Home | Bellarine Historical Society

Located in Drysdale’s Old Court House 11 High St Drysdale,

the museum is adjacent to the centre of Drysdale.

There is adequate car parking and the bus stop is 20 metres away.

We are a group of people with a shared interest in understanding and

preserving the history of the Bellarine Peninsula. This includes helping

to provide a place for the accumulation of objects and documents that

add to the district’s story. We want people to be able to find historic artefacts

and information in the future.

We want to make sure that these materials are not lost. The society has a small resource area that contains a collection of historical data, rate books, school records, photographs and pioneer information relating to the area.

Our expertise in history varies greatly. Most of us have a general interest and have learnt as we went along. Some have skills gained from previous work and study.

Others are serious students of history, including those undertaking family research. Everyone is welcome and everyone’s contribution is appreciated.

Bellarine Historical Society at a Glance

A Bit of Background

Here at Bellarine Historical Society inc. , we are a vibrant social group with common interests and a common culture reflected by the motto "Preserving the History of the Bellarine Peninsula". We recognise that we are on the traditional home of the Wadawurrung people. The values we project can shape the culture we share. We strive to show courtesy and respect, we collaborate and try to be open and transparent in our operations. We seek to inspire our community to greater and better things

Learn More

You can search our indexes and holdings or pay our experienced researcher a modest fee to do it for you. You may want high quality images from our extensive map, poster and photo collection. Complete a request for information form with as much information you can. This form can be found on our Research page.

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Brief History of Clifton Springs Mineral Baths

In 1870 the discovery of mineral springs north of Drysdale (ie at Clifton Springs) was announced, close to the beach below the Bellarine hillsides. A bottling plant was installed in 1875, and in 1880 a company was formed to develop the site.

A railway from Geelong to Queenscliff, with a station at Drysdale, had opened the year before. An elaborate hotel opened in 1888 and a jetty (1890) welcomed passengers from bay steamers.

The most favoured spot was the picturesque Fairy Dell set among the coastal hills, near the hotel, sulphur springs bath house and the salt water baths.

The hotel burnt down in 1923 and was replaced by another in 1926, at about the time when the resort's heyday was drawing to a close. The hotel had a golf course, and attained a degree of notoriety with its bachelors' quarters in the 1940s.