Cheviot Beach – Portsea, Australia - Atlas Obscura
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Cheviot Beach

Portsea, Australia

This Australian beach became famous when Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared from its shores.  

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Monument to Harold Holt at Cheviot Beach. Don R (Atlas Obscura User)
Plaque on the Holt Monument. Don R (Atlas Obscura User)
Tourist map of Fort Nepean. Don R (Atlas Obscura User)
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In 1966, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, retired. His chosen successor was the much younger Harold Holt. Holt was well known as an outdoor enthusiast, a good swimmer, and diver.

In December 1967, Holt went for a swim alone at Cheviot Beach. He was never seen again, despite an extensive search. Years later, a book was published that claimed Holt was a secret agent for China and was picked up by a secret Chinese submarine. However, the book was widely criticized for inaccuracies. Dozens of conspiracy theories have surrounded Holt’s disappearance. 

There is a monument to Holt at Cheviot Beach. In honor of Prime Minister Holt, a swim center was also constructed in Stonnington, Victoria.

Know Before You Go

Access by walking or cycling from the Fort Nepean carpark, a little south of Portsea.

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Published
September 21, 2019
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