Point Nepean Community Trust

Point Nepean History

Historical Overview>

Point Nepean offers a rich history which is reflected in the architecture and layout of the buildings and grounds at the site. The following timeline provides a snapshot of the evolution of unique place in Victoria's history.

Pre-1840
People of Kulin Nation lived in Port Phillip for over forty thousand years

1837
Area settled by pastoralist Edward Hobson

1840
Land transferred to Daniel Sullivan

1845
Shepherd's Hut built (still remaining on site)

1850
Other settlers move to Point Nepean

1851
Victoria established as a separate colony

1852
Arrival of the ship, Ticonderoga, and the establishment of the Quarantine station

1852
Cemetery No. 1 established at Heaton's monument

1854
Quarantine Station officially gazetted and temporary hospital building constructed.

1855
Nepean cemetery No. 2 established.
Last burial 1926.

1858
Five two-story stone hospital blocks, to house up to 500 people, were built which featured two separate kitchens. Other buildings completed over the next 100 years.

1859
Pier completed.

1874
Telegraph link to Melbourne via Queenscliff.

1882
Victorian military forces start defence construction at Point Nepean

1899
Major building works, including the disinfection complex with the first autoclave in Australia.

1909
Transfer of quarantine service to Commonwealth of Australia.

1912
Record 1295 passengers quarantined from one ship.

1918-1919
Influenza epidemic resulted in 128000 travellers examined, mostly Australian soldiers returning from the First World War.

1952
Army Officer Cadet School established at the site.

1978
Quarantine Station officially closed with only 12 people quarantined between 1954 and 1967.

1988
School of Army Health replaces Officer Cadet School

1998
Army vacates

1999
Temporary accommodation for Kosovo refugees

The Defence Land site is approx 311 hectares in total area. The Defence Land has a high profile amongst the community. There are local family connections with early settlers and the settlement of ancillary staff of the Quarantine and Defence operations.

The local volunteer associations have contributed to the historical society, museum and environmental site attributes.