Bass

Overview

A small, pretty town 113 kilometres south-east of Melbourne nestling on the Bass River it services the needs of the local farming community and passing tourists. A historic timber bridge spans the Bass River adjacent to a marble epitaph on the Bass Road honouring those who served in World War I and II, in Malaya, Korea, Borneo and Vietnam. The general store and newsagency acts as an agent for the bank and post office.

History

The town is named after George Bass who explored and named Westernport Bay in 1798 in a small whaling boat and sailed some distance up the Bass River. 

In 1835 a Scottish immigrant named Samuel Anderson sailed up the Bass River and with a partner Robert Massie established the third permanent settlement in Victoria. Samuel's brothers Hugh and Thomas joined him at Bass where they established a successful farming venture. The township of Bass was surveyed and settled in the early 1860s, the Post Office opening on June 1, 1862.

Places of interest

Historic timber trestle bridge
Timber church
Community Hall
Bass River and entrance to Westernport Bay
Old corrugated iron former petrol station
Woolamai Race course

Accommodation

Bass has limited accommodation at the hotel and nearby B&B’s but is close to San Remo Grantville and Kilcunda which serviced by hotels, motels, caravan parks, B&Bs and private house rentals. For accommodation and other information go to www.visitbasscoast.com or telephone 1300 854334.

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