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Portarlington’s picturesque setting and fine sandy beaches attracted visitors and holiday makers from Geelong and Melbourne. The regular steamer service secured the town’s progress as a popular seaside resort. A public bathing house existed prior to 1868 and was located at the base of the cliffs directly in front of historic ‘Laura Villa‘.
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Bathing on the open beaches was prohibited in those early days “out of respect for public sentiment“. The site of the Portarlington Bathing-House was “… east of the jetty, nicely protected by a reef of rocks to the east and the west of the site”. This site was beautifully located in a sheltered cove, protecting swimmers from the elements as well as from view. The historic photos show a road leading directly from the top of ‘Hat Rock‘ to the jetty that lead out to the the bathing house – this road is no longer evident . . .
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The ‘Portarlington Sea Bathing Company Limited’ was formed in June 1878 and the rebuilding of the Bathing-House was put to tender:
The project was awarded to architect Leonard Terry and builders Trevena & Gubby.
Sadly, only ten years later, the Portarlington Sea Bathing Company was wound up on the 5th January 1888:
The Sea Baths must have remained in operation for some time as they are mentioned in the advertising card produced by the ‘Grand Hotel’ c 1890.
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Today, a concrete extrusion from the escarpment may be the only evidence of the Sea Baths that were once a popular tourist attraction . . .
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Helpful Hints:
– Close proximity to Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Car Parking available along The Esplanade
– Parking available for Larger Rigs (this is a RV Friendly town)
– Adjacent to the Walking / Cycling Trail
– Other Historical POI’s in Portarlington
– Nearby Features:
– Shopping
– Facilities available at Portarlington
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- Sealed Road