Did you know that Churchill Island holds a secret? It’s not just a picturesque spot in Western Port. It’s where Victoria’s first European garden and wheat crop flourished. Imagine Lieutenant James Grant in 1801. His convict crew toiled. They felled trees. They built a blockhouse on Churchill Island. They planted seeds provided by a certain John Churchill of Dawlish. Wheat corn potatoes peas. Even coffee berries apples peaches and nectarines. All for the future benefit of humankind. This humble patch of soil became a cornerstone of Victorian history.
Churchill Island a 50.7 hectare island is linked to Phillip Island by a bridge. Phillip Island in turn connects to the mainland via another bridge. The island itself boasts a rich heritage. It’s a working farm with fully restored cottages from the 1860s. There is a homestead dating back to 1872. These are open to visitors. You can even see the remains of stone foundations from two mysterious unknown buildings.
Samuel Amess a former mayor of Melbourne bought the island in 1872. He built the grand home that stands to this day. Churchill Island’s history stretches far beyond the European arrival though. The Boonwurrung people inhabited the island for millennia. They harvested shellfish and short-tailed shearwaters. The ancient Moonah trees hold their stories. Stories that only members of the clan can share. Sadly no Indigenous ranger was present during our last visit. However staff are working to change that. They hope to employ a ranger. This will allow visitors to learn the sacred significance of these remarkable trees.
Churchill Island is not just history. It’s vibrant life. Today you can see daily farming activities. These include cow milking sheep shearing whip cracking. You might even catch a glimpse of working dogs. Wagon rides are offered on weekends and school holidays. The island even served as a location for the 1977 Australian film Summerfield. Today Churchill Island is a place of beauty. It is a place of history and a place of continuing stories. Enjoy your visit.