Located in the vicinity of Fort Pearce, the ‘Cheviot West Beach Lookout’ is one of many viewpoints that bestow the most amazing panoramic views across Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and along the Point Nepean peninsula. This lookout is situate just metres away from the bicycle trail termination point within Point Nepean National Park.
This lookout encompasses tremendous views of the mesmerising surf as it thunders into shore from Bass Strait. It is so easy to understand how ships could so easily succumb to wild ocean squalls as high seas generate huge waves that pound onto the rocks that form Point Nepean . . .
The SS ‘Cheviot’, after which the beach that this lookout overlooks is named, was one that lost her battle with the sea on the 19th October 1887:
” . . . The steamer Cheviot passed through the Heads shortly after 8 o’clock last night, and just after clearing the rip she pitched forward and as her screw came out of the water it raced, and all the blades of the propeller were stripped off. An attempt was then made to keep the vessel underway by means of the sails ; but she could not make any headway against the terrific gale, and in twenty minutes she drifted on to the rocks . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Brisbane Courier’ – Article “Wreck of the Steamer Cheviot – Forty People Drowned . . . from our own Correspondent – Melbourne, October 20” – published 21st October 1887
Thirty five passengers and crew lost their lives that night, of which eight are buried in the Point Nepean Cemetery. Twenty four survivors were cared for at the nearby Quarantine Station.
To read an account of the chilling event, click here.
Helpful Hints:
– Located approximately 6 km from the Portsea Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Accessed from Defence Road
– Located within Point Nepean National Park
– Adjacent to Fort Pearce
– Visible Landmarks:
– Point Nepean
– Point Lonsdale
Discover Portsea:
– Shopping
– Facilities available at Portsea include:
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