Merricks Beach, Victoria

Merricks Beach Victoria
Merricks Beach in April
Population	144 (2006 census)
Established	1910s
Postcode(s)	3926
Location	73 km (45 mi) from Melbourne 16 km (10 mi) from Hastings
LGA(s)	Shire of Mornington Peninsula
State electorate(s)	Nepean
Federal division(s)	Flinders
Localities around Merricks Beach: Point Leo Balnarring Balnarring Point Leo Merricks Beach Balnarring Beach Point Leo Western Port Western Port

Merricks Beach is a small seaside village on the Mornington Peninsula Victoria, Australia. It is located on the eastern side of the peninsula on Western Port Bay. It is one of the few coastal places within a 100 km radius of Melbourne that has been basically untouched by development. Its local government area is the Shire of Mornington Peninsula.

An interesting fact about Merricks Beach is that all of the streets in the area are still unsealed and it has experienced little change since the 1960s. Because of this the area is very rustic and many manna gums and pine trees line the side of the streets.

The area also has a significant Koala population, which has been able to survive because of the lack of development. In recent years, the median house price of the area has skyrocketed because of the exclusiveness that the area has to offer. Because there is only a limited number of houses allowed in Merricks Beach, any properties on the market are highly sought - no matter their age or size.

Summer is the most popular time at Merricks Beach due to the Christmas holidays and warm weather.

History

The town was established in the 1910s but was reasonably small until a large boom in the sixties. At that time, many houses were built and new facilities were established.

Present day

Today, housing prices have boomed and Merricks Beach has become quite a sought after area. Many new blocks and houses have been built in the area.

Areas of Merricks Beach

The Merricks main beach is the main area of Merricks Beach. You can swim at the beach anytime, and at any tide. There aren't many rocks on the main beach, and it is a rather calm beach with little waves. The main beach is very popular at summer. On the foreshore is the Merricks Beach Yacht Club, and toilet facilities. Further down, are two tennis courts.

There is a high cliff after the main beach on the eastern side. Great views of Phillip Island, the peninsula and Western Port Bay can be seen from the top of the cliff. This area of Merricks Beach is quite sought after and expensive. In some areas, this stretch of beach can be quite rocky and full of rock pools at low tide. During high tide, there can be some big waves and the area is quite popular with surfers.

On the western side, there hasn't been much development and it is mainly a farming area.

Parks

The Merricks Beach Foreshore is located behind the beach. It separates the houses from the beach and creates a great area for wildlife. Lots of wildlife can be found there including koalas, possums and many types of birds. The foreshore reserve starts on Cliff Road up on the cliff, and goes down to the yacht club at the main beach. The Merricks Beach Foreshore Committee cares for the foreshore and has regular clean ups and tree planting days.

The Bill Carrol Reserve, known to the local community as "The Snake Farm", is located on Palmers Hill Road. It was established a few years ago and has a wonderful wetland and bird watching area. Picnic tables and new tracks have been added to the small but peaceful park. Lots of flora and fauna can be found here including koalas and possums. There is also the Friends of Bill Carrol Reserve which (like the Foreshore Committee with the foreshore), cares for the park and does regular maintenance.

Merricks Beach Yacht Club

The Merricks Beach Yacht Club is the yacht club on the main beach. It was established many years ago and has been a big part of Merricks Beach for a long time.