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HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Originally known as Balnarring East, the area was later renamed for a popular former Governor of Victoria who set up the local Lord Somers Camp.

1925. The subdivision of Somers began,

1927. The Boulevard Cafe and Post Office commenced business, the address then still being Balnarring East.

1929. After much correspondence with the Education Dept. the Palm Beach School No. 4458 opened.

1930. The town was renamed.

Despite a few very small land subdivisions for housing, Somers has not seen any major development since the 1920s and has retained much of its remnant bushland on the foreshore. As the land had been initially been used for grazing, the estates were bare until local residents led by local store-keeper Ron Stone planted many trees throughout the area.

This area is a popular for tourism.

LORD SOMERS CAMP

This was established in 1931 by the then Governor of Victoria – Lord Arthur Herbert Tennyson Somers. Lord Somers was passionate about community

development particularly in youth. His aim was to create a more inclusive society where all people had the opportunity to be happy. To do this he started Lord Somers Camp, which introduced youth to their peers from diverse backgrounds.

These successful camps have been running ever since, and continue today, providing fantastic personal and community development opportunities to young people. It’s a fully catered and accredited centre.

WALKING TRAILS

The Beach Trail starts at the car park next to the General Store, and winds its way easterly though lush bushland down to the beach.
The Nature Trail starts at the same location and extends westerly along the clifftop, above the foreshore, before reaching the Yacht Club. Nice views across the Bay. An information board and map are located near the Store.

BILL CARROL RESERVE

The Bill Carrol Reserve, known to the local community as "The Snake Farm", is located on Palmers Hill Road. It was established a few years ago and has a wonderful wetland and bird watching area. Picnic tables and new tracks have been added to the small but peaceful park. Lots of flora and fauna can be found here including koalas and possums. There is also the Friends of Bill Carrol Reserve which (like the Foreshore Committee with the foreshore), cares for the park and does regular maintenance.