Loch Sport

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Loch Sport is a town in Gippsland, Eastern Victoria, Australia.

Traditionally Aboriginal land (see Australian Aboriginies) this area was extremely popular for hunting, fishing (male work) and the collection of water yams (potatoes) and fruit / vegetables etc. (women's work). Middens (artefact sites) are still present but all semi nomadic natives: the original inhabitants of the area now are but memories. Ancestors of those from the Loch Sport area may still live in regional townships.

In the 1800's British settlers cleared the land and began farming in this rich arable land. Extreme sandy soil dominates this flat scrubland which are surrounded by brackish lakes on the north and the ocean on the south (Bass Strait).

Melbournians soon discovered the Aquatic delights of the lakes (fishing, swimming and boating) and by the turn of the 20th century Loch Sport had access via a road (a dirt track) and several plots set out. (land areas)

By the time cars dominated the landscape, more and more people bought property in the township. Significantly Loch Sport was one of the last Victorian towns to receive the service of electricity (1983).

Now mainly a beach tourist town, the population outside holidays sits at about 800 but swells to 4,000 during Easter and Christmas.

Next to the township The Lakes National Park (one of the geographically flattest in Australia) comprises 2,390 hectares, is a living tresure for flora & fauna: boasting abundant populations of kangaroos, emus, echidnas, koalas, brilliant birdlife and a plethora of wildflowers. (P.206, 'Victoria's National Parks - Explorers Guide' Parks Victoria 1999 See Australia Guides)

With the recent extreme rise in Australian Real estate (1999- 2005) Loch Sport house prices have risen by over 30% but, fortunately affordable houses still exist (under$150,000).

Loch Sport now boasts a Primary School, a bowls and Tennis club, a caravan, a motel, a pub and two local stores -'Moonies' and the 'Main Ull'

Approximately 280 km from Melbourne. Average temp: 23