Eastern Beach, Victoria

Eastern Beach is a popular swimming and recreation area in Geelong, Victoria on the shores of Corio Bay. Built during the 1930s in the Art Deco style, a shark proof sea bath is provided, as well as a children's swimming pool, kiosk, and dressing room pavilion. A number of Art Deco buildings in the area are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

It was not always the beach it is today. In the early years that area of Geelong was considered an eyesore, with steep cliffs running from the northern town boundary to the shores of Corio Bay.

Redevelopment plans were first proposed in 1914 by the City of Geelong. Work was to include a 1-mile (1.6 km) sea wall from Yarra Street to Limeburners Point, land reclamation, and the flattening of the cliffs along the beach. Further plans were drawn up for a chalet at the beach, which later appeared in the form of the kiosk building.

Work began in September 1927 when contracts were let for construction of the concrete stairway, terraces and dressing sheds. J.C. Taylor and Sons were the successful contractor. That stage of the works was opened on December 20, 1929 by the Mayor of Geelong Cr Sol Jacobs.

The shark-proof swimming enclosure and children's pool were opened by Cr Jacobs on March 28, 1939. The enclosure covered 8 ¹⁄₂ acres (3.4 ha) and could accommodate 10,000 bathers. The precinct development cost £40,000 ($80,000), but was seen by the council of the time as being an investment in the city.

To cater to beach goers, a tramway extension along Corio Terrace (later Brougham Street) as far as Bellerine Street opened in October 1940. The line was closed in 1956 along with the rest of Geelong's tramways.

The area began a slow decline from the 1960s, with its popularity declining as a result of increased motor car ownership giving Geelong residents easier access to ocean beaches. Later decades of neglect saw the area fall into disrepair.

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