WhatWasGeelong - Eastern Beach Mineral Springs

As you walk from Eastern Beach towards Limeburners Point you usually head up the ramp and up to the top of the cliff. But next time, don’t, continue to follow the path to what seems like a dead end. There you will find something you probably haven’t really heard of. The Eastern Beach Spring Water pump.

As the legend states, one sunny day in 1882, half a dozen school boys were clambering over rocks in search of the perfect spot to swim. One of these boys, Albert ‘Snowy’ Pontin, spotted some water bubbling at the bottom of the cliff, that water turned out to be fresh , refreshing and cool. He had found a Mineral Spring. Very soon locals and visitors from all over were coming to sample the waters and make the most of its curative properties. The Geelong Progressive Association boasted that the spring had been tested and contained medical values to assist in rheumatism, indigestion and liver complaints.

Originally there were three mineral springs within a few hundred metres along the base of the cliff. But due to there location just above the water tide, they were all destined to struggle.

In the decades that followed there were many proposals made including a bathing facility and a plan to tap the springs. Steps were made to access the springs and a kiosk. By 1913 each spring was fitted with a pipe to stop sea water contamination.

By 1959, the springs were declared unfit for human consumption and closed down and forgotten about or so it would seem.

In 1999 a bore was drilled 35 metres down to reach the pure water in the under ground spring, the spring her and hand pump were fitted and now everyone can enjoy the ‘delicious’ water again…

Have you had a taste yet?