McLoughlins Beach is a town in South Gippsland, Victoria. At the , McLoughlins Beach had a population of 121.
History The first inhabitants of the area were Brataualung people, a clan of the Kurnai Aboriginal people who live in the Gippsland region of Victoria.Gregorys (2002). "Australia The Essential Touring Atlas First Edition", p.176. Gregory’s Publishing Company, Australia. .Clark, Ian D. (1996) "Aboriginal Language Areas In Victoria", A Report to the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation For Languages 14 July 1996 The Brataualung have inhabited the forests and coasts around McLoughlins Beach area for thousands of years.Oliver, Nathan (2005) "Forest Notes Won Wron & Mullungdung State Forests", May 2005 FS0053 ISSN 1440-2262 They used the waterways as a source of fish and shellfish. Like other nearby coastal towns, McLoughlins Beach is thought have Aboriginal heritage values of significance, although comprehensive studies of the area in this regard have been limited.Wellington Shire Council. "McLoughlins Beach Urban Design Framework". Coastal Towns Design Framework Volume 3, March 2007 p.10.
European development of the area began in the early 1920s when the original jetty was built,Wellington Shire Council "McLoughlins Beach Community Plan 2009" which existed until the 1960s. During that time McLoughlins Beach was a popular fishing village. The current jetty was built in 1967 and the footbridge which gives access to Ninety Mile Beach was constructed in 1972.
Recreation McLoughlins Beach provides opportunities for estuary, offshore and surf fishing.Wellington Shire Council"Discover The 90 Mile Beach Visitor Guide From Loch Sport to Port Albert 3rd Edition", p.5. Facilities that assist with fishing include a boat ramp, a jetty and a footbridge that provides walking access to Ninety Mile Beach. Recreational fishing is popular in both the inlet and from the surf, and frequently caught species include the gummy shark, snapper, flathead, and silver trevally. Local authorities do not recommend swimming at Ninety Mile Beach here although surfers and swimmers can generally be found here in the summer months. Nearby Woodside Beach is more popular for families, as there are surf lifesavers present during the summer months. Walks in the area include a one kilometre return walk along the jetty and boardwalk and a 20 kilometre return walk from McLoughlins Point to Reeves Beach.Parks Victoria (2011). "Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Parks Visitor Guide" McLoughlins Beach also has a picnic shelter, playground, public toilets, postal box and public telephone.
Environment Located near the western end point of Ninety Mile Beach McLoughlins Beach sits on a slight elevation largely surrounded by waterways and mud flats.Wellington Shire Council. "McLoughlins Beach Urban Design Framework". Coastal Towns Design Framework Volume 3, March 2007 p.40.
Next to and partly surrounding the township is the 73,600 acre (29,800 ha) Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. This park has a number of threatened species including the little tern, the white-bellied sea eagle, Lewin's rail, ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus), swamp skink (Egernia coventryi) and the great egret.Parks Victoria (2000). "State of the Parks 2000 (Edition 1) Volume 2", p.191. Parks Victoria, Melbourne. .
See also Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park
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