Cape Paterson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape PatersonVictoria |
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Surf Beach Road
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 Cape Paterson
Location in Bass Coast Shire
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| Population | 891 (2016 census) | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 3995 | ||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Bass Coast Shire | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Bass | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Monash | ||||||||
| Website | Cape Paterson | ||||||||
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Cape Paterson is a beautiful seaside village in Victoria, Australia. It is located near the town of Wonthaggi, about 132 kilometers south-east of Melbourne. This area was first known for the discovery of coal in 1826. Today, Cape Paterson is very popular for its amazing beaches and a special rockpool. In 2011, about 718 people lived here.
Cape Paterson was named by Lieut. James Grant in 1801. He named it after Lieut. Col. William Paterson, who was an important explorer.
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Cape Paterson Today
Cape Paterson is a small town that attracts many visitors, especially during summer. Many campers come here to enjoy the outdoors. Fishing is also a very popular activity.
The town has two local lifesaving clubs. The Wonthaggi Royal Life Saving Club is at Bay Beach. The Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club is at First Surf Beach. These clubs help keep everyone safe in the water.
The Rockpool
The Bay Beach is famous for its special swimming spot called the rockpool. This rockpool was built by miners in the 1960s. It is a great place for a safe swim, especially for families.
Beaches and Coastline
Cape Paterson has six main beaches. These include "F" Break, 2nd Surf, 1st Surf, Safety Beach-Browns Bay, Undertow Bay, and The Oaks. Each beach offers something different for visitors.
Fishing Fun
If you love fishing, Cape Paterson is a great spot for both surf and rock fishing. Undertow Bay is known for catching Mullet and Salmon. Brown's Bay is good for Whiting and young Snapper.
However, it's important to know about the Bunurong Marine Park. In some parts, like the Bunurong Marine National Park, all fishing is not allowed. In other parts of the Bunurong Marine Park, you cannot catch certain reef fish like Parrot Fish or Bluenose Wrasse. This helps protect the amazing sea life.
Dinosaur Discoveries
Did you know that Australia's first dinosaur bone was found near Cape Paterson? It was called the Cape Paterson Claw and was discovered in 1903. Today, the Dinosaur Dreaming site at Flat Rocks is a popular place for fossil digs. Over 6,000 bones and teeth of small dinosaurs, mammals, birds, and fish have been found here! You can learn more about these dinosaurs at the Inverloch Shell Museum.
Bunurong Marine Parks
The Bunurong Marine Park is a huge protected area along the coast, stretching for about 17 kilometers. It covers the coastline from Harmers Haven to Inverloch.
Inside this larger park is the Bunurong Marine National Park. This smaller, special area is about 5 kilometers long along the coast. In the National Park, it is against the rules to take or kill anything, whether it's fish, seashells, or any other living thing. This helps keep the natural environment safe and healthy.
Both parks are named after the Bunurong Aboriginal people, who have lived in this area for thousands of years.
The Bunurong Marine Park is very special because it has unique conditions that support many different sea animals. You can find sea stars, crabs, snails, and 87 different types of fish here. Whales and seals also visit these waters. It has the most types of small sea creatures found between the tides in eastern Victoria. There are also many different kinds of seaweed.
Flat Rocks beach is a great place to explore rockpools. You can easily get there from the Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road. Many parts of the Bunurong Marine Park can be reached from the coast. A popular spot is near the Cape Paterson caravan park on Surf Beach Road, where you can find the modified rockpool for swimming.
Exploring, snorkelling, and scuba diving are popular activities in the marine parks. There are also places to launch boats in Inverloch.
Eagles Nest is a large rock formation along the coast. It looks a bit like the top part of a map of Australia!
Weather in Cape Paterson
Cape Paterson has an oceanic climate because it's right by the ocean. This means the ocean helps keep the temperatures mild all year round. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures around 23.5°C. Winters are cool, with average highs around 13.5°C. It rarely gets frosty here, maybe only about six mornings a year.
History of the Area
The Bunurong Aboriginal people lived along this coast for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. They had campsites along the coast, and you can still find signs of them today, like middens (piles of shells and charcoal).
In 1826, explorer William Hovell found black coal in the cliffs at Cape Paterson. Later, in 1858, coal was taken from the area by whaleboat to ships heading to Melbourne. You can still see old tram rails on the beach, which are reminders of these early attempts to mine coal.
Visitor Information
For more detailed information about visiting Cape Paterson, you can check out the Visit Cape Paterson Website.
Schools and Learning
There is one primary school in nearby Inverloch. In the larger town of Wonthaggi, there are three primary schools and one secondary college. Wonthaggi also has other learning centers like Chisholm TAFE, Bass Coast Specialist School, and the University of the Third Age (U3A) for retirees.
Things to Do and See
- Safety Beach and Rockpool: A great spot for swimming, located on Surf Beach Road.
- Playground and Picnic Areas: Near the caravan park on Surf Beach Road, with tables and barbecues.
- Explore the Coast: Visit beaches like "F" Break, 1st Surf, 2nd Surf, Safety Beach, Undertow Bay, The Oaks, Twin Reefs, Shack Bay, Eagles Nest, The Caves, and Flat Rocks.
- Wonthaggi Market: Held every second Sunday in the center of Wonthaggi.
- Historic Mine Whistle: Hear it sound at 12 noon every day in Wonthaggi, near the old mine shaft tower.
- Bunurong Marine Park: Perfect for exploring and snorkelling.
- Bunurong Marine National Park: A protected state park where you can explore and snorkel. Remember, you cannot collect anything here.
- Wonthaggi Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course.
- Wonthaggi Railway Station Museum: Open on Saturday mornings.
- State Coal Mine: A museum with tours in Wonthaggi.
- Coal Mine Ruins: You can find old mine ruins scattered around Wonthaggi and nearby towns.
- Wonthaggi Hospital: Located on Graham Street.
