Cape Woolamai, Victoria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cape Woolamai Victoria
The rocks and rockpools at Cape Woolamai Surf Beach
Cape Woolamai Location in Bass Coast Shire
Population	1,676 (2016 census)
Established	1959
Postcode(s)	3925
Location	140 km (87 mi) from Melbourne
LGA(s)	Bass Coast Shire
State electorate(s)	Bass
Federal Division(s)	Monash
Suburbs around Cape Woolamai: Surf Beach Newhaven Newhaven Bass Strait Cape Woolamai Western Port Bass Strait Bass Strait Western Port

Cape Woolamai is a town and headland located at the southeastern tip of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. It's a special place known for its beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife. This area is home to the Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve and the Phillip Island Airport. There's also a part of the town called Cape Woolamai, which used to be known as Woolamai Waters.

Exploring Cape Woolamai's History

How Cape Woolamai Got Its Name

The cape was named by George Bass in early 1798 during his whaleboat journey. He first spelled it "Wollamai." The word Wollamai comes from the language of the Eora Aboriginal people, who lived near Port Jackson.

In their language, "Wollamai" means the snapper fish (Pagrus auratus). George Bass had learned some words from the Eora leader Bennelong. He thought the headland looked like the head of that fish, so he gave it this unique name.

Early Discoveries and Development

In 1826, people found coal near the Cape while setting up Fort Dumaresq, which was close to Rhyll. This discovery showed that the area had valuable natural resources.

Later, in 1868, John Cleeland bought the land from the government. He was a sea captain and also owned a famous horse that won the Melbourne Cup in 1875. John Cleeland built Wollomai House and started raising Merino sheep, which are known for their fine wool.

Protecting the Land

In 1910, John Blake Cleeland, John Cleeland's son, noticed that sand was moving a lot because of erosion. To stop this, he planted rows of Marram grass. You can still see these grass rows today, showing how people worked to protect the land.

From Farmland to Holiday Spot

In 1959, about 230 acres (0.93 square kilometers) of farmland were sold. This land was then divided into smaller plots to build houses for people who wanted beach shacks and holiday homes. This new area was first called Woolamai Waters and Woolamai Waters West. Later, it was renamed Cape Woolamai.

Cape Woolamai even had a Post Office that was open only during summer from 1970 to about 1974. Before that, a Woolamai Post Office was open from 1911 until 1974. In the late 1980s, the roads were paved, and the small beach shacks slowly became bigger, more permanent houses. Today, Cape Woolamai is famous for its surf beach, the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and a popular Safety Beach.

Cape Woolamai's Natural Environment

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

The headland of Cape Woolamai has many native plants and animals. It's especially important because it's a major breeding ground for the short-tailed shearwater. These birds are also known as Australian muttonbirds.

Volunteer groups, like the Cape Woolamai Coast Action Group, work hard to keep the area healthy. They regularly remove unwanted plants (weed control) and plant new native ones (revegetation). Their efforts help protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the Cape.

A Home for Many Birds

Cape Woolamai is part of the Phillip Island Important Bird Area. This area is recognized by BirdLife International because it supports large numbers of important bird species. Besides the short-tailed shearwaters, you can also find many little penguins and Pacific gulls living here. It's a vital place for these birds to thrive.

Gallery

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  View from the cape looking toward San Remo/Kilcunda coast

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  View from the cape looking south

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  The surf club at Cape Woolamai

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  The gazebo on The Esplanade

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  A nice, sunny day at Cape Woolamai Surf Beach