We hope that you enjoy the natural and man-made scenery, attractions and facilities the region has to offer. The information is designed to be used in conjunction with relevant maps.
Staff at the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre will be happy to assist you to locate the most appropriate map for your journey.
Please drive safely and enjoy the scenery.
INVERLOCH.
Take the scenic drive to Inverloch via Cape Paterson. The fourteen kilometres between Cape Paterson and Inverloch, known as the Bunurong Coastal Drive, hugs the coast and provides an abundance of photographic opportunities.
Short walks and rock pool rambling are favourite activities for many regular visitors to this area.
Look out for "Eagles Nest", a large rock structure adjacent to the coastline that resembles the top half of a map of Australia. The "Caves" car park is next at the site of the dinosaur dig.
The township of Inverloch has excellent facilities for visitors including cafes, parks and walks.
TARWIN LOWER.
You will find Tarwin Lower by travelling east along the Bass Highway from Wonthaggi to Inverloch. Continue from Inverloch east along the Inverloch-Tarwin Lower Road and you will arrive at a roundabout. Travel straight ahead and you will arrive in the town.
The Tarwin River is at the far end of Anderson Inlet. It is a wide meandering river that is overlooked by the picturesque town of Tarwin Lower. A well marked walking track and boardwalk follows the riverbank. The Tarwin River is very popular for fishing and water sports, with a boat ramp for large boats and many suitable spots for launching smaller craft such as canoes and kayaks. The riverbank is ideal for picnics and has, what is said to be the longest picnic table in the world.
Undercover picnic areas, toilets and free barbeque facilities are also provided. Takeaway and dine-in meals are available in the town.
VENUS BAY.
The township of Venus Bay is located on a peninsula, bounded by Anderson Inlet to the north and Bass Strait to the south. Follow the direction to Tarwin Lower (as above) then travel along through the middle of town, until you reach the township of Venus Bay. You will find signs from here to the various ocean beaches that are distinguished by numbers, rather than names. The wide and long expanse of ocean beach stretches for as far as the eye can see.
Popular activities include beach and bush walks, wildlife observing, fishing and surfing. Takeaway food and a restaurant are located in the town centre.
The tip of the peninsula is called Point Smythe and is only accessible by foot from the Point Smythe car par at the end of the road, after you travel through Venus Bay.
CAPE PATERSON.
A short five-minute drive through lush open farm country will be rewarded as you arrive at the golden beaches of Cape Paterson on the Bunurong Coast. Two life saving clubs operate on weekends during the summer months at either end of the town.
A large man-made rock pool, created by the early Wonthaggi miners, is exposed at low tide. You may access it via the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club, soon after you pass the caravan park office.
Meals are available at the Cape Tavern, the general store and at the cafe opposite the caravan park office, adjacent to the fire station.
WONTHAGGI & SURROUNDS.
There are several scenic drives from Wonthaggi, through the picturesque hills of such small country towns as Archie's Creek, Glen Forbes, Almurta, Krowera, Kernot and Grantville, which have spectacular rural views. Your can return via Kilcunda, which boasts magnificent ocean views.
HARMERS HAVEN.
A seven-minute drive southeast of Wonthaggi. Harmers Haven is a very small seaside hamlet set amongst native heathlands. You will find several cottages along the shoreline. However, there are no shops or commercial activities. This is a perfect location to take a walk with nature, either to the beach or through to the Wonthaggi Heathlands Reserve. Many rare birds inhabit this pristine area.
WILLIAMSONS BEACH.
A wide open surf beach. Great for Long Beach walks while listening to and watching the thunderous almighty power of Bass Strait waves crashing on the fragile dune system. Travel along the Bass Highway for two kilometres west of Wonthaggi, turn left (south) down Lower Powlett Road to the end where you will arrive in the car park. It is then a short walk over the Dunes.
POWLETT RIVER.
Rich waterbird habitat, lush picturesque area, diverse in flora and fauna. The mouth of the Powlett River can be accessed via the mouth of the Powlett Road, two kilometres from the Bass Highway, just east of Kilcunda.
CORINELLA.
Drive west toward Phillip Island and Westernport Bay. Visit the wharf area (the only ramp suitable for Boat launching at high & low tides), and view French Island, only a short distant away. The historic remains of Victoria's first government house are testament to the historic importance of this area.
MEENIYAN.
Meeniyan is a small country town located 45 minutes east of Wonthaggi (15 min, southeast of Leongatha). In recent times some of the older shops have been converted into art galleries, craft and antique shops. The most notable is "Craft Merchants" in the main street, which has 'ten rooms of fascinating craftware'.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE MENTIONED DRIVES PLEASE CONTACT THE INVERLOCH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE ON: 1300 762 433
OR VISIT THEM AT THEIR OFFICE IN A'BECKETT STREET, INVERLOCH |
