Loch Sport, Victoria

Infobox Australian Place | type = town
name = Loch Sport
state = vic


caption =
lga = Shire of Wellington
postcode = 3851
est =
pop = 778 (2006)Census 2006 AUS | id = SSC26025 | name = Loch Sport (State Suburb) | accessdate = 2007-10-01 | quick = on]
elevation=
maxtemp =
mintemp =
rainfall =
stategov = Gippsland South
fedgov = Gippsland
dist1 = 269
dir1 = E
location1= Melbourne
dist2 = 62
dir2 = E
location2= Sale

Loch Sport is a town in Gippsland, Eastern Victoria, Australia. At the 2006 census, Loch Sport had a population of 778.

Traditionally Aboriginal land this area was extremely popular for hunting, fishing (male work) and the collection of water yams (potatoes) and fruit / vegetables etc. (women's work). Middens (artefact sites) are still present but all semi nomadic natives: the original inhabitants of the area now are but memories. Descendants of those from the Loch Sport area may still live in regional townships.

In the 1800s British settlers cleared the land and began farming in this rich arable land. Extreme sandy soil dominates this flat scrubland which are surrounded by brackish lakes on the north and Bass Strait on the south.

Melbournians soon discovered the aquatic delights of the lakes (fishing, swimming and boating) and by the turn of the 20th century Loch Sport had access via a road (a dirt track) and several plots set out. (land areas)

By the time cars dominated the landscape, more and more people bought property in the township. Significantly Loch Sport was one of the last Victorian towns to receive the service of electricity (1983).

Now mainly a beach tourist town, the population outside holidays sits at about 800 but swells to 4,000 during Easter and Christmas.

Next to the township The Lakes National Park (one of the geographically flattest in Australia) comprises 2,390 hectares, is a living treasure for flora & fauna: boasting abundant populations of kangaroos, emus, echidnas, koalas, brilliant birdlife and a plethora of wildflowers. (P.206, 'Victoria's National Parks - Explorers Guide' Parks Victoria 1999 See Australia Guides). It is also known as a haven for the large salt marsh mosquito, which can annoy people during day and night.

With the recent extreme rise in Australian Real estate (1999 - 2005) Loch Sport house prices have risen by over 30% but, fortunately affordable houses still exist (under$150,000).

Loch Sport now boasts a Primary School, a bowls and Tennis club, a caravan park, a motel, a pub and two local stores -'Moonies' and the 'Main Ull'

References