Location
Clifton Springs is a residential town on Port Phillip Bay 18km east of Geelong.

Description
Clifton Springs today is home to a large number of retired people, as well as a growing, younger population who commute daily to Geelong and even Melbourne. The early resort's facilities still serve the community. The land is a reserve now, with a community centre and a swimming pool and the 18-hole golf course runs along the foreshore for all to use. Clifton Springs' population grew more than five-fold between 1976 and 1991 and expansion inland connected the town to Drysdale. Clifton Springs has boating facilities around a new jetty, reserves and sports facilities, and great views across the bay.

History
Thomas Bates, a member of the family which settled Lara and Batesford, bought property he named Clifton. After high-quality mineral springs were discovered on the property in 1870, a resort was developed. There was already a pier nearby (used to ship flour from the Bellarine Mill) and a second pier was built in 1873. Hotel facilities were available at nearby Drysdale. The springs area was called Fairy Dell. Clifton Springs, the resort, boomed well before 1900, with visitors coming by carriage and steamer. In 1880, the Clifton Springs Company was floated, followed by a 20-room hotel, saltwater baths and a longer pier. But tourism declined as bay boats were withdrawn from service and the new railway line bypassed the town. The hotel was burnt down in 1923, the quality of the beach declined, and the spring's pipes fell into disrepair. In 1957, subdividers moved in and bought the rebuilt hotel as part of a country club. The Bellarine Shire Council in turn bought their facilities, which included a golf course, in 1977, and improved the foreshore.