On January 14, 1944, one of the worst conflagrations in the history of the metropolitan area of Melbourne, swept through the bayside resort of Beaumaris. Beaumaris is situated on the eastern coast of Port Phillip Bay, 12 miles from - Melbourne; some twenty years ago it featured in a closer settlement" scheme and an electric tramway service was extended from Black Rock The scheme was abandoned and the tramway system, after operating for a period of five years from 1926 to 1931 was discontinued and subsequently dismantled. Since that date there have been no improvements made in the area, which, although subdivided in detail has been allowed to return to its natural state.