Swan Island, Coastal island in Borough of Queenscliffe, Australia
Swan Island is a sand barrier island that separates Swan Bay from Port Phillip near the eastern end of Bellarine Peninsula. The land is divided between a golf club on the western side and a Defence training facility on the central and eastern sections.
During World War I, the location served as a military outpost where the Navy stored sea mines and connected to Queenscliff station by tramway. This military role shaped its function for many years afterward.
The Wathaurong people, who lived in this region, called this place Woorang-a'look, recognizing how important it was to the local environment. The name shows the deep connection between the community and this land.
The island is reachable only by a single-lane bridge from Queenscliff, but access is limited to golf club members, Defence personnel, and permit holders. Visitors without these credentials cannot step onto the island itself.
The golf course was built on sandy ground, requiring special construction techniques to remain stable and playable. This engineering challenge makes operating the club quite different from most golf courses on mainland Australia.
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