Eastern Beach Reserve Mineral Spring

The spring is located an easy 250m stroll along the waterfront path from Geelong’s Eastern Beach waterfront a playground, picnic facilities, swimming pool, change rooms, and restaurants are located.

A schoolboy discovery
One sunny day in 1882, half a dozen schoolboys clambered over the rocks near here seeking a swimming spot. One of them, Albert 'Snowy' Pontin, spotted water bubbling up from the base of the cliff. It was cool and refreshing with a distinctive taste – yes, it was mineral water. Soon locals and visitors were coming to sample the waters and make the most of its curative properties.

The Geelong Progress Association later boasted that:
'many competent authorities have testified to the medical value of these waters, particularly in cases of rheumatism, indigestion and liver complaints.'

Time and tide
Originally, there were three mineral springs within a few hundred metres along the cliff base. Located below the high-tide mark, all three were destined to struggle.

In the decades following Snowy's find, proposals included a bathing facility at the site and a plan to tap the springs. Fences, timber access steps and a kiosk were erected.

By 1913, the Geelong Harbour Trust had fitted each spring with a pipe and covered it in cement to halt seawater contamination.

By 1959, it seemed the sea had won. The springs were declared contaminated and unfit for human consumption, and closed down.

In 1999, authorities drilled a bore 35m down to reach the pure underground spring. Now located on the pathway, 2.5m above high-tide, the spring head is fitted with a hand pump and tap so locals and visitors can again enjoy the mineral water's curative properties.

Look out at low tide ...
... for remnants of the early springs



About 3m out from the path edge, the ruins of a square brick turret, trough and brass pipe jut up from the water. About 12m to the west (toward the city), look for the remains of a spring dipping pool - a rounded concrete structure, about 1m in diameter.

Location