History of Cape Paterson - Cape Paterson was named by Lt. Grant in 1801 to honour Lt. Col. William Paterson, second in command of the Botany Bay (Sydney) battalion. - Explorer William Hovell first discovered black coal in the cliffs at Cape Paterson in 1826. In 1858, 2,000 tons of coal were hauled to the coast at Cape Paterson and taken by whaleboat to ships for transportation to Melbourne. - Tram rails on the beach are reminders of further attempts to remove coal from the area later in the century, which still remain on the beach to the west of No 2 surf beach. - The area has special significance to Australia’s fossil history as the discovery of Australia’s first dinosaur bone, the Cape Paterson Claw, was found at a nearby site in 1903 by William Ferguson. The Town Today - Cape Paterson attracts regular holidaymakers but, being slightly off the main road, maintains an air of appealing isolation. - In all but the peak season the walks and beaches are almost deserted. A short walk begins at the boat ramp and finishes at the surf beach near the surf life saving club. Look for the swimming pool blasted out of the rock by miners in the late 1950s. - Cape Paterson is a small town with a big reputation for fun. Suitable for the entire family the coastline features protected beaches with large rock pools, and great surfing conditions. - The local beaches are also suitable for snorkling and scuba diving. - The local Surf Lifesaving Club operates patrols during the summer season. *Information on history and the town today was gathered from www.visitvictoria.com and Museum Victoria. Quick facts - Population 600 - Approximately 150 kilometres south-east of Melbourne - Bunurong Coastal Drive Activities and attractions - Enjoy excellent surfing and swimming - The Bunurong Coastal Drive links the townships of Cape Paterson and Inverloch and provides spectacular coastal views with a number of convenient access points. Stretching 17km, the Bunurong Coastal Drive is set amongst rugged sandstone cliffs, rocky headlands and sandy coves. How to get there Travel along the South Gippsland Highway from Melbourne, turning onto Bass Highway to follow the road through Grantville, Bass, Kilcunda and Wonthaggi. At Wonthaggi, take the Cape Paterson Road, to Cape Paterson.