VICPort & river
Rosebud
Named after a lime-trade schooner stranded on its sandbanks.
1855Schooner Rosebud driven ashore
WHAT STARTED IT
Wide, shallow sandbanks line this part of the bay, which stranded the schooner Rosebud in an 1855 gale and gave the place its name. The same shallows suited small fishing boats, and Rosebud began as one of several fishing and boat-building settlements along the shore.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Its fishermen petitioned for a jetty in 1887 because the shallows forced them to land catches in smaller boats, and work began in 1888. Car travel in the 1920s made the sheltered, shallow beach the peninsula’s favourite camping ground, and Rosebud overtook Dromana as the district’s main centre.
TURNING POINTS
1855During early June gales the schooners Rosebud and Nancy, both in the lime trade, are driven ashore near Arthur’s Seat.
1884A school opens at Rosebud.
1887Rosebud fishermen petition the Commissioner of Trade and Customs for a jetty.
1888Construction of the first Rosebud jetty begins.
1976Flinders shire offices move from Dromana to Rosebud.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
The largest town on the southern Mornington Peninsula, with a hospital, secondary schools and large shopping centres. The foreshore still has camping, a carnival area and boat hire.