Balnarring

Balnarring is a township on the road between Hastings and Flinders. Originally called Tulum, the name was changed to Balnarring after World War 2. Balnarring is Aboriginal meaning "camp in open places".

In the summer months, Balnarring Beach comes alive with holiday makers. It first became a holiday destination back in 1910 for day trippers from Melbourne . Back then, there were many beach stores and kiosks. Today there is one general store at the beach. In 1924, the Harley Davidson Motor Cycle Club built a club house at the beach and it is still there today.

Today, Balnarring is a thriving community with a great local shopping centre. Balnarring Beach caters to the holiday makers with caravan parks and camping grounds and the local area has many excellent wineries.
Balnarring is also home to The Emu Plains Racecourse and Recreational Reserve. The racecourse provides a range of recreational activities including a community market run by Rotary of Hastings and picnic race meetings run by The Balnarring Picnic Racing Club, a non profit organisation committed to promoting picnic racing as an enjoyable and family orientated activity. Set in a scenic rural environment, it provides the opportunity for all to experience 'the fun of the races'. Visit the mounting yard as the horses are paraded, and, from track side, cheer your favorite home as the horses race around the track. Race Meetings are usually held at least once a month.

Merricks

Merricks Beach is a small seaside village located on the eastern side of the peninsula on the Western Port Bay. Merricks has a rather significant koala population and a host of manna gums and pine trees lining the streets. It is one of the few coastal places within a 100 km radius of Melbourne that has been basically untouched by development.

The main beach is very popular at summer. On the foreshore is the Merricks Beach Yacht Club, and toilet facilities. Further down, are two tennis courts. Great views of Phillip Island, the peninsula and Western Port Bay can be seen from the top of the high cliff after the main beach on the eastern side.

Wildlife is abundant on the foreshore reserve that starts on Cliff Road up on the cliff, and goes down to the yacht club at the main beach.

Merricks is also home to the Merricks General Store on the Frankston-Flinders Road, about half way between Balnarring and Shoreham. It's origins date back to the rural 1920's era when it provided both supplies and society to the local community.

Somers

Somers possesses a safe and pleasant swimming beach. The area is noted for its koala population, its foreshore walks and for the Coolart mansion and estate.

The coastline of Somers is home to 3 distinguishable beaches, South Beach, Somers Beach and the tidal flats of Merricks Creek Inlet.

Somers is also home to The Somers Yacht Club which houses the WSC Marine Rescue Facility, who contribute greatly to the safety of Western Port Bay through the use of crash boats sent out to help capsized skippers and crew, or those in other forms of trouble.

Below please find a quick reference for things to do, places to stay and places to eat in Balnarring, Merricks and Somers. If enjoy reading about the history of the area, check out our Fascinating Historical Facts.