BACKGROUND
Coolart, on the shores of Western Port near
Somers, is about 70 km
south-east of Melbourne. Over a period of nearly 140 years, Coolart’s successive
owners – including some prominent identities – left their mark on the estate.
With its ever-changing wetlands, bird sanctuary, woodlands, Victorian mansion,
superb grounds and nearby beach, Coolart today attracts visitors all year
round.
The original inhabitants of the area were Bunurong clan groups. The
territory of the Bunurong, who were part of the Kulin nation, extended from the
Werribee River west of present-day Melbourne through the Mornington Peninsula
and Western Port to Wilsons Promontory. The name Coolart is derived from
‘Colourt’ or ‘Callert’ – the Bunurong name for nearby Sandy Point.
The impressive manor at Coolart. Today the descendants of the Bunurong are
represented by the Bunurong and Boonerwrung Aboriginal communities, which
are working to recover and share more of their heritage that stretches back
thousands of years.
