Cape Paterson

Overview

Cape Paterson is tucked among the sand dunes 10 kilometres south of Wonthaggi and 21 kilometres from Inverloch through the Bunurong Marine Reserve.

Steep cliff faces feature a number of rocky outcrops with excellent sea views, including Eagle's Nest - a large rock structure adjacent to the coastline that resembles the top half of a map of Australia.

History

Cape Patterson was named by Lt. Grant in 1801 to honour Lt. Col. William Paterson, second in command of the Botany Bay (Sydney) battalion. Explorer William Hovell first discovered black coal in the cliffs at Cape Paterson in 1826.

In 1858, 2,000 tons of coal were hauled to the coast at Cape Paterson and taken by whaleboat to ships for transportation to Melbourne. Tram rails on the beach are reminders of further attempts to remove coal from the area later in the century, which still remain on the beach to the west of No 2 surf beach.

Places of interest

Old Beach Houses
The Bunurong Coastal Drive
‘Eagles Nest’ – a large rock structure adjacent to the coastline that resembles the top half of a map of Australia.
2 Surf Life Saving Club Houses
Old foreshore public hall
Rock pool
Beaches

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at fully serviced caravan parks and private rental houses.  For accommodation information go to:

Website: www.visitbasscoast.com
Telephone: 1300 854334 or 1300 762433

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