You might be surprised to learn that Hampton Beach wasn’t always called Hampton. It was once known as ‘Retreat’, named after a famous hotel in the area. This name didn’t sit well with many residents and landowners who thought it lacked a certain, well, regal quality. So around 1887, the suburb was renamed after a local market gardener, Dyas Hampton. Hampton Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand located along the Port Phillip Bay coastline. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the picturesque ocean views. Hampton Beach boasts some fascinating history. Back in the 1840s and 1850s, the area was primarily used as market gardens. You can still see remnants of this legacy today, with several restaurants and shops lining Hampton Street. The beach itself was formed in the 1950s, when a boat harbour was constructed in the area. In the early 1880s, ‘Picnic Point’ was a popular destination for day trips from Melbourne, accessed by a railway line that terminated in Brighton Beach. The beach was named after Dyas Hampton, but locals liked the regal-sounding name and it stuck. Today Hampton Beach is a favourite with locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to relax on the sand, enjoy the water sports, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs