Somers - Area - Interactive Map (Click Here) Tides - Wind - Waves (Click Here)
History
Somers was named after ‘Lord Somers', the successful conservationist governor of Victoria from 1926 -1931 who started a youth camp on the bank of the Merricks Creek. Lord Somers’ conservationism may well be likely for the subdivision covenants of the original pastoral land in the 1940's, 50’s and 60's that gives the area an impressive stands of Coastal Banksia, She Oak and Manna Gum woodlands, shelters magnificent wildflowers and home to a substantial koala and echidna population.
The general store and post office opened around 1927 and is still a meeting point for locals and day trippers from Melbourne.
The Navy and RAAF trained in Somers during World War II and the military buildings were later taken over by the Education Department and are now used as school camp next to Coolart Homestead.
'Coolart' is a magnificent 27-room Victorian mansion open to the public and is situated on part of the original estate of Alfred Meyrick, a grazier who located here in the mid 1800's.
Somers boasts a number of idyllic sandy beaches hidden away from the hustle and bustle that provides a perfect spot to watch the wildlife and enjoy the area's recreational and scenic values of the land once occupied by the Bunurong people. The emergence of holiday homes and campgrounds in the 1950's and 60's now makes way for a steady stream of "Sea Changer's" from Melbourne and beyond that enjoy the offering of a quiet seaside lifestyle.
Distance from CBD & Transport
Somers is situated approximately 65 kilometres from Melbourne and located between Balnarring Beach and HMAS Cerberus. Easy access to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Western Port Highway and Eastlink.
Regular bus services to Hastings and Balnarring Village and connections to Frankston and then train service to Melbourne. Community initiative bike /pedestrian trail provides a paved, safe connection to Balnarring Village.
Schools, Sports & Leisure
Camp Hill Road is the centre of some of the local community amenities with an up-graded public primary school and pre-school around the corner, play area, tennis club and fields at R.W. Stone Reserve and the popular caravan / camping grounds just opposite the CFA’s new facility. The awarded Somers’ Yacht Club is a hive of activity over the warmer months and always has something going to put on the social calendar. Somers Yacht Club(Click Here)
Coolart Homestead and wetland hosts the annual Rotary Jazz Festival in January each year.
Somers best kept secret is the coastal trails, grass / wetland and numerous secluded safe and sandy swimming beaches. It's a perfect blend of 'Bush and Beach' with beachfront homes and trails that enjoy views across to Phillip Island and down to western head at Flinders.
Jackie Wright – Your Somers Beach and Coastal Specialist (Click Here)