Cape Clear, Victoria

Cape Clear Victoria
Cape Clear Hotel
Cape Clear
Coordinates	37°47′0″S 143°37′0″E / 37.78333°S 143.61667°E / -37.78333; 143.61667
Population	148 (SAL 2021)[1]
Postcode(s)	3351
Location	154 km (96 mi) W of Melbourne 37 km (23 mi) SW of Ballarat
LGA(s)	Golden Plains Shire
State electorate(s)	Eureka
Federal division(s)	Wannon
Localities around Cape Clear: Mannibadar Happy Valley Springdallah Mannibadar Cape Clear Berringa Pitfield Pitfield Illabarook

Cape Clear is a small town located in Victoria, Australia. Cape Clear has a hotel and a general store. The town is close to the Woady Yaloak River. The area was once vibrant during the gold rush in the 19th century with the area swamping to 25,000 people during the height of the gold rush with the local population being lower than 1,000. Cape Clear Post Office opened on 17 April 1865.^[2] and still ran and owned by the same family. It is now largely dependent on farming.

Cape Clear was named by Irish gold miners who originated from Cape Clear in Ireland.^[3] Despite its name, it is about 100 kilometres from the coast.^[3] A 13-metre-high model lighthouse with a working light was constructed near the hotel in 2008 to create a local landmark.^[3]

The Cape Clear Cast Iron Mileposts, located on Lismore-Scarsdale Road and Rokewood-Skipton Road, are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.^[4]

The Cape Clear Hotel is a historic pub in Cape Clear, Victoria, originally established in the 1860s during the Gold Rush. Over the years, it has served as a meeting place for both locals and travelers. The hotel is known for its collection of historical photos and memorabilia, reflecting the town’s past. While the building has been modified over time, it remains an important part of the local history. In 1935, a new building was constructed to serve as a hotel and restaurant, which has remained largely unchanged since then. However, by 2020, the liquor license, which had been in operation since its inception, expired, and the pub closed. The property has been sold several times since and is now being considered for conversion back into a hotel and pub.

Cape Clear Primary School is a public school situated along the main highway, next to the town's community hall and reserve.

The Cape Clear Recreation Reserve is a large football oval, with a shaded area next to it for some protection from the sun. Adjacent to the oval is the Cape Clear Recreation Reserve Hall, located at 11 Recreation Road, Cape Clear, VIC 3351. The hall is managed by the Cape Clear Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, which oversees its operations and maintenance. This committee receives support from the Golden Plains Shire Council, which provides annual maintenance grants to help sustain the facility.

Image: https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/goldenplains/news/tai-chi-teachings-to-clear-the-mind/

Additionally, Cape Clear Recreation Reserve Hall is powered by an off-the-grid solar system.

The reserve features a bore, along with the original 100,000-liter tank, which is part of the water supply system at Cape Clear Recreation Reserve. Recently, a new 58,000-liter tank was installed to further enhance water storage capacity. Additionally, a new standpipe has been added to improve water access and distribution. These facilities are part of the Golden Plains Shire Council’s network and are primarily used for stock and domestic water supply, available to residents through a permit system.

Image: http://www.capeclearfirebrigade.com/7/about

The Cape Clear Rural Fire Brigade is a volunteer-based firefighting organization serving the rural communities of Cape Clear, Berringa, Staffordshire Reef, Piggoreet, Springdallah, and Pitfield in Victoria, Australia. Operating under the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the brigade is dedicated to protecting these areas from bushfires, structure fires, and other emergencies. The brigade is primarily staffed by local volunteers who are trained to respond to a wide range of incidents, including bushfires, structure fires, and medical emergencies. In addition to their emergency response duties, the brigade actively engages in community education and fire prevention programs, aiming to raise awareness about fire safety and preparedness among local residents.

The brigade operates out of a CFA depot, which is equipped with several fire engines. Historical images related to the brigade are prominently displayed at the Cape Clear Hotel, adding to the community's connection to the brigade's history. As an essential part of the region’s emergency management infrastructure, the Cape Clear Rural Fire Brigade provides vital services and support to the local community, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Cape Clear Reservoir supplies water to most of the town, depending on the elevation of the property. Properties at higher elevations rely on their own tank water, the bore located at the nearby reserve, or other purchased water sources.

The Cape Clear Church was sold into private ownership in 2019 and is now under the care of a private owner.

The Cape Clear Cemetery is an active burial ground in Cape Clear, Victoria, with graves dating back to the Gold Rush era. Established in 1868, it contains the resting places of early pioneers, miners, and local families. The cemetery remains in operation today and is a historical site reflecting the region's heritage and the community’s evolution over time.

• Stone, W. W. (1980). Treasury of Australian Folklore. Rigby.
• Withers, W. B. (1887). The History of Ballarat. Ballarat: Niven.

This article about a location in Grampians (region) is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e