Activities and Sightseeing

Take part in bushwalking, bird watching, take a walk on the beach or simply relax in front of the open fire and enjoy the view 

Activities at or nearby to Waratah Bay, Walkerville and Wilsons Promontory National Park 

Go bushwalking at….

• Wilsons Promontory National Park
• Cape Liptrap Coastal Park (Waratah Bay to Walkverville and Cape Liptrap) (right next door to Waratah Park Country House)

Go windsurfing at….

• Shallow Inlet
• Waratah Bay

Go fishing at….

• Flat Rocks
• Mahers Landing, Mouth of Screw Creek, and Doyles Road – are natural bait grounds of Bass Yabbies and tube worm for recreational fishing.
• Cape Paterson
• Venus Bay – stretching from Anderson Inlet to Cape Liptrap, the Venus Bay surf beach is one of the last remaining pipi colonies in Victoria which attracts many species of fish inside the surf break.
• Anderson Inlet – most southerly mangrove habitat in Australia is excellent environment for trevally, flathead, pinkie snapper, mullet, salmon, tailor, whiting, estuary perch, bream, mulloway, gummy shark and elephant fish.
• Tarwin River – produces mullet, trevally, and tommy rough on the moving tide, esturary perch and bream on the falling tide from the snags and grass beds along its banks.
• Cape Liptrap – stretching from Anderson Inlet to Cape Liptrap, the Venus Bay surf beach is one of the last remaining pipi colonies in Victoria which attracts many species of fish inside the surf break.
• Toora – double boat ramp with floating walkway for fishing in Corner Inlet.

Learn how to….

·        Kitesurf – with ½ day lessons, weekend clinics and tuition (Inverloch). Both private and group lessons.

·        Windsurf - with beginner to advanced tuition, weekend clinics and hire (Inverloch). Childrens lessons available with small sails and big boards.

·        Kayak - with 2 hour guided tours of Point Smythe and Screw Creek for families and groups and hire (Inverloch) plus romantic and peaceful sunset tours

Take a adventure….

• Scenic Flight over Wilsons Promontory National Park (Departs Yanakie Airstrip -1km west of Yanaki – Promontory Road). Operates Thursday to Monday or by appointment. On“The Prom” 40 minute scenic flight you will see Shallow and Corner Inlet, The Isthmus, Whisky Bay, Picnic Bay, Squeaky Beach, Norman Bay and Tidal River, Skull Rock, The Light House, Waterloo Bay, Refuge Cove, Sealers Cove and Five Mile Beach -$165 per person (adult) $110 per child (under 12) Email:promflights@hotmail.com.au
• Chartered Fishing Trip from Port Albert, Port Welshpool or Sandy Point. Prom Coastal Charters take you fishing Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory.  Specialising in Snapper, gummy shark, whiting and flathead trips. Also offshore mako trips.  Sightseeing trips also available. Phone Greg Buckland 03 56841362 or Darren McAinch 0418 125526. Email: gregbuckland@dcsi.net.au.
• Drive along Grand Ridge Road – 132km drive along the ridge of the Strzelecki Ranges – through tall mountain ash trees and steep ferny gullies covering the whole panorama or the Strzelecki wilderness.
• Ride on the South Gippsland Railway – take a diesel locomotive and railcar ride between Leongatha and Korumburra through 38 km of lush green rolling hills on Victoria’s most scenic preserved railway. Every Sunday and public holiday (except Good Friday and Christmas) and every Wednesday during school holidays. Dep. Korumburra 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Dep. Leongatha 11.40am, 1.20pm and 2.40pm.
• Drive the Wineries Trail –visit a variety of South Gippsland wineries all offering cool-climate red and white table wines – all individual in flavour and many major award winners.  Some of Australia’s best pinots are grown here. Take some home too!
• Cruise the day away - Take a marine eco-cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises to Kanowna Island Seal Colony, Skull Rock and Refuge Cover on Wilsons Promontory National Park. Some cruises leave from Walkerville and cruise by Waratah Bay.   Also cruises to Seal Rocks on Phillip Island and French Island tours. For more info email: cruises@bayconnections.com.au  or to check out their website 

Play Golf….

• FOSTER is an attractive undulating, tight course of 5725 metres, par 72, ACR69. The course has only nine sand bunkers but small grass greens add to the challenge. 18 holes $20, 9 holes $12. Can hire clubs, buggys, carts. Location: 7 Reserve Rd. Foster.
• LEONGATHA is a picturesque, all weather (sandy loam) 18 hole course with well maintained grass greens. Practice facilities available. H. Vernon Morcom, who with his brother wer the course architects for Kingston Heath, designed the course masterfully from the undulating natural bush environment.  The expansive fairways are flanked with magnificent trees rising from the natural bush that supports a variety of local flora and native animals.  A number of the large, quality greens are bunkered, and others are placed to take advantage of the natural terrain are testing. Spectacular vistas of the rich surrounding countryside, emerge at various points on the course.  18holes $20, 9 holes $13 Summer after 4pm $10 for unlimited holes.  Can hire clubs, buggys, carts. Location:Inverloch-Koonwarra Rd, Leongatha South.
• MEENIYAN has 18 watered grass greens on gently undulating country. Lots of wildlife. Lush country setting. 18 holes $20, 9 holes $12 Can hire clubs, buggys. Location:Meeniyan-Promontory Rd, Meeniyan.
• WOORAYL is located within Leongatha and is a gently undulating 9 hole course which presents a greater challenge than first meets the eye. All day $12. Location: Recreation Reserve, Leongatha.
• WELSHPOOL is a level 9 hole course, just out of town with grass greens and spectacular views over Corner Inlet to Wilsons Promontory. All Day $10. Location: 220 Welshpool Rd, Welshpool.
• A round of golf at the Tarwin Lower 9 hole.

Play Tennis….

• Tennis can be enjoyed locally at Fish Creek.

Get wet….

• Swimming or surfing at Wilsons Promonotry, Waratah Bay, Sandy Point, Walkerville North, Walkerville South, or Shallow Inlet. Venus Bay, Sandy Point and Cape Paterson are patrolled by life-savers over the summer period – remember to swim between the flags and watch out for the rips at Venus Bay!
• Kayaking at Wilsons Promontory National Park.
• Scuba Diving & Snorkelling in the Bunurong Martine & Coastal Park.

Observe the local wildlife….

Check out the local wildlife or visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade and see the fairy penguins on the way to Waratah Park Country House 

• Wildlife in abundance – kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidnas, koalas, goannas (lace monitors), wombats, lyrebirds and more can be seen on the property or nearby. Wildlife is abundant at Wilsons Promontory National Park, nearby.
• Birdlife – over ………species of birds are found locally. Many can be seen whilst staying at Waratah Park Country House, Waratah Bay, or whilst visiting Wilsons Promontory National Park.
• Baldhills Wetland Reserve – you can observe over 100species of birds and nearly 90 species of plants, plus several species of mammals and frogs.

Do some sightseeing….

·         Agnes falls – Victoria’s highest single span waterfall with a drop of 59 metres.  Water flows over the falls into a deep fern gorge all year round and is spectacular after heavy rains.

·         Tarra Bulga National Park –  see Cyathea and Tarra Falls, walk over the famous suspension bridge, view superb mountain ash and myrtle rain-forest with tree ferns, animals and birds (including lyrebirds).

·         Historic Port Albert – Victoria’s first sea port. Take a heritage walk of the town – the historic Hotel, Bond Store and Warehouse, Post Office and Old Bakery are just some of the old buildings from the 19^th century, lovingly restored.

·         Bunurong Marine & Coastal Park – 17 km of spectacular rugged sandstone cliffs between Inverloch and Cape Paterson.  Fantastic views of Bass Strait. Marvel at Eagles Nest – a unique rock formation which closely resembles the top half of the map of Australia.

·         State Coal Mine Wonthaggi – Take a journey back to the difficult working conditions of mining days past. This original mine site gives people an understanding of the life of a miner seventy years ago. Guided tours run frequently with gold coin donation.

Go on a self-guided walk or tour….

• The Golden Trail – A self-guided walk of significant gold era sites (Foster) begins at Stockyard Creek.
• Brataualung Walk – A self-guided walk showing physical evidence of the gold era (Foster) begins at McDonald St. West.
• Hayes Walk -  A self-guided walk showing physical evidence of the gold era (Foster) begins at Three Hills (North East of Stockyard Creek)
• Screw Creek Nature Walk – (Inverloch) The walk takes you across an estuarine creek and through coastal dunes, salt-water swamps, Melaleuca thickets and grass-lands that are slowly being revegetated.  The diverse nature of the plant communities, combined with the stunning views from the top of the bluff gives this reserve its very special character. The track starts at the carpark at the end of the road through the Eastern Area Camping Ground.  This road is a continuation of The Esplanade along the coast to the east end of the town.
• Strzelecki State Forest – A 62km drive through the awesome tall forests that lie just to the north of Foster and Toora in the lush, steep Strzelecki State Forest. (Toora) Begins at Toora Post Office.
• Bald Hills Wetland Reserve – The walking tracks and boardwalks (wheelchair accessible) lead through a succession of heathy sand ridges dotted with bog gum, coast tea-tree and paperbarks, as well as messmate and pepper-mint forests with associated blackwoods and dense understory. The track ends at the wetland where you may be rewarded in the bird hide with viewing some of the more than 100 species of birds which either reside in the locality or visit it regularly. (Bald Hills Rd. Tarwin Lower)
• The Old Port Trail – 5.5km one way between Stockyard Point and Seabank caravan park (Port Albert). Panoramic views across Corner Inlet to Wilsons Promontory.
• South Gippsland Wine Trail – Take a self-guided tour of some or all of the 16 wineries on the South Gippsland wine trail. Cheers!

Visit a Museum….

·         Foster Historial Museum The old Foster Post Office houses Gold mining displays, historical photographs, Lasseter’s work boat. Pioneer cottage and artefacts, former Yanakie school, bark hut, and lots more for the whole family. OPEN 11am-4pm Sundays, Public Holidays and School Holidays.

·         Port Welshpool & District Maritime Museum The oldest house in Port Welshpool houses displays of maritime artefacts, shell collection, and old photographs. Also books, local craft, and souvenirs for sale. OPEN Weekends and Public Holidays 12.30 to 4.30pm or by appointment.

·         Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum (Port Albert) Located in the Bank of Victoria building, this accredited and award-winning museum contains a wealth of information on maritime and local history of Port Albert and Gippsland. The gold display featured in the original vault area where tons of the elusive metal, mined during the earliest dayhs of gold discovery, were stored before shipment to distant ports. Browse over the early fishing apparatus and boat-building tools used by our forefathers when the first ships were built at Port Albert. Read about and look over items salvaged from the many shipwrecks in this area.  Check out navigation methods used from the 18^th century through to modern-day satellite technology. Children are welcome – they can participate in enjoyable learning activities while leaving you free to wander at your leisure. www.netspace.net.au/~yarrampa/pam

·         Firelight Museum (Leongatha North Rd, Leongatha North) – specialising in antique firearms and lanterns. Oved 160 antique lamps dating back to the 1880’s.  It also houses a collection of long and short firearms from the past three centuries. OPEN Weekends and school holidays 10am to 5pm. Or by appointment.

Explore local art and craft Galleries….

·         Stefani’s Hilltop Gallery (Fish Creek)

·         Fish Creek Potters (Fish Creek)

·         Stockyard Creek Gallery (Foster)

·         South Gippsland Craft Merchants (Meeniyan). OPEN 10am-5pm 7 days a week including public holidays.  Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.  Home of South Gippsland’s biggest collection of teddy bears and bearomabilia – one of the 10 rooms is devoted to the arctophile (teddy bear lover) Main Street Meeniyan next to the Post Office.

·         Fiona Kennedy Art Studio & Gallery (7 Halford St. Inverloch) www.fionakennedy.com

·         Bass Valley Knitting Mills (Bass) One of the few remaining knitting mills remaining in Australia. Produces top quality thermal underwear for all the family. See the knitting mill in operation. OPEN 7 days a week – closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. 4 Hade, Ave. Bass.

·         Gooseneck Pottery (Kardella)

·         Lacy Jewellery Studio and Gallery (Meeniyan)

·         Meeniyan Art Gallery (Meeniyan) Contemporary art space featuring exhibition gallery, shop and access gallery.  All media presented – paintings, pottery, ceramics, woodturning and jewellery by local artists. OPEN Mon-Fri (not Tues) 10-4pm. Sat/Sun. 11-5pm.

·         Bullock Dray Café and Gallery (Mirboo North)

·         Earth Relief Nursery & Café (Meeniyan)

·         La Grange Woolcraft (Mt. Eccles)

·         Roniyns Mohair (Leongatha)

·         Beenatree Gallery (34 Victoria Street, Loch) View an extensive range of high quality handcrafted wooden pieces including small furniture and toys. Also ceramics, jewellery, pottery, wood turning & craft supplies. OPEN Fri,Sat,Sun,Mon 10am-5pm.

·         Burra View Gallery (6 Princes St. Korumburra) Paintings by Lance Rogers and other artists.

·         Dreamers’s Valley Wildlife Gallery (230 Ruby-Fairbank Rd. Ruby) View the work of Emily Koenders. Exhibitions, January, Easter, September, November or by appointment.

·         Julia Price – Expressionist Artist – (1q4-18 Kerkani Ave, Venus Bay) Paintings of Venus Bay Coast and Tarwin River surrounds.  Meet the artist. Open by appointment 10-5pm daily.

·         Gooseneck Pottery –(60 Kardella Rd. Kardella) One of the largest wood-fired kilns in Australia. Unique pottery, an extensive range of wood fired stoneware by master potter, Robert Barron. Inspect the kiln and workshop. OPEN weekends and holidays 10am-5pm and most weekdays by appointment.

·         Korumburra Federation Art Gallery (Commercial St. Korumburra) Collection of notable local and Australian artists collected over a period of 30 years.  OPEN Thurs/Fri 10.30-5.30pm, Sun. 10.30-4pm.

·         Leongatha Gallery (cnr McCartin St & Michael Pl. Leongatha) Diverse art & craft produced by members from the South Gippsland area, including paintings, pottery, ceramics, woodturning, jewellery, china painting and sculpture.  OPEN weekdays (not Tues) 10-5pm Sat. 10-2pm.

Visit our local wineries and breweries….

·         Grand Ridge Brewery (Mirboo North) – this local brewery holds more current international awards than any other brewery in the world! Take some home!

·         Djinta Djinta Winery (Kardella South) www.djintadjintawinery.com.au

·         Lyrebird Hill Winery (Koonwarra) www.lyrebirdhill.com.au

·         Waratah Hills Winery (Fish Creek) www.waratahhills.com.au

·         Windy Ridge Winery (Foster) www.windyridgewinery.com.au

·         Lucinda Estate (Leongatha)

·         Caledonia Australis (Leongatha Nth) www.caledoniaaustralus.com

·         Drummonds Corrina Vineyard (Leongatha Sth)

·         Paradise Enough Wines (Kongwak) www.paradiseenough.com.au

·         Kongwak Hills Vineyard & Winery (Kongwak)

·         Bass Valley Estate Wines (Loch)

·         Bass Phillip Wines (Leongatha South)

Have a cup of coffee….

·         Source Cafe (Foster)

·         Orange Roughy Café (Fish Creek)

·         Flying Cow Café (Fish Creek)

·         Green Barron Café and Takeaway (Fish Creek)

·         Rhythm Café (Foster)

·         Watsons on Whitelaw (Meeniyan)

·         Koonwarra Store (Koonwarra)

·         Henrietta’s (Leongatha)

·         Bullock Dray Café and Gallery (Meeniyan)

·         Windmill Cafe (Toora)

Pick up some local produce….

·         Ameys Track Blueberries (Foster)

·         Toora Lavender Farm (Toora)

·         Erinae Lavender (Mirboo North) Wander through the lavender field, drying shed and cottage garden.  Enjoy the large collection of trees, roses and perennials. OPEN 10.30 – 5pm Frid-Sun. Closed December 25-31^st inclusive. Open everday in January. Closed for winter – May 15^th to September 14^th inclusive. (Open other days by appointment). Porter Lane, Strzelecki Highway, Mirboo North. (Leongatha Mirboo North Road)

Go birdwatching….

Eastern Rosella Parrots are just one of the local birds you can see in abundance 

·         Toora Bird Hide and Boardwalk give access to birds and mangroves around Corner Inlet

·         Bald Hills Wetland Reserve – you may be rewarded in the bird hide with viewing some of the more than 100 species of birds which either reside in the locality or visit it regularly. (Bald Hills Rd. Tarwin Lower)

·         Corner Inlet Wetland Reserve – Panoramic views across Corner Inlet to Wilsons Promontory.  The inlet is an important fish nursery and a major stopover location for migratory birds.  Look for swans, pelicans and migratory shorebirds and waders feeding or roosting in these coastal wetlands. (Stockyard Point Picnic Area, end of Wharf Street, Port Albert.

Visit….

·         Coal Creek Heritage Village (Korumburra)– visit the open-air museum which allows you the opportunity experience a little of what life in South Gippsland was like in the last decades of the nineteenth century.

·         Erinae Lavender Garden & Tea Rooms (Mirboo North)

·         Walkerville Lime Kilns (Walkerville South) – remnants of the historic lime kilns that operated from 1875-1926.

·         State Coal Mine (Wonthaggi)

Go for a walk….

• Toora Bird Hide and Boardwalk gives you a leisurely walk and access to birds and mangroves around Corner Inlet.
• Port Franklin Boardwalk 620metres of meandering path following the Franklin River provides a spectacular combination of plant and bird life and scenic water views. Tidal changes and night walking provide a unique experience.
• Bass Coast Rail Trail is Victoria’s only coastal rail trail which takes you the 16km from Wonthaggi to Anderson highlighting the areas’s rich coal mining history and spectacular views.
• The Great Southern Rail Trail is made of 4 different trails along what was the old railway line between Leongatha and Foster.