Moolap’s story begins long before its formal establishment. The name itself whispers of Aboriginal history. Moo-laa an Aboriginal word for Point Henry meant men gathering to go fishing. This ancient connection to the land shapes Moolap’s identity.
Moolap is a fascinating blend of agriculture industry and residential life. Located southeast of Geelong it initially overlapped with Point Henry and Leopold. The boundaries were blurry. Schools in Point Henry served the area. A Moolap school didn’t open until 1874. An Anglican parsonage built in 1855 stands as one of Moolap’s oldest structures.
The arrival of the railway in 1879 transformed Moolap. The Geelong to Queenscliff line passed through. This spurred development. Richard Cheetham recognizing the area’s salt deposits established saltworks in 1888. A tramline connected the works to the railway.
Industry grew. Industrial areas developed near Portarlington Road. Moolap expanded into a suburb of Geelong. Sports facilities and the Newcomb village drive-in shopping village appeared. A hotel recreation reserves and a swimming pool enhanced the community. Churches and a caravan park further shaped the area’s character.
Moolap’s ‘civic heart’ lies near Portarlington Road. The Moolap Reserve and the primary school opened in 1877 serve as central points. The school boasted 222 pupils in 2014. Point Henry’s heritage registered buildings including the Cheetham saltworks and a maritime signal station from 1939 add to the area’s rich past.
The Cheetham saltworks ceased operation in 2007. A large portion of the site is now a vital bird sanctuary. Regulated saline flooding continues. Moolap’s population grew from 319 in 1921 to 1111 in 2011. The Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan guides the area’s future aiming for a balance between urban renewal and environmental protection. Moolap’s story continues a vibrant mix of past and future.