The Front Beach in Peterborough is contained in Newfield Bay and the Curdies River opens to the sea here. Throughout the year, locals frequent the beach enjoying its many attractions. The vast golden sands mean there is room for everyone. Small boats are launched here so that the cray pots can be checked.
Features
- In the summer months, lifeguards keep an eye out for everyone.
- It is a great family beach where children can in the shallows.
- At the western end of the beach is the 'Men's Swimming Hole'. It was here that local lads of the past would jump from the rocks into the deep hole for hours at end. Today, the Swimming Hole is liberated and both boys and girls take their turns to enjoy the excitement of jumping into the deep waters.
- It is the perfect spot to park a seat and read a book or just relax.
- Small boats are launched here so that the cray pots can be checked.
- On Australia Day weekend the annual sandcastle competition is held here.
- At the top, in the car park, a wonderful view of the expanse of the beach keeps people entertained for ages. In winter, the wild seas crash against the rocks, mesmerising the viewer.
- It is close by the the shops and other facilities.
- The western end is great for surf fishing.
Shipwrecks
Into the middle of the bay is the Schomfield Rock where one fateful night in 1855, while the captain 'Bully' Forbes reputedly entertained female passengers below decks, the clipper smashed onto the rocks. It was considered a luxury ship bringing passengers to Melbourne and the goldfields and was on track to beat all the time records, when it sank.
Closer to the shore, in 1877 The Australian was beached with a cargo of sugar and rum. It has been a stormy night and the ship's rigging had been damaged. Rescuing the cargo must have been a rewarding experience for the locals and the ship's crew since it was such a wild stormy night.
The loss of the barque in 1892, the Newfield was a sadder event. A combination of poor navigation and stormy weather lead to the loss of the ship and the loss of nine lives. The wreck of the Newfield was at the far eastern end of the beach.
Please note:
- The beach at the western end of Newfield Bay is not recommended for swimming. There are rips that take people by surprise.
- On the headland, stay behind the fence line. Those fence lines exist to keep people out for good reason.
