Baxter, Victoria

Baxter is a surburb in the Shire of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, located 48 km (30 mi) south-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. Baxter recorded a population of 2,166 at the 2021 census.^[1]

CountryAustralia

Established1890s

Postcode

3911

Quick facts Country, State ...

Baxter
Town
Main street of Baxter, 2016
Baxter
Interactive map of Baxter
Coordinates: 38.196°S 145.157°E / -38.196; 145.157
Country	Australia
State	Victoria
LGA	Shire of Mornington Peninsula
Location	48 km (30 mi) from Melbourne 7 km (4.3 mi) from Frankston
Established	1890s
Government
• State electorates	Hastings Mornington
• Federal division	Flinders
Area
• Total	3.1 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Population
• Total	2,166 (2021 census)[1]
• Density	699/km2 (1,810/sq mi)
Postcode	3911
Localities around Baxter Mount Eliza Frankston South Langwarrin South Mount Eliza Baxter Pearcedale Mornington Moorooduc Somerville

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It is served by Baxter railway station on the Stony Point railway line.

Originally named Baxter's Flat, Baxter was founded by pastoralist Benjamin Baxter, who lived in a property named Carrup Carrup - the Aboriginal name. The property still exists on what is now the Frankston-Flinders Road, as does the original cottage in which he and his wife Martha lived. Benjamin Baxter died in 1892 and his gravestone, found in the Frankston Cemetery, reads "Benjamin Baxter, late of h. m. 50th regiment. Died at Currup Currup 15 May 1892, aged 87. Also Martha, beloved wife of above 31 January 1906 age 94 years".

It was at Baxter's Flat that the rail line to Mornington branched from the line to Stony Point.^[2] The station was called Mornington Junction before being changed to Baxter. Its role as a junction ended in 1981 with the closure of the Mornington line.^[3]

The early township grew around the railway station, and a post office named Mornington Junction was opened on 1 December 1892, renamed Baxter in 1918.^[4]

Other historic cottages in the area include a primitive 1850s homestead called Eurutta (formerly Sage's Cottage), and a 1920s American-style residence called Mulberry Hill.^{[citation needed]}

Baxter Primary School was established in 1890.^{[citation needed]}