Stony Creek, Lorne

As we travel to and fro between Geelong and Lorne, we cross Stony Creek and perhaps wonder what historic stories may have been linked to this picturesque location. Many parents will know of the wonderful journey along Camel’s Walk to Lily Pond, passing through the fairy dell before arriving at the cascades with the water flowing into the pond at their base. As you walk up to Lily Pond, about halfway along, you will see a large flat piece of cleared grassy land and may be lucky enough to see a kangaroo grazing, or you may notice some scars on the trunks of mature trees, where sugar gliders have been feeding on tree sap.

Camel’s Lily Pond Walk was named as a tribute to Michael John Callanan (7th August 1953 – 6th April 2017), for his great work with Lorne Care protecting and preserving the natural environment and serving the Lorne community. As early as 1901, visitors to Lorne would camp amongst the tree ferns and enjoy the serenity of this magical place. A camp for 12 men working on the Great Ocean Road construction, according to Cecil “Tiger” Clissold, was set up at Stony Creek, under the supervision of the Country Roads Board.

 

In past times, Lorne visitors would take long bush walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest around Lorne. There used to be a very popular track up Stony Creek to the Stony Creek Falls. Arthur Hollingworth, who returned after World War Two at the end of 1945, set up the Lily Ponds Tea Rooms to cater for weekend travellers. At one time Arthur started a tile works at Stony Creek and made a considerable number of roofing tiles which he supplied to local home builders. At one time there was a slaughterhouse at Stony Creek and also there was a story about a dairy farm.

Stony Creek has been threatened by bushfires on a number of occasions. In the 1939 bushfires, Mr C. Howard of Stony Creek lost sheds containing a motor truck, wagon and dray, two engines and about 40 tons of wood, a saw bench and tools. A fire in 1964 broke out at Stony Creek, threatening 20 houses, saved by firemen burning back from the houses towards the flames. In 1983, the Ash Wednesday bushfires, that started in Deans Marsh, swept ferociously over the Otway Ranges and down the Stony Creek valley with a terrifying roar, consuming many houses and forcing residents onto the beach.

Stony Creek valley has been affected by flooding rains on many occasions over the years. In 1999, flooding rains led to logs washing down the creek, ruining Lily Pond. Heavy rains in 2016 resulted in a deluge flowing down Stony Creek taking out the three bridges that cross the creek between the carpark and Lily Pond. It took some time to have new bridges built which could survive future floods.

 

Darrell’s Barbeque, Lorne, was located at 181 Ocean Road, near the Stony Creek bridge, established by Darrell Mousley and Lorna Clissold. Walking through the entrance led into a courtyard with a fountain – better described as a water squirt! – and some ripper summer nights ensued inside, according to John Agar.

According to the Geelong Advertiser, 11th July 1925, the Fairey seaplane, ANA 4 from Point Cook, piloted by Captain Swinburne and carrying a mechanic, came down about a mile and a half out from Lorne, near Stony Creek. The seaplane sent up two Varey Lights, and two boats were sent out from Lorne to her assistance, with the object of taking her in tow. After a time, the pilot thought he would be able to start the engine, and he got the boats to cast off. The attempt failed, however, and the plane drifted onto the rocks. As the tide was low it was found impossible to move her. The plane was unloaded and made secure. Later that night, at 2 o’clock in the morning, they managed, with the assistance of high tide, to drag the disabled machine onto the beach. The seaplane was taken to pieces, and Mr Cecil Clissold carted it to Eastern View where it was taken by motor lorry to Point Cook.

On the Lorne Historical website, you can see more photos related to Stony Creek. If you know more stories, photos or updates you would like to share, please contact the LHS.

Compiled by Linton Ferguson for the Lorne Historical Society

This article was made possible by accessing various sources including:
• Lorne Historical Society collections
• www.lornehistoricalsociety.org.au

 

A word from the chairman

Hello
As the wintry blanket falls on Lorne, it is tempting to curl up and hibernate, or to run away to warmer places, which many of us do from time to time, and some do for the whole of winter! But many stay behind to keep the wheels turning in our town, providing much-needed health and education services, construction, maintenance, social support, hearty food and warming soup and coffee. Some of our hospitality providers have taken the opportunity to have a hard-earned break after an extended summer season. We wish them well and look forward to their return. There are still plenty of opportunities to get out and about with Monday Night Music at In the Skies Restaurant and Bar, the newly introduced Pie and Pinot nights every Wednesday night at the beautiful Grand Pacific Hotel, and the very popular Thursday night community dinners at Stribling Pavilion. And there is always the Anglers for some community camaraderie, although Hutch’s icy cold pots are losing their appeal at the moment in favour of a comforting glass of red wine!
With the water temperature dropping below 15 degrees, the campervans have disappeared from the main carpark, and the only creatures gracing our beach to witness the beautiful sunrise are our intrepid mermaids adorned in their floral caps and footwear, their thermoses of hot water ready to rinse their frozen feet, and the occasional (mainly dog) walkers. “Hello Fred”, “Hello Stanley”!! This happy, chatty bunch of dippers are in the water every morning all year round at 7.30 and welcome new recruits (even the occasional merman!).
This weekend, the Lorne Football and Netball Club hosts our neighbours, Birregurra, at Stribling Reserve, in what is always a close but friendly contest. Our senior footballers will be hoping to take top spot on the ladder from Birre. Come along and support our boys and girls.
*****
I am sure by now you are sick of hearing about the UDF for Point Grey, so this will be my last request to you to complete the survey at https://tinyurl.com/point-grey-udf. The survey closes on Sunday June 22, so there is not much time left. Most of the community organisations in Lorne, including the Committee for Lorne and the Aquatic Club will be making submissions, but it is equally important that GORCAPA hears directly from members of the community.
I have just completed 2 years as Chairman of the Committee for Lorne and in that time I have gained a greater awareness of the things that matter to the community of Lorne, and the special challenges that we face as a relatively small and geographically isolated tourist and seasonal town. I have also written 100 columns for this page. While it was initially a challenge, for an accountant used to dealing with numbers, to write a hopefully informative and entertaining weekly column, it has grown on me and I enjoy it. I thank you, the readers, for the mostly positive feedback and I look forward to continuing our relationship.
Cheers

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

June

21 – Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball V Birregurra, at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm

21 – Deans Marsh Winter Solstice, coming together for food, song, and dance, we pause and joyfully celebrate the longest of nights. 5-9pm at Deans Marsh Hall & carpark

23 – Lorne P-12 College Songmakers Night, fundraiser at Lorne Bowls Club from 5pm

July

6 – LAAC Winter Comp No 2. lines down after 6am, weigh in at the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club at 12:30 followed by BBQ lunch.

19 – Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball V Otway Districts at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm