Traditional Owners

The original inhabitants of Bass Coast Shire were the Bunurong Aboriginal people.

Settlement history

European settlement dates from 1826 when a military outpost was set up at a Corinella. However, permanent settlement did not occur until the late 1830s, with land used mainly for timber-getting, farming and grazing. Population was minimal until the 1860s when land was opened for selection, with growth particularly around Wonthaggi, largely due to coal mining. Growth took place from the late 1800s into the early 1900s, when many townships and villages were established. Significant development occurred from the post-war years, including growth on Phillip Island, spurred by the construction of the first bridge in the 1940s. Growth continued during the 1970s and the 1980s, with increases in both permanent and holiday homes. Expansion continued from the 1990s.

Land use

Bass Coast Shire is a rural, residential and holiday area. The Shire encompasses a total land area of about 860 square kilometres, including substantial coastal areas. The major towns are Wonthaggi, Cowes, Inverloch, San Remo and Grantville, with numerous smaller townships. The major industries of the Shire are tourism and agriculture, particularly cattle and sheep grazing.

Transport

Bass Coast Shire is served by the Bass Highway and the South Gippsland Highway.

Major features

• Major features of Bass Coast Shire include Phillip Island,
• Churchill Island,
• The Nobbies,
• Seal Rocks,
• Phillip Island Penguin Parade,
• Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit,
• The Nobbies Centre,
• Amaze ‘N Things,
• Churchill Island Heritage Farm,
• Phillip Island Wildlife Park,
• Maru Koala & Animal Park,
• Koala Conservation Centre,
• Mutton Bird Colony & Rookeries,
• Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Heritage Area,
• National Vietnam Veterans Museum,
• Chisholm Institute of TAFE (Bass Coast Campus),
• Phillip Island Golf Club,
• The Golf Club Bass Coast,
• Wonthaggi Golf Club,
• Wonthaggi Hospital,
• Bunurong Marine National Park,
• Churchill Island Marine National Park,
• Grantville Nature Conservation Reserve,
• The Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve,
• Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve,
• Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve,
• George Bass Coastal Walk,
• Bass Coast Rail Trail,
• several wineries and numerous beaches.

Included areas