Campbell's Cove

Located approximately 35 kilometres (21.8 miles) to the south-west of Melbourne (capital city of Victoria, Australia) is Campbell's Cove. The place is 'home' to over 150 Boatsheds & Shacks of all shapes and sizes set cheek by jowl along a 1.5 kilometre (0.9 miles) stretch of beach, with what I would describe as 'you can't get much closer beach frontage'. Most structures are positioned only a meter or two away, at best, from the high Tide mark - global warming could prove, 'interesting' in the future! The Cove was named by some local Fishermen after another 'local', Freddie Campbell, who lived in a ramshackle Shack at the Cove for many years and was considered to be the 'unofficial caretaker'.

A 'feature' of the locale is there is no mains electric power, sewage or running water. Though many of the Boatsheds have solar panels, water tanks and septic systems installed. Nobody 'officially' resides at the Cove, yet judging by some of the Boatsheds/Shacks (and attendant four-wheel drive vehicles) they appear quite cosy and liveable with a sort of anarchic, devil may care ethos. Oddly, (and most out of place in its context), there is a sealed, near 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) long (dead-end) access road to the Boatsheds/Shacks.

The beach at the Cove is not a pristine one - there is only a very slender riband of sand (if at all in some places), and quite a deal of seaweed and rocks. Most of the Boatsheds/Shacks - some of which were initially constructed over 100 years ago as Fishing Sheds for workers employed at the nearby Werribee Mansion - were erected as fibro Shacks after the Second World War (1945). Many have have been in their families for generations and when they do 'change hands' it is often for tens of thousands of dollars. I noticed one 'Boatshed' advertised in a Real Estate Listing for $80,000 (Australian dollars)!

I understand the Cove's foreshore and set back lies on Crown Land ('owned' if you like by the State Government) and is essentially 'managed' by the Local Council, who whilst recognising that the 'Occupants' may have claims on the structures, indicate they have no rights to the publicly owned sand underneath. The Council, it seems, has concerns about some of the Boatsheds/Shacks being used as residences and lacking basic services. As a result, Government and Council are urging owners to sign up for 'licences' costing between $250 to $1,000+ (for a three year period) as well as pay council rates that relinquish 'rights' to long-term occupation of the Public Land on which the Boatsheds/Shacks sit. These 'licences' will give Council access to the Boathouses/Sheds and allow it [the Council] to vary conditions at any time without notice. Many Owners have signed these 'licences', though large portions have not, fearing loss of long held occupancy rights and citing that other Boatsheds/Shacks/Bathing Boxes at other more salubrious bayside locations such as Brighton and Carrum on the eastern shorelines of Port Phillip Bay do not have to sign such 'licences'. Though, it should be noted, that these structures are more tightly regulated. They are mostly subject to strict building codes and maintenance strictures, have access to power, and sit aside much more 'broader' and accessible beach fronts.

Another claim for Campbell's Cove, (and one I find rather hilarious) is that it is one of four 'designated' Nudist Beaches in Victoria. Arguably, it is the least attractive in terms of facilities (there are no public toilets, running water, shops etc) and beach conditions are not the most 'attractive'. During my visit, I sadly or perhaps fortunately, did not see any 'nubile types' frolicking amongst the surf and I 'resisted' any temptation, fleeting as it be, to shed my clobber - I'd not wish such a 'sight' on any unsuspecting eyes even if it were during warmer times of the year. Not that I'd reckon anyone would have been game to go 'in the shrewd' on the day of my late autumnal visit, as a brisk and with a 'hint of the Antarctic' southerly breeze was rolling in across the Bay.

I had visited Campbell's Cove earlier in the week (as part of visit to nearby Werribee South - another much underrated beach on the shores of Port Phillip Bay) and was so captivated by what appeared the 'larrikin' nature of the place that I returned to spend some time specifically to take photographs of this quirky, yet colour drenched locale.