Anglesea Local History
The town of Anglesea is located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. It is situated between the towns of Torquay and Aireys Inlet and surrounded by beautiful beaches, cliffs and forests. The name Anglesea comes from the British town of the same name, which was the birthplace of Lady Franklin, the wife of Sir John Franklin, the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) in the 1830s.
The original inhabitants of the Anglesea area were the Wadawurrung people who lived in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Wadawurrung people used the area for fishing, hunting and gathering and had a deep spiritual connection to the land. Europeans first arrived in Anglesea in 1836 when the explorer Thomas Mitchell passed through the area.
The first European settlers in Anglesea arrived in the 1840s and began farming the land. The town's first post office opened in 1875 and the first school was established in 1884. The town's economy was largely based on farming, timber logging and fishing in the early days.
In the 1920s, Anglesea became a popular holiday destination for Melbourne residents. The Great Ocean Road was completed in 1932, which made it easier for people to access the town. During World War II, Anglesea was used as a training ground for the Australian military, and many soldiers were stationed in the area.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Anglesea experienced a period of rapid growth and development. Several new housing estates were established, and many people moved to the area permanently. The town's infrastructure was improved, and new facilities were built, including a golf course and a caravan park.
The 1970s saw the establishment of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, which has become an important part of the town's community. The club has won numerous awards for its lifesaving efforts and has helped to keep locals and tourists safe on the town's beaches.
In recent years, Anglesea has become a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the town's natural beauty, beaches and outdoor activities. The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many galleries and events held throughout the year. Anglesea is also home to several environmental organisations and conservation groups that are working to protect the area's delicate ecosystem.
The town of Anglesea has a rich and fascinating history that is still evident today. From its early days as a farming and timber town to its role in World War II and its status as a popular holiday destination, Anglesea has played an important part in the history of Victoria and Australia.