Boredom Busters - History Jemmy's Point Lookout

Jemmy's Point Lookout has long been a feature of the Lakes Entrance area, sitting as it does on top of Kalimna Hill overlooking Bass Strait. A beacon, navigational marker used by many a vessel to gain a run line so as to enter the system over the dangerous sand bar to Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes with a degree of safety.  Used by many as a lookout and by fishing families to see "their" boat coming back home after a long trip at sea.

Early Lookout Tower and Navigation Light
Jemmy's Point Lookout, Lakes Entrance    Contributor: John Young Collection

The approach to the lookout from the township of Lakes Entrance or Cunninghame as it was originally called, was always up Kalimna Hill which looked a little different in those days. Just imagine attempting to drive up that hill on little more than a dirt track, especially after heavy rain.

Kalimna Hill - a dirt track late 20's early 30's

Thankfully now we have an improved road although after heavy rain it is still somewhat slippery and a fair amount of loose soil runs off down the gutters. 

Sloping land in front of the current light tower (the shadow)

The lookout atop Jemmy's Point has been used for years as not only a navigational guide for vessels entering the Gippsland Lakes but as a vantage point for locals visitors and even for those in charge of rescue and recovery operations in the proximity of the entrance itself. It provides an uninterrupted view of the entrance, well, as long as the trees are well pruned anyway!

The Entrance from Jemmys Point. 

Jemmys Point, from where you can to see towards Red Bluff and Marlo to the East, out to sea and, weather dependent, the gas/oil rigs, to the West over the Gippsland Lakes and the 90 Mile Beach, this of course is provided the trees are well pruned. They are an important aspect of Kalimna Hill binding the soil with their root systems as do the other shrubs and grasses. Once a substantial viewing platform has been built this will enhance that view. It will also provide a must do stopping and photography point for visitors and travelers alike.

Looking east over Lakes Entrance

Looking west over Gippsland Lakes

The following historical images of Jemmy's Point can all be found at - https://www.victorianplaces.com.au  and are reproduced here with that acknowledgement.  These show Jemmy's Point is the parcel of land under the existing light tower (indicating to seafarers The Entrance) and is also adjacent to the old tree that was, and for that matter still may be, used by local seafarers to navigate into The Entrance.

The Entrance from Jemmy's Lookout, Lakes Entrance       
Publisher: Valentine Series Contributor: John Young Collection

View from Jemmy's Point, Lakes Entrance   
Publisher: The Lakes Studio Publication  Contributor: John Young Collection

The Entrance, Lakes Entrance, 1963  
Publisher: Rose Series  Contributor: John Young Collection

An ideal site for a  new viewing tower, platform, structure or what have you. It will provide a better view, being a higher, and wider view because it is actually at the point of the escarpment adjacent to adjoining open space, grass land, a toilet block (which would need a bit of an upgrade) and good access. 

The site also houses a memorial stone, (placed there by Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance), as a memorial to those lost at sea in the vicinity. Imagine being able to see the town to the east and 90 Mile Beach to the west from one viewing platform at Jemmy's Point.

View from Jemmys Point in front of light tower.

So there we are, Jemmy's Point, not to be confused with the new (under construction) viewing deck at the top of Kalimna Hill close by and conveniently close to the road, often referred to, but alas incorrectly by the same name.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Jemmy's Point is the range of colours seen during sunset.

Enjoy its splendour whilst using it for some excercise and remember your social distancing.

Sources: Courtesy State of Victoria (Agriculture)
Modern Photos: Copyright John Munns. Photos available for sale: Visit Foto364.picfair.com or email Foto364@internode.on.net