Walkerville, Victoria
| Walkerville Victoria | |
|---|---|
 Walkerville North coast looking towards Walkerville South | |
  Walkerville | |
| Coordinates | 38°51′S 145°59′E / 38.850°S 145.983°E |
| Population | 84 (2016 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 3956 |
| LGA(s) | South Gippsland Shire |
| State electorate(s) | Gippsland South |
| Federal division(s) | Nicholls |
Walkerville is a village on Waratah Bay in southwest Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 190 km southeast of Melbourne. The town comprises three sections: Walkerville North, Walkerville South, and the Walkerville Promontory View Estate. At the 2016 census, it had a population of 84,[1] down from 262 in 2006.[2]
History
Walkerville is situated on the traditional lands of the Brataualung people, a clan of the Gunai/Kurnai nation.[3]
The settlement was originally named Waratah Bay but changed to Walkerville in 1892 to avoid confusion with mail directed to Tasmania. The name honored the manager of the lime kilns, which were central to the township’s development.[4] A Post Office operated from 10 August 1885 until its closure in 1972.[5]
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Walkerville was a thriving industrial hub due to its lime production. Limestone mined from local cliffs was processed in six kilns and transported by horse-drawn trams to a 300-meter jetty for shipping.[6] However, transportation difficulties, such as bad weather preventing ships from docking and lime spoiling in moist air, caused the industry to decline. Rising shipping costs led to the closure of operations in 1926.[7]
Walkerville was a lively settlement during its peak, hosting horse races, sports, and annual balls in the old hall, which served as the center of community life.[8] However, by 1940, Walkerville was described as a "ghost township," omitted from tourist guides and treated as if it "was not on the map" by railway and road services.[9]
A legend associated with the town involves a ship’s carpenter accused of stealing bullion in the 19th century. The gold was allegedly hidden near Walkerville, but its location was never discovered.[10]
Today, remnants of Walkerville’s history remain, including lime kiln ruins, jetty pilings, and stonework from former buildings. The old hall and other structures reflect the town's transition from an industrial hub to a tourist destination.[11]
Geography and Features
Walkerville is divided into two coastal sections:
- Walkerville South: Features a sheltered bay with a sandy beach and a boat launching ramp.[12] - Walkerville North: Includes the Walkerville Foreshore Camping Reserve and the Limeburner's Walk, which features interpretive signage about the area's mining history and a historic cemetery.[13]
Popular Culture
Walkerville inspired Alison Lester's children's book Magic Beach, drawing on her childhood summers in the area.[14] The town is also mentioned in the song Walkerville by Weddings Parties Anything, from their 1996 album River'esque.[15]
References
- ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Walkerville (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Walkerville (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "The Gunaikurnai People". Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- ^ *The Age* (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854–1954), Sat 11 May 1940, Page 12, *"Forgotten Walkerville."
- ^ Premier Postal History, Post Office List, retrieved 11 April 2008
- ^ "Walkerville Lime Kilns". Heritage Council Victoria. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- ^ *The Age* (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854–1954), Sat 11 May 1940, Page 12, *"Forgotten Walkerville."
- ^ *The Age* (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854–1954), Sat 11 May 1940, Page 12, *"Forgotten Walkerville."
- ^ *The Age* (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854–1954), Sat 11 May 1940, Page 12, *"Forgotten Walkerville."
- ^ *The Age* (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854–1954), Sat 11 May 1940, Page 12, *"Forgotten Walkerville."
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
kilnswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Walkerville South beach access closure".
- ^ "Limeburners Walk".
- ^ "Magic Beach: Making Waves". Visit Victoria. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
- ^ "Riveresque Album by Weddings Parties Anything". AllMusic. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
