Photos

Churchill Island is a 57 hectare island off the coast of Phillip Island in Westernport Bay, Victoria. Churchill Island was discovered, along with Phillip Island, by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798.

Three years later Lieutenant James Grant constructed a simple cottage on Churchill Island and planted corn and wheat with seeds supplied by his friend John Churchill, after whom he named the Island. This was the first European settlement in Victoria. He also raised a blockhouse measuring 24 x 12 ft. Lt. Grant wrote in his journal:

"I scarcely know a place I would rather call mine than this little island."

In 1866 John Rogers took up residence on the island and built two small cottages. Six years later the island was purchased by Samuel Amess, who built a weatherboard homestead. These buildings are still standing and are the principle historic attractions on the island.