SAFETY BEACH FACTS
Safety Beach is a bayside suburb in Victoria, between the foothills of Mount Martha and Arthurs Seat, and borders Port Philip Bay to its west. It is 67 km from Melbourne, and has an area of 6 km2. The population of Safety Beach was 3,518 in 2011.
Safety Beach has a calm, sandy bay and a swimming beach which is popular for boating. The foreshore reserve has an attractive children’s playground and BBQ areas with shading.
Safety Beach takes its name from the calm and shallow waters of Dromana Bay, which makes it an ideal spot for children. There is a small jetty on the coast, while the coastal road of Marine Drive separates housing and commercial areas from the foreshore and the beach. Safety Beach is a particularly scenic spot, with views to the peak of Mount Martha in the north and to Arthurs Seat in the south.
Martha Cove is a large inland harbour and residential development in Safety Beach. It was named after its location in the cove at the foot of Mount Martha. The project, which began in 2004, was initially heavily protested by residents. After experiencing considerable financial difficulties, Martha Cove has since recovered to become a thriving residential community
Safety Beach is home to a resort-style golf course, the Safety Beach Country Club that surrounds a residential estate. Landscaped to a tropical theme, the 18 hole course features a restaurant, tennis courts, palm trees and several lakes.
Safety Beach Sailing Club was established in 1967. Safety Beach Sailing Club has hosted many State and National titles and SBSC sailors are recognised by the sailing community for their excellence in sailing with success at regattas and at State, National and International level
Safety Beach was originally named ‘Shark Bay’, but underwent a name change to attract tourist trade to the peninsula.
In 1841, Hugh Jamieson purchased 5,120 acres (2,070 ha), or eight square miles, of land from the Crown for ₤1 an acre under the terms of the short-lived “special survey” regulations. The purchase included the entire present suburb of Safety Beach. The area is known as Jamieson’s Special Survey in cadastral surveys. The survey extended east as far as Bulldog Creek Rd. Henry Dunn had leased the Survey from 1846 until 1851 and was succeeded by tenants such as the Griffith, Eaton, Peatey, McLear, Clydesdale, Wilson, Cottier and Gibson families, which were involved with the History of Dromana.
Safety Beach Post Office opened on 1 October 1953 and closed in 1974.
Median house price for Safety Beach is $650,000 and rent is $420 per week.
Set on 94 hectares, Martha Cove is a unique waterfront residential community combining parks, walkways and cycle ways as well as an integrated boat harbour. Some 17 hectares of waterways lead directly into Port Phillip Bay and importantly provide a safe and sheltered harbour environment.
Marina Martha Cove, offers the opportunity to lease private marina berths on the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay.
There’s plenty of water sports in Safety Beach like kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing. Fishing is great too with snappers, flatfish and salmon waiting to be caught. Depending on the time of year, you might even come across a few squid.
COFFEE SAFARI
Fresh brewed coffee is a must have for weekends away and Safety Beach coffee is second to none with great coffee haunts around the town. Here are a few to check out when head down to this beautiful end of the world.
PROVINCIA FOOD STORE
Shop 3-5/154 Marine Drive
A great cup of coffee in a food store that appeals to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. A warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere with freshly made cakes and Paninis.
MARTHA COVE CAFE AND STORE
Corner Anchorage Avenue and Harbourside Esplanade
Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk and grab a coffee at the café, dining al fresco or inside in the modern waterside surrounds.
CAFÉ DEL SOL
(Opposite) 81 Marine Drive
You will find this cafe on wheels serving nourishing sweet treats, a range of hand crafted teas and health drinks as well as a delicious coffee.
WHAT TO DO?
Taking its name from the calm and shallow waters of the bay, Safety Beach is an ideal spot for children to swim safely, and a popular destination for families to enjoy leisure boating activities. There is a small jetty on the coast, while the coastal road of Marine Drive separates housing and commercial areas from the foreshore and the beach. Safety Beach is a particularly scenic spot, with views to the peak of Mount Martha in the north and to Arthurs Seat in the south.
Visitors and locals alike enjoy the resort-style golf course in the Safety Beach Country Club that surrounds a residential estate. While the sailing club is recognised by the community as world-class with success at state, national and international regattas.
There are plenty of water sports in Safety Beach like kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing. Fishing is great too with snappers, flatfish and salmon waiting to be caught. Depending on the time of year, you might even come across a few squid.
Photos: Yanni