to resilience and a timeless escape from the everyday.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs