Kilcunda

Located on the Bass Highway, and just 90 minutes southeast of Melbourne, Kilcunda has a superb outlook over Bass Strait. This former coal-mining township has a one-kilometre surf beach and consists of a pub, general store & a handful of little shops plus the rail trail that incorporates the historic trestle bridge. The ‘Killy Pub’ is located near the cliffs and is now run by fourth generation local Peter ‘Hos’ Davies. Another great character you may encounter about town is Colin ‘Tex’ McKenzie, Kilcunda’s cowboy. Colin is a well-known local identity who rides his horse Lippy to town most days and for a coffee and a yarn.

Inverloch

Heading east to Inverloch, a breathtaking detour is via the Bunurong Coastal Drive, a 14 kilometre stretch of road that hugs the coastline between Cape Paterson and Inverloch. Enroute, the strikingly large rock structure, Eagles Nest can be seen adjacent to the coastline.

The area is also renowned for its wealth of dinosaur specimens and findings. Monash University, in conjunction with the Museum of Victoria, conducts annual excavations here. The currently active site was discovered in 1991 and has since yielded more than 6000 bones and teeth of small dinosaurs, mammals, birds, turtles and fish. In fact, the discovery of Australia’s first dinosaur bone the ‘Cape Paterson Claw’ was found here in 1903. With prior arrangement, the Dinosaur Dreaming tours are held at The Caves at low tide.

Meanwhile back in town, Inverloch’s main beach is family friendly with safe and mellow surf that is ideal for beginners. Offshore Surf School offers stand up paddle boarding (SUP) in flat water on a lower tide at Andersons Inlet, which not only gives you a different perspective but a great core body workout. A top place to pull in with the van is at the Big 4 Inverloch Holiday Park, a stone’s throw from just about anywhere around town and has a slick indoor pool.

Kongwak Market & Archies On The Creek

Around 15 minutes from Inverloch is the tiny town of Kongwak, which holds a popular undercover market every Sunday from 10am until 2pm. Regarded as a cross between Camberwell and St Andrews markets, it has about 25 stalls that mainly offer second hand treasures plus retro pieces, plants, craft, a regular curry stall and produce.

Not far from here is the small township of Archies Creek. And it’s here that you will find its latest drawcard, an unexpected food and wine oasis, Archies on The Creek. Opening in 2010 and owned by entreprenuer Vern Rickman, it’s hard to believe that the property sits on the former Bass Coast Shire offices site, and subsequently United Electrical Engineering. Today, this privately owned establishment offers a fine dining steak house restaurant, wine and whiskey tastings, cafe, extensive gardens, lakes and hosts weddings and conferences. It also holds a regular farmers market.

Venus Bay

Lying on Anderson Inlet is what the locals call ‘the longest sandpit’ in the state. Surf fishing is popular here and there are five beaches to choose from, namely 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. The Point Smythe Reserve sits at the beginning of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park and is where Bass Strait meets Anderson Inlet. And if fishing’s your bag, you can also set sail on on a hobie kayak along the nearby Tarwin River, which can be purchased form Rod Bending’s World Of Fishing at Inverloch.

Sandy Point

This small coastal community is situated at the entrance of a narrow peninsula that fronts Waratah Bay and Shallow Inlet. Its 18 kilometre beach runs between Walkerville and Wilsons Promontory. And when it comes to windsurfing, Sandy Point is globally renowned. After all this is where speed sailing records are made. An avid speed sailer since his teens, Craig Hollins is the current world record holder for windsurfing distance over 24 hours. For Craig, Sandy Point is a windsurfer’s equivalent to the MCG. Another individual who has set a speed sailing record at Sandy Point is Craig Spottiswood, better known as ‘Spotty’. Spotty holds the current GPS speed record and is the worlds fastest speed sailer. To get a feel for windsurfing, Windsurfing Victoria runs regular try days and clinics throughout the state for those who are 8 years and over, while Inverloch Windsurfing Club, with the help of club members, also runs some ‘come and try days’ at no cost over summer.

Wilsons Promontory

Around 30 minutes from Sandy Point is a natural favorite, Wilsons Promontory. This is mainland Australia’s southern most national park, which has 130 kilometres of coastline and is framed by spectacular granite headlands, mountains, forests and fern gullies. Close to 50,000 hectares in size, the park has a plethora of walking trails to explore. The northern section of the park offers diverse short walks and wildlife viewing opportunities for day visitors and walkers. Highlights include a new wildlife viewing area and track around the Yanakie airstrip, Vereker Outlook and the Big Drift. About 30 kilometres inside the park boundary is Tidal River, which has an always-popular campground and the infamous Squeaky Beach.