The name Breakwater originated from a rock ford constructed across the Barwon River by Geelong's first Policemagistrate, Captain Foster Fyans, in 1837. The ford stopped the inflow of salt water to the fresh water river, supplying the town with fresh river water.
A Post Office opened on 1 January 1867 and closed in 1982.[2]
Land between the industrial area and the river is prone to flooding.
Heritage sites
Breakwater contains a number of heritage listed sites, including: