Shire of Mornington Peninsula
Safety Beach
vic 3936
About Safety Beach
Safety Beach occupies slightly less than half the area of land between the foothills of Mount Martha and Arthurs Seat and borders Port Philip Bay to its west.
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. Golfers play at the course of the Mount Martha Valley Golf Club on Country Club Drive, or at the Safety Beach Golf Course nearby.
Shark Bay was the former name of Safety beach. The scent from cattle farms nestled in the area attracted many sharks to the site. Mornington Peninsula Shire later changed the name to Safety Beach. Many tourists feared swimming in ‘shark bay’ for obvious reasons even after the farms were shut down and shark sightings had decreased which now as we know it is named Safety Beach, an attempt to draw tourists to the area, and it worked. Now there are over 100 beach/bathing boxes located on the beach, accommodating thousands of tourists a year.
It was breeding area for grey Nurse sharks in the 50's and 60's on the right side of the area towards Mt Martha and although they posed no threat many people would not swim because of the sightings and its subsequent name "shark bay". As it also had shallow sand bars which was good from kids to paddle in ankle deep water the suggestion to change it to "safety beach" by the local life savers and council. It was changed around 1963.
The area 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 Sailing Club was established in 1967. Safety Beach Sailing Club has hosted many State and National titles and SBSC sailors are recognized by the sailing community for their excellence in sailing with success at regattas and at State, National and International level.
Source: Wikipedia