Point Lonsdale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Point Lonsdale Victoria
Point Lonsdale Location in Borough of Queenscliffe
Population	2,684 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	3225
Location	103 km (64 mi) SW of Melbourne 28 km (17 mi) SE of Geelong
LGA(s)	Borough of Queenscliffe City of Greater Geelong
State electorate(s)	Bellarine
Federal Division(s)	Corangamite
Localities around Point Lonsdale: Marcus Hill Mannerim Swan Bay Ocean Grove Point Lonsdale Queenscliff Bass Strait Bass Strait Bass Strait

Point Lonsdale is a lovely coastal town in Victoria, Australia. It sits on the Bellarine Peninsula, close to Queenscliff. This town is special because it's split between two local councils: the Borough of Queenscliffe and the City of Greater Geelong.

Point Lonsdale is also one of two headlands that form "The Rip". This is the narrow entrance to Port Phillip, a large bay. The most famous landmark here is the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. In 2016, about 2,684 people lived in Point Lonsdale. However, many more people visit during summer and around Easter, making it a popular holiday spot.

History of Point Lonsdale

The original owners of this land were the Wautharong people. They are part of the Kulin nation. An escaped convict named William Buckley was the first known European to live here. He lived with the local Aboriginal people from 1803 to 1835.

European settlement started later in the 1800s. A signal station was built in 1854. Then, a lighthouse was built in 1863. The railway line from Geelong was extended to Queenscliff in 1879. Over the years, many ships have been wrecked on the rocky reefs near the entrance to Port Phillip.

The town's post office first opened on January 15, 1902. Point Lonsdale is named after William Lonsdale, a police officer. It is also the birthplace of Thomas Hollway, who used to be the Premier of Victoria.

Historic Places to See

Point Lonsdale has several important historic sites. These places are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. They include:

• 7 Glaneuse Road, Arilpa
• 57–73 Glaneuse Road, Ballara
• 2 Point Lonsdale Road, Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct. This area includes the town's famous lighthouse.
• 159 Point Lonsdale Road, The Queenscliff Cemetery

Nature and Wildlife

Next to Point Lonsdale is Lake Victoria. This is a shallow, salty lake. It is part of the Lonsdale Lakes Nature Reserve. The lake is a very important place for waterbirds. Many migratory waders also visit. These birds are part of the larger group that uses the Ramsar-listed Swan Bay wetland system.

The rocky areas along the coast and the nearby waters are part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. The rock platforms have many different kinds of small sea creatures. The underwater areas have lots of different algae. You can also find creatures like ascidians, sponges, and bryozoans.

Along the open coast, you can often see large marine mammals. These include humpback and southern right whales. These whales are sometimes threatened species.

Local Attractions and Events

Aerial perspective of Point Lonsdale's lighthouses

Point Lonsdale has a huge Norfolk Pine tree. It is over 100 years old and is known as 'The Christmas Tree'. Every year, on the first Saturday in December, the tree is lit up. This happens at the end of a special event called "A Community Celebration of Christmas".

Volunteers from local clubs like Lions and Rotary help run this event. It's all about the community and especially for children. Each year, a special guest turns on the lights. These guests are usually volunteers chosen for helping the community. Santa arrives at 7:25 pm in the local Fire Brigade Truck. He throws lollies to the children. Local performers provide entertainment.

Glowcandles are sold to help raise money. This money is used to keep the tree's lights working. Community volunteers and club members decorate the tree. They pull the lights up by hand and attach them. This tree is at the corner of Grimes Road and Point Lonsdale Road. When lit, you can see it for miles out at sea. It has been lit since about 1952–1953. When the lights are on, everyone knows Christmas is coming soon!

The town of Point Lonsdale was also used for some outdoor scenes in the popular children's TV show, Round the Twist.

Sports and Recreation

Point Lonsdale offers several sports activities:

• Golfers can play at the Lonsdale Links Golf Club. This course is on Fellows Road. It's considered one of Australia's top 20 courses after a big update.
• Bowlers can enjoy the game at the Point Lonsdale Bowling Club.
• Surfers can join the Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club.
• The tennis club is open for members and their guests to play.

Images for kids

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  An aerial view of Point Lonsdale

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  Wreck of the George Roper, Point Lonsdale (1883); photographer Fred Kruger