The town is surrounded by salt marsh wildlife reserves which provide habitat for hundreds of birds, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot of which there are less than 200 in the wild. Salt marshes are one of the most biologically productive habitats on the planet, rivalling tropical rainforests. St. Leonards has also just been nominated to have the cleanest beaches in Victoria.[2]
St Leonards is positioned centrally to many local wineries and eateries of the Bellarine Peninsula.
History
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2011)
The development of St Leonards began as a source of firewood for Melbourne by George Ward Cole in 1855. To further this endeavour required the building of a pier and the town consisted of a hotel, store and six houses in 1858. The first Hotel in St Leonards was established in 1858. The Post Office opened on 19 March 1860.[3] St Leonards State School No. 866 opened in October 1874.
In the 2021 census, St Leonards had a population of 3,542.[4] This is a significant increase from the 2016 census and 2011 census, where St Leonards had a population of 2,480 and 2,001 respectively. During the Summer Holidays, St Leonards is a popular destination for holidaymakers, which can double the population over the period.
It also maintains consistent calm waters as the town's location on the Bellarine Peninsula helps protect it from the bay's typical year round south west winds. Thus whilst large waves may be pounding on the east side of Port Phillip Bay due to strong south west winds, the water could be rather calm at St Leonards.[6]
Education
St Leonards has one school, St Leonards Primary School, that provides primary education. St Leonards Primary School has approximately 120 students. The closest High Schools are located in the nearby towns of Drysdale and Ocean Grove
Golf - Golfers play at the course of the St Leonards Golf Club on Ibbotson Street (the golf club moved to new premises at Ibbotson Street in September 2011).[7]