Dalyston/ˈdælistɒn/ is a seaside town located 125 kilometres (78 mi) south east of Melbourne via the South Gippsland and Bass Highways, in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Known originally as a train station at Powlett River near Wonthaggi, it is now the location of the Victorian Desalination Plant, and at the 2011 census, it had a population of 606. It's Bass Coast’s fastest-growing suburb, with the 2011 census showing Dalyston’s population more than doubled from 278 residents in 2006 to 606 in 2011.[1]
Today
Victorian Desalination Plant
Victorian Desalination Plant, Lower Powlett Road
The Victorian Desalination Plant is a water desalination plant on the Bass Coast in Dalyston, completed in December 2012 on Lower Powlett Road. The plant is an integral part of Victoria's water system, supplying water via a series of pipelines. As a rainfall-independent source of water it complements Victoria's existing drainage basins. It produces high quality water. It is a useful resource in times of drought. Booked tours are run and plans are underway for Aquasure to open to the public.[2][failed verification] The gates open daily for public access to the 225-hectare park and 8 kilometres of walking, horse riding and cycling tracks. The plant is located next to Williamsons Beach[3] and the Wonthaggi Wind Farm.[4]
6 Turbine Wonthaggi Wind Farm From Lower Powlett Road
Bass Coast Rail Trail
Walking, cycling and horse trotting is the modern use of the old Wonthaggi railway line all year round. It is very flat and begins at Murray Street in Wonthaggi, goes through Dalyston and ends at the roundabout to Phillip Island. It goes through Dalyston at the end of Daly Street, where it crosses over the Powlett River and continues to the right for 2.7 kilometres to go over Bourne Creek trestle bridge at Kilcunda, which has panoramic views of the beach. Kangaroos can often be spotted as well as many bird species. Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, it stretches 16 kilometres from Wonthaggi to Anderson, meandering through farmland, coastalbushland, historic coal mining nature reserves and coastline with a clear view of the Wonthaggi wind turbines and remnants of coal mine buildings. An extension of the trail from Anderson to Woolamai, on Phillip Island, has not yet been made suitable for cyclists. Public toilets are situated at each town along the way. Public toilets in Anderson are situated at the bus interchange[5][failed verification] which handles connections between the San Remo and Inverloch/Wonthaggi public transport routes. The bus interchange is adjacent to the Eastern side of the Anderson roundabout.
Powlett River
Powlett River mouth is located next to Williamsons Beach. On Mouth Of Powlett Road there is a path leading to both. Powlett River mouth is located in the province of Kilcunda.[6] Powlett River riparian and wetland is an estuary of national importance due to its ecological values. It is located alongside fertile agricultural land. Powlett River[7] is named after Frederick Powlett,
[8] the Commissioner of the Western Port District in 1840
[9]
Path To Powlett River And Williamsons Beach, Mouth Of Powlett Road
Dalyston General Store
One of the states original General Stores, built in 1901 continues to provide a wide range of goods to not just Dalyston locals but all surrounding areas also. Dalyston General Store is one of the Bass Coasts most awarded retail store having taken out the Bass Coast People's Choice Award for Retail in 2018 & 2019 as well as the highly converted Gippsland Business Awards for Retail 2019. The store has also been nominated as a finalist in the National Small Business Awards for 2020.[10][11][12]
Ozone Hotel
One of Victoria's original pubs, the Ozone Hotel on the Bass Highway has been a pub and restaurant/functions venue in its current premises since 1901.[13]
Old Dalyston Deli
Dalyston Church, built in 1901 on Glen Forbes Road, is now run as a cafe/restaurant and functions venue.[14]
Climate
Dalyston's location on the north shore of Bass Strait gives it an oceanic climate, with the moderating effect of the ocean allowing a narrower temperature range throughout the year compared to other regions in Victoria. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 23.5 °C in summer to 13.5 in winter. Frost is rare, occurring on average 6 mornings a year.[15]
Eventually known as ‘Price’s Corner; Dalyston was first settled by the Price family in 1856. Then in 1880 John Daly came to the district. At that time the nearest railway station was at Dandenong. John Daly built a 40 room hotel at ‘Powlett Crossing’ and this license was surrendered to the current ‘Ozone Hotel’ in 1901. The Daly family owned most of the land in the area and subdivided land around the town for business sites. The town became known as Dalyston (Daly's town) because of the Daly family and when the railway station had to have a name, Dalyston was chosen.[16]
Dalyston station was on the Wonthaggi railway line along the Bass Coast, Victoria. Its primary purpose was to serve the State Coal Mine on what were then known as the Powlett River Coalfields. The line also provided passenger and general goods services. The station train operated from 1910 until the line's closure in 1978. Today there is almost no trace left of Dalyston Station; the site of the station is now part of the Bass Coast Rail Trail.[16]
Education
Dalyston has one primary school, Powlett River Primary, with forty-two students in 2018. Children attend secondary college in nearby Wonthaggi or on Phillip Island. Also in Wonthaggi; Chisholm TAFE,[17] Bass Coast Specialist School,[18] Bass Coast Adult Education Centre,[19] University of the Third Age (U3A) retirees education centre.[20] and Connecting Skills Australia (CSA) specialist developmental school, support and employment services/training.[21] Plans are underway for a new tertiary education facility.[22]
Powlett River Caravan Park - Mouth Of Powlett Road, Williamsons Beach, Powlett River, Victorian Desalination Plant with Park and walking/riding/cycling tracks[5][failed verification]
Nearby in Wonthaggi are many large chain stores; RACV, four major supermarkets; Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA. Four real estate agencies; Stockdale & Leggo, LJ Hooker, Alex Scott and PBE. Target, Big W, Best & Less, Bunnings Warehouse (hardware), Mitre 10 (hardware), Harvey Norman, take out; McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Subway, Domino's (pizza), cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and markets.[30]
