CHURCHILL ISLAND "SEALERS SITE"
NEWHAVEN, BASS COAST SHIRE
Statement of Significance
Churchill Ireland, Westernport Bay off Phillip Island, includes the entire island and linking timber bridge, with all buildings and objects located on it. The island was first 'settled' by Lieutenant James Grant in 1801, when a cottage was erected and garden planted, no evidence of which remains. The present, symmetrical weatherboard homestead dates possibly from the 1860s, parts may be older. There is a cannon from the warship Shenandoah (1865).
Churchill Island, Westernport bay off Phillip Island, is the site of the first European settlement in Victoria, James Grant of the Lady Nelson having built a cottage and planted wheat, corn and a garden in 1801. The island is unique in the history of Victoria and was until recently the only privately-owned island in Victoria. Churchill Island is a most important landscape element in Westernport bay. The present homestead is representative of homestead building and is unusual for its planning. The island has been acquired by the government of Victoria for public uses. Future plans are unclear. Current landscape is pastoral.
[Source: Register of the National Estate]
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CHURCHILL ISLAND
Victorian Heritage Register H1614 -
CHURCHILL ISLAND
Victorian Heritage Inventory -
Churchill Island And Swan Bay
National Trust H1614
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