AUSTIN'S JETTY AND BATHS
AVALON ROAD AVALON, GREATER GEELONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
This site in significant as it contains remains of one of the earliest baths and jetty sites in the area. It is also of high social significance as a previous recreational site for the local community.
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AUSTIN'S JETTY AND BATHS - History
James Austin (Alderman for Kardinia in the first town council and later Mayor of Geelong) purchased the Lara Homestead site as one of many acquisitions around the region. He retained an interest in the homestead until his death in 1896, which was being run by his son (Frank) from at least 1889 (Brownhill, 1990:80). The property was donated to the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, and is currently being run as Avalon College. A pier and baths formerly extended from the shore from Austin's Homestead. The site was very popular with the local community, especially during the 1930s, and who used a track down the side of the Austin's property to access the baths. The baths extended several hundred metres offshore, and piles are still evident above water at very low tides (Brooks, pers comms). Rob Craddock (pers comms) recalled that the pier remained on the site until the 1950s.
AUSTIN'S JETTY AND BATHS - Interpretation of Site
At least three pier or bath piles were located during a visit in 2003 to the site, and their position was consistent with jetty remains. One was visible above water at low tide. More piles are likely to exist beneath a heavy matting of weed that covered the site. A late 19th century bottle (wine) was located near the exposed pier pile.Onshore, an area of stone fill is possibly the remains of the former pier/ baths approach, and is embedded in the dune face near access steps to the beach.
Heritage Study and Grading
Heritage Victoria - Maritime Infrastructure Assessment Project
Author: Heritage Victoria
Year: 2005
Grading:
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AUSTIN'S JETTY AND BATHSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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"Avalon", ResidenceGreater Geelong City
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WoolshedGreater Geelong City
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