Coronet Bay, Victoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coronet BayVictoria |
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Aerial panorama of Coronet Bay
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 Coronet Bay
Location in Bass Coast Shire
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| Population | 791 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 3984 |
| LGA(s) | Bass Coast Shire |
| State electorate(s) | Bass |
| Federal Division(s) | Monash |
Coronet Bay is a small town in Victoria, Australia. It is located about 114 km south-east of Melbourne. You can reach it by taking the M1 and the Bass Highway. The town sits on the eastern shore of Western Port Bay.
Coronet Bay is a popular spot for holidays. Many people visit for fun and especially for recreational fishing. If you want to launch a boat, there is a ramp nearby. It is located in the town of Corinella.
The town has a General Store. This store helps serve the needs of both locals and visitors.
Contents
A Look Back: Coronet Bay's Early Days
The area near Coronet Bay has an interesting past. In 1826, a settlement was started just east of where the town is now. This happened because people in Sydney were worried. They thought the French might try to claim land in Australia.
Why the Settlement Started
In 1826, a French ship called the Astrolabe explored Westernport. Its commander, Dumont d'Urville, was on a scientific trip. But his visit made Australian authorities suspicious. Around the same time, explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell had reported reaching Westernport. They were actually at Corio Bay, much further west.
Because of these events, soldiers and convicts were sent from Sydney. They were led by Captain Wright. William Hovell also joined them.
Early Settlements and Challenges
First, a small military camp was set up. It was called Fort Dumaresq. This camp was near Rhyll, on Phillip Island. But the soldiers soon found a problem. There was not enough fresh water. So, the outpost moved to Corinella. At that time, Corinella was known as Settlement Point.
Why the Settlements Were Left Behind
William Hovell later wrote a report. He said Westernport was not good for farming. He mentioned poor soil and a lack of fresh water. Also, there were no French people found in the area. Because of this, the settlements were given up in 1828.
The buildings were then burned down. This was done to stop any escaped convicts from using them. Today, you can find a special stone monument in Corinella. It marks where the first settlement was. Another monument remembers Paul Edmund de Strzelecki's exploration in 1840.
