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All Australia Portsea Cheviot Beach

Cheviot Beach

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

Portsea, Australia

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Don R
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Cheviot Beach   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
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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About

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.

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Beaches

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

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Don R

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Gavin

  • Gavin

Published

September 21, 2019

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Cheviot Beach
Portsea, VIC 3944
Australia
-38.313603, 144.667667

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