OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Beach, Mornington

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1246.2

HISTORY

A landmark in Mornington, Rennison’s Schnapper Point Hotel was built in the late 1850’s and renamed the Royal Hotel in 1876. It is situated at 770 Esplanade. By 1863 the Hotel offered 22 accommodation rooms increasing to 65 rooms by the 1870’s with a garden and stables on three and half acres. The substantial stables demolished in 1970 and yard were once the depot for Cobb and Co. Coaches. In 1891 a billiard room and public hall were added. Extensive restoration to the facade and verandahs was completed in 1984. An undergound tunnel since filled in, between Royal Beach and the hotel was used for transferring goods from ships the the hotel. Opposite the hotel on Royal Beach was once a windmill that was used to pump seawater to the hotel for hot and cold baths. Kirkpatrick’s Hotel, built in the early 1870s, still functions as a hotel. It was renovated in Spanish Mission style in the 1920s. It’s original roof line is still discernible. Both hotels were popular holiday destinations.

DESCRIPTION

This photo shows a sweeping view of the beach with both Kirkpatrick’s and the Royal Hotels clearly shown on the crest of the embankment. The beach is deserted, and there are some rocky patches along the beach. There are scattered trees in the picture, and the top of a tree in the foreground.

SUBJECTS

Bays, Beaches, Hotels

KEYWORDS

Bays, Beaches, Esplanade, Hotels, Kirkpatrick's Hotel, Mornington, Royal Hotel