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.
KORUMBURRA & LOCH
Korumburra is home to the Coal Creek Heritage Village and the South Gippsland Heritage Railway. The small proud country town has a lot of history to show its visitors. A wide range of eateries helps to make this town and enjoyable day out. A 10 minute drive along the highway will bring you to Loch, a little village with antique shops, galleries and tea-rooms. From here there is a scenic drive with view over Western Port Bay to Wonthaggi
GRAND RIDGE ROAD / MIRBOO NORTH.
Drive from Inverloch to Korumburra, then take the road to Warragul. After 23 kms turn right along the Grand Ridge Road. You will begin to see spectacular views of the distant ocean across the Hinterland to the south, while to the north you will see the distant Baw Baw Ranges.
Towering eucalypt trees will surround you as you pass through clusters of tall timber forests, before arriving at Mirboo North. Mirboo North has many attractions, especially the Grand Ridge Brewery. Attractive murals on many of the buildings, as well as walks and tempting eateries, add to the towns appeal, and make for a pleasant days outing.
After Mirboo North you may choose to or turn and head south along the Strzelecki Highway towards Leongatha, then follow the Bass Highway to Inverloch. Yet again alternatively you can drive through Dumbalk and onto Meeniyan, with art galleries and craft shops. Next onto Koonwarra, a mecca for good food, and then continue back to Inverloch.
* Mirboo North can also be visited as a half day trip by leaving Wonthaggi and going via Leongatha.
BALD HILLS WETLAND RESERVE.
The Bald Hills Wetland Reserve is renowned for its wild birdlife. The low-lying landform provides an abundance of food and an ideal wetland habitat for many bird species (Fantails often greet you on the track when you arrive). It is possible to view many birds in their natural environment from within the bird-hide without disturbing them.
The drive takes you along the Bass Highway from Inverloch to Tarwin Lower. You will need to turn left at the roundabout as you enter Tarwin Lower. Follow the signs toward Walkerville and Cape Liptrap until you see the sign on your left pointing to the Bald Hills Wetland Reserve. The road from this point is unsealed for a few kilometres.
CAPE LIPTRAP LIGHTHOUSE.
The Cape Liptrap lighthouse is perched high up on a granite cliff. The lighthouse is adjacent to the car park and commands outstanding ocean and shoreline views. Wilson's Promontory is the jewel in the crown as you look across Waratah Bay. On a clear day you can even see some of Tasmania's islands.
Follow the above directions to Tarwin Lower, turn left at the roundabout then right towards Walkerville. The final turn is to the right and is well sign posted. The gravel road from this point is usually well graded.
WALKERVILLE SOUTH & NORTH.
Walkerville South was a bustling town during the peak operation of the lime kilns. The historic remains can still be seen, set into the cliff face, behind the beach. One of the kilns is in better condition than the other two, after restoration work.
A long jetty was used in the past to transfer the dried lime onto waiting ships in Waratah Bay. There is very little evidence that the jetty or the town existed. The overwhelming impression that you get when you arrive is one of natural beauty as you stand on the beach and look across Waratah Bay with Wilson's Promontory as a natural stunning backdrop. It is possible to walk along the beach or the boardwalk, via the historic cemetery, to Walkerville North at low tide.
Follow the direction to Cape Liptrap as before. Travel past the turn off to Cape Liptrap Road and you will drive straight into the Walkerville South car park. Walkerville North can also be entered by car. Travel back through Promontory View, turn right at the "T" intersection until the road ends.
You then have the option of extending this trip to become a full day to Wilson's Promontory, via Waratah Bay and Sandy Point.
WARATAH BAY.
Waratah Bay (township) is on a wide-open beach. The view across to the bay extends to Wilson's Promontory. The area is very underdeveloped and retains a lovely natural charm. From here you can backtrack to Sandy Point.
SANDY POINT.
The township of Sandy Point is adjacent to Waratah Bay, while Shallow Inlet is only a few minutes drive away. The main beach is a relatively protected surf beach. A surf lifesaving club is present and operates during the summer months.
The Inlet beach is very popular with fishermen and is said to be the best windsurfing destination in Australia. It is also the site where the world wind speed record is held.
A general store and the Sandy Point Internet Cafe provide meals in the township.
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 |
