THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND: THE COMPREHENSIVE LIST
This is an on-going list that we will update as things change, shops open and close. We want to provide good content up-to-date more that a perfectly formatted blogpost. It is about 20 A4 pages in length. If you notice any of this out of date, please let us know. If you find any untold treasure's please tell us. There is some of Feur's tips at the end.
Beaches
Walkerville North and South
Setting Of Alison Lester’s beloved children's book Magic Beach. It’s our favourite local beach.
While no road connects Walkerville North to Walkerville South, you can drive along the beach at low tide as well as launch your boat there.
Walkerville is one of the oldest ‘townships’ in Victoria (formally known as Waratah) that once produce lime (from 1875-1926) that supplied the Melbourne building industry. Explore the remains of the old lime kiln set into the cliff and before enjoying a picnic/drink at sunset at Walkerville Sth beach.
Experience sensational snorkeling around Bird Rock as well as enjoy some timeout on the semi-secluded beach just a short walk down the beach track.
For the adventurous, try rock hopping along the rock platform sheltered coves that stretch from Walkerville Sth to Bear Gully which offers great views of the rugged peaks and islands of Wilsons Prom. Spot the remains of a jetty that once stretched into the Waratah Bay and disused lime kiln hidden in the bush.
Coastal walks should only be attempted during low tide periods:
https://tides.willyweather.com.au/vic/gippsland/walkerville.html
Walkerville kiosk. Loop Road. 03 56632321
Signs at Walkerville Nth point to the kiosk. Opening hours vary. Open most weekend and public holidays, it is usually open every day in summer peak season. It offers Coffee, Tea, Take Away food, newspapers bread and milk.
Bear Gully - 5 minute drive - Rock pools, sandy coves, good walking and fishing: Remote, uncrowded and relaxing.
Sandy Point is approx.. 15 min drive. A beautiful surf beach overlooks the Prom, offering surf life-saving during the summer and the clubhouse balcony to enjoy a cold beer at sunset. There is a General Store and Café.
Warratah Bay-approx. 15 min drive
A beautiful and softer surf beach at the secluded, relaxed holiday township, and it is great for kids. It has a playground and picnic shelters, but no shops (other than caravan park kiosk).
Shallow Inlet-approx. 15 min drive As the renowned HOT SPOT for windsurfers and home to current world-speed sailing craft record, it is one of the few places in Victoria where cars can drive on the beach.
Venus Bay- a few km past Tarwin Lower.
Its broad sandy open beaches make for a popular swimming and fishing destination. Surf life savers patrol the shores during the summer months to protect swimmers from its strong currents and rips. Not recommended for children or anyone who is not an advanced swimmer.
The town boasts a few cafes, shops and a general store.
Swimmers must be careful as strong currents and rips also occur along sections of the coast although Walkerville and Warratah Bay are considered the safest. The beaches are equally lovely in winter with the stormy weather, wind/rain and powerful ocean throws amazing energy onto the coast line. Rug up and feel the refreshing autumn and winter breezes.
Cape Liptrap
Cape Liptrap is located on a narrow peninsula offering spectacular views of the South Gippsland coast, Cape Liptrap is the southernmost spine of the Hoddle Ranges that runs out into Bass Strait.It was sighted by Lieutenant James Grant on 9 December 1800 from the survey brig HMS Lady Nelson and named after John Liptrap.
A powerful, wild and beautiful place, it consists of steep cliffs of folded marine sediments which is flanked by rock pinnacles and wave-cut platforms. Stand near the lighthouse to watch the surf pounding on Grinders Point to the east with the peaks of Wilsons Promontory in the distance. Away to the north-west lay Morgan’s Beach and Arch Rock with Cape Paterson situated beyond.
A parking area and picnic tables have also been constructed near the lighthouse.
Gemstones such as jasper and serpentine are commonly found in the sheltered coves along the coast between Walkerville and the Cape.
Cape Liptrap Light house
The lighthouse is perched atop a rocky cliff at the solitary end of the coastline to warn ships away from the rocks in treacherous Bass Strait.
Cape Liptrap Lighthouse Looking Over To Wilson’s Promontory
Established in 1913, the first Cape Liptrap Lighthouse stands 2.1-metres high with a lantern on top of a 6-metre steel tower shining acetylene light. It is the first automatic lighthouse as a keeper has never been stationed there.
The existing lighthouse, which stands 9.75 metres tall, replaced the original structure in 1951.
Its 40,000-candela light has a range of 18 nautical miles (more than 43 kilometres) and has operated automatically ever since being connected to electricity in 1970 - flashing three times every 15 seconds.
Cape Liptrap Costal Park
The 4,175-hectare Cape Liptrap Coastal Park was declared in 1997 to protect the striking scenery between the sand barrier at Point Smythe at Venus Bay and the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay at Walkerville.
The park boasts extensive coastal heathlands of scented paperbark, common heath, and several varieties of she-oaks, silver banksia, bushy hakea and prickly tea-tree and remains home to wombats, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and the rare swamp antechinus (a marsupial mouse) as well as many types of native birds, such as wrens, crimson rosellas, pied currawongs and the eastern whip-bird.
Keep an eye out for Pacific and silver gulls, sooty oyster-catchers, herons, cormorants and Australian gannets along the beaches.
Between Venus Bay and Cape Liptrap, the coast varies between attractive limestone cliffs to broad sandy beaches against a backdrop of tall dunes.
Appreciate its true beauty by exploring inviting walking tracks at Walkerville and Venus Bay.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Affectionately known as The ‘Prom’, it is one of the most popular national parks in Australia located on the southernmost part of the Australian mainland. Once upon a time, it formed a land bridge to enable people to walk to Tasmania.
Although there is a staffed entry station (9am-til sunset) where you receive a ticket, entry is free.
The Big Drift
www.visitpromcountry.com.au/walking-cycling/big-drift
Massive inland sand dune close to the entrance of Wilson’s Prom *It’s easy to get lost in Big Drift so be careful to mark your path to find the track out again. About 4.5km return trip
Tidal River(Please note, no fuel is available here, fill up at Fish Creek).
Situated 30km from the park’s entry lays the hub boasting the Parks Victoria office, a general store (stocking grocery items and limited camping equipment) and accommodation. You can buy breakfast, lunch and dinner (mains $12-$22) at the Prom Café as well as buy takeaway food (and bistro style meals on weekends and holiday).
You can take advantage of more than 80km of marked walking trails that lead through forests, marshes, valleys of tree ferns and low granite mountains as well as along beaches backed by sand dunes. Even non walkers can enjoy much of the parks beauty courtesy of car park access off Tidal River road leading to gorgeous beaches and lookouts.
Top Prom Walks
The Proms delights are best discovered on foot. From November to Easter a free shuttle bus operates between the Tidal River visitor’s car park and the Telegraph Saddle car park (a nice way to start the Prom Circuit Walk).
4 best day walks
Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk
An easy 5km (2 hour) walk through heathland and eucalypt forests home to lots of wildlife.
Mt Oberon Summit
Starting at the Mt Oberon carpark, the moderate-to-hard 7km (2 hour) walk offers panoramic views from the summit. The free Mt Oberon shuttle bus can take you to the Telegraph Saddle car park and back.
Little Oberon Bay
An easy-to-moderate 8km (3 hour) walk over sand dunes covered in coastal tea trees with beautiful views over Little Oberon Bay.
Squeaky Beach Nature Walk
An easy 5km return stroll through coastal tea trees and banksias to a sensational white-sand beach.
2 Best Overnight Walks
Great Prom Walk
The most popular long-distance hike is a moderate 45km circuit across to Sealers Cove from Tidal River, down to Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay and the lighthouse before returning back to Tidal River via Oberon Bay. Be prepared for the most beautiful part of Victoria. Allow 3 days and coordinate your walks with tide times to avoid hazardous creek crossings.
Sealers Cove Walk
The 2-day walk starts at Telegraph Saddle and heads down Telegraph Track to stay overnight at beautiful Little Waterloo Bay (12km and 4 hours). The next day sees you walk on to Sealers Cove via Refuge Cove before returning to Telegraph Saddle (24km, 7 hours).
Swimming
Swimming is safe from the beautiful beaches at Norman Bay (Tidal River) and around the headland at Squeaky Beach where the ultra-fine quartz sand really does squeak beneath your feet.
Tours Wilson’s Prom
Wilsons Prom Guided Walks
http://auswalk.com.au/walks/wilsons-prom-walhalla-group
First Track Adventure
56342761
This Yarragon based company organises customised bushwalking, rock-climbing and abseiling trips to the Prom.
Wild Life Cruises
http://www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au/cruises/wilsons-prom
Dog Beaches
Dogs permitted on lead between:
Walkerville North and Walkerville South.
Venus Bays No.1 and No.5 Beaches.
Waratah Bay township and Cooks Creek.
Dogs prohibited from above areas between 9am and 6pm during summer months however dogs allowed unlimited access to Ned Neales beach at Sandy Point all-year round.
Read Signs Re Fox Baiting and for more info call Parks Victoria Ph-131963
Tides
https://tides.willyweather.com.au/vic/gippsland/wa...
Weather
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/vic/w-and-s-gippsland/walkerville
Fishing
See Water Activities pamphlet located in the info folder or contact Prom Country info centre 1 800 630 704 to have a copy posted prior to your stay.
Or simply research details on www.dpi.vic.gov.au
- Surf fishing off Sandy Point beach and Warratah and Venus Bay.
- Sea Fishing off piers, wharves and jetties at Port Albert and Port Welshpool and from Toora Boat ramp.
- Tarwin River, in and around Tarwin Lower with a boat launch ramp at the end of the town’s main strip.
- Check with Parks Victoria ph 131963 before fishing near any Marine National Park.
Charters
Prom Coastal Charters
Half and full-day charters.
Phone: 5684 1364
Mobile 0418 125 526 or 0427841362.
Website: http://www.venusbayanglingclub.org.au/
Fish Corner Inlet and Wilsons Prom for snapper, gummy shark, whiting, flathead, trevally and shark or off-shore mako and thresher sharks.
Surf
Out there Outdoor Adventure. Ocean based specialists for Phillip Island, Wilson's Promontory and the South Gippsland coast.
Learn to surf and other outdoor activities
www.outthere.net.au/surfing.htm
Phone: 59523695
Mobile 0412852291
Waratah bay is a really good beach to learn to surf or just get the kids bodyboarding. It isn’t powerful or rippy.
Walks
You can enjoy a spectacular range of different environments on walk such as:
Spectacular Coastal Walks (check tides)
Rock hopping from Walkerville Sth to Bear Gully(see beaches-above)
Bear Gully-Cape Liptrap
Forest and National Park walks from Walkerville to Pt Smythe.
Wilsons Promontory
Explore -50,000 hectares of wilderness either on gentle walks or long overnight hikes.
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/wilsons-pr...
Cape Liptrap National Park
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/cape-liptr...
Inverloch Screw Creek Walk and Townsend Bluff is worth considering.
Great Southern Rail trail (also ideal for cyclists and horse riders)
Follows the old rail line from Leongatha to Foster as you pass through the villages of Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Buffalo and /Fish Creek.
The 50km Leongatha-Foster trail meanders through farmland boasting gentle hills, trestle bridges and occasional views of the coast and Wilsons Prom.
Suggested sections:
Leongatha-Koonwarra Section (7.5km)
Koonwarra-Meeniyan open June 2008
Fish Creek-Foster Section (9km)-
Stony Creek-Fish Creek Section (18.5km)
Meeniyan-Stony Creek Section (3.5km)
Bass Coast Rail Trail-(16km) Wonthaggi to Anderson Inlet is Victoria’s only costal rail trail, highlighting the area’s rich coal mining history and offers spectacular views.
Bikes
Prom Country Bike Hire
Men’s, women’s, children’s and Toddler trailer available.
Helmet’s and locks supplied. Bicycle racks for hire (no tow bar necessary).
Discounts are available for families and groups of 10 or more people. Small additional fee for bike drop off and pick up service.
Phone: Viv on (03) 5664 0030
Leongatha Cycling Club
http://www.leongathacycling.com/
Gippsland Mountain Biking-
http://www.gippslandmtb.com.au/
Golf
Prom Country- Down load PDF brochure below for a fabulous guide to golf courses in South Gippsland.
Website:
https://www.visitpromcountry.com.au/pdf/Prom-Country-Golfing.pdf
Horse Racing
Stony Creek Race Club Classic country racing. You’d never expect a race course here. Picturesque and Family friendly Ethos. Children free admission and entertainment.
https://country.racing.com/stony-creek
Flying
Woorayl Air Services
Aerodrome Rd, Leongatha Sth.
http://www.wooraylairservices.com.au
Scenic flights, charter and flying training.
Prom Country Scenic Flights
http://www.promcountryflights.com.au
Markets
Farmers Markets are held regularly in the region.
Click on the link below for an updated list of all upcoming markets and other events :
http://www.visitpromcountry.com.au/events/
http://south-gippsland.com/local-markets/
The Kongwak Market at the Kongwak General Store is famous in the area. Funky, all weather, held every Sunday rain, hail or shine. 10am- 3pm. Entry is a gold coin donation.
Egg Farm
“Amy and Nicks Eggs” is an organic free-range egg farm on the hill up the Tarwin –Walkerville road. If you look closely you will see a Maremma dog near each hut. These amazing dogs imprint on the chickens and live with them like shepherds. They defend the chickens from predators, so the hens can relax and concentrate on laying.
Pampering
Venus Bay
http://www.venusescapes.com.au
Koonwarra
http://www.koonwarraspa.com.au
Cinema
Leongatha Stadium 4 cinemas
Address: 4-18 Smith St, Leongatha
Phone: 5662 5762
Website: www.stadiumcinema.com.au
Galleries
Celia Rosser Gallery- Fish Creek
Opening hours: 10am-4pm Friday until Monday
Address: Promontory Road, Fish Creek
Phone: 5683 2628
Website: http://www.celiarossergallery.com/
The Gecko Studio Gallery- Fish Creek
Open 7 days a week in summer. They have monthly exhibitions and provide a custom picture framing service, art materials and cards, decorated ceramic tiles and a variety of quality art and craft gifts.
Ride The Wild Goat Gallery & Workshop- Fish Creek
Beautiful thongs made form ordinary objects
Falls Road Fish Creek, next door to Alison Lester Bookshop and Gallery
Alison Lester Bookshop and Gallery - Fish Creek
Falls Road Fish Creek, next door to Ride The Wild Goat Gallery and Workshop.
www.alisonlester.com/pages/gallery-shop-in-fish-creek
Lacy-Jewellery Studio and Gallery
Address: 132 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
Phone: 03 5664 0055
Meeniyan Art Gallery
Opening hours: Weekdays 10.00am-4.00pm
Weekends 11am-5pm, closed Tuesdays
Address: 84 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
Phone: 5664 0101
Stockyard Gallery
Stockyard Gallery at Foster is open 7 days a week all year round with regular exhibitions from local and visiting artists. They also have a high quality range of handcrafted souvenirs and gifts and provide tourist information if you need it.
www.stockyardgalleryandshop.org.au
Thirsy Work-Tarwin Lower
www.facebook.com/Thirsty-Work-Studio-Gallery-1871948146361402
Studio Art Gallery in Tarwin Lower featuring local artists and artisans
45 River Drive. Tarwin Lower. Call 0408 241 973
Valley Plains Pottery -10 Valley Plains Road Leongatha South
www.valleyplainspottery.com.au
Toora Village Studio Gallery- Toora
https://www.facebook.com/Toora-Village-Studio-Gallery-104985282962543/
The Gallery has 4 rooms and is part of the "Windmill" complex of Shops that has a very popular Cafe/ Restaurant and Bargain/ Antiques Centre.
Contact: 0423 155 542
Emily Koenders Art Gallery - Ruby
230 Ruby-Fairbank Rd, Leongatha NorthAustralian wildlife drawings. Panoramic views from Emily’s Gallery.
www.facebook.com/Emily-Koenders-Art-Gallery-363230020412464
Wineries
We adore the ‘boutique’ country vineyards dotted throughout the Gippsland region offering cool climate reds and white table wines.
Waratah Hills
Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot and hosts Jazz afternoons in summer.
Website: www.waratahhills.com.au
Basia Mille Vineyard and Olive Grove
Website: www.basiamille.com.au
Drummonds Vineyard
Website: Not active.
Opening hours: Open weekends 12.30pm-4.30pm
Address: 85 Wintles Road, Leongatha Sth, 3953
Phone: 03 5664 3317.
Lyre Bird Hill Winery
Website: www.lyrebirdhill.com.au
Djinta Djinta Winery
Website: www.djintadjinta.com.au
Food
The remote nature of the region makes for a struggle to match Melbourne’s legendary status for unlimited food standards and prices.
However, an open mind coupled with a sense of ‘adventure’ should bear fruit in terms of respectable local meals cooked with great local produce.
Always double check opening times as they are notorious for changing regularly dependent on season/turnover/operators discretion.
Trulli Pizzeria Meeniyan
True southern Italian style pizzeria. Quality ingredients both local and Italian. Homemade thin style bases, Finished in a woodier oven. Amazing.
Moo’s at Meeniyan- Restaurant and Café
Great coffee, home-made cake, nice meals, local wine and local produce.
Opening hours: Thursday - Monday 8.30am to 4.30pm for breakfast and lunch. Friday and Sat nights for regional dinners.
Phone: 03 5664 0010
Website: www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au
The Koonwarra Store
Emporium-Lifestyle: It serves simple food with flair using organic, low impact suppliers and products. The store stocks local wines and products such as sauces, preserves and pates made on site. It also has wine and cheese tasting on weekends and a lovely shady garden area outside.
Opening hours: Daily 9.00am-5.00pm
Address: Cnr Sth Gippsland Hwy & Koala Drive, Koonwarra
Phone: 03 56642285-.
Website: http://koonwarra.vic.au
Cafe KO Bar and Grill
Address: 2 Old Warratah Rd, Fish Creek
Phone: 5683 2207
Bromleys on Main Café
Opening hours: midweek.
Address: 30 Main Street Foster
Phone: 03 562 2587
Skye’s Cafe- Foster- lunch
Open for breakfast, lunch, coffee and gluten free options.
Free WiFi
The Paddock- Formally 9 Acres- Fish Creek
Coffee and slice and Toasties.
www.facebook.com/thepaddockcoffeehouse
The Gecko Gallery Fish Creek - Now has a cafe . Headquarters is the name of the cafe at Gecko Gallery. Breakfast (from 9am) and Lunch.
www.facebook.com/geckostudiogallery
Gibsons Wine Bar and Cafe - Fish Creek
It is a fully licensed café, open for lunch and dinner, open late.
www.facebook.com/Gibsons-273153473187865
Walkerville Kiosk
Coffee, Tea Fish and Chips. Pizza Takeaway.
Opening hours: Usually open weekends and holidays
Address: 3 Loop Rd, Walkerville North
Phone: (03) 5663 2321
Website: Not active
PUBS
The Riverview
Address: River Drive Tarwin Lower
Phone: 5663 5211
The Fishy Pub
Address: Old Warratah Rd, Fish Creek
Phone: 5683 2404.
Local Produce
Opening hours:
Most shops open
Monday to Friday 9 am to 5.00 pm
Saturday 8.30 am to 12 noon.
Organic Honey and organic free range eggs
Eggs: $4.00 per dozen without egg box or $3.50 with own container. Honey prices vary depending on size of the jar.
Address: 150 Bald Hills Rd.(5km east of Tarwin Lower towards Liptrap Loft off the Walkerville Rd.)
Gippsland Natural Beef
Tarwin Lower butcher and Prom Meats in Foster
Website: www.gippslandnatural.com.au
Seafood
Seafood shop in Foster sells locally caught fish (payment is cash only).
www.facebook.com/fosterseafoods
Address: 35 Main Street, Foster
Phone: 03 5682 2815
Paddlewheel
Sells wide-range of local and organic produce
Address: 6 Koala Drive, Koonwarra
Phone: 5664 2481
Adherns
Great selection of fruit and vegetable market including health foods, organic groceries and complementary gourmet foods are available here.
Address: 29 Toora Road, Foster
Phone: 03 5682 2095
Passenina Bakery- Meeniayn
Offering great coffee, european pastries, French vanilla slices, crunchy baguettes and real sourdough. No active website. 124 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan.
(03) 5664 7468
Additional information:
South Gippsland food map- southerngippsland.dibble.com.au
Prom Country Produce link- www.visitpromcountry.com.au
Ruby Hill Organics- Eggs www.facebook.com/rubyhillsorganics
Cherry Tree Hill Organics- 100% Grass fedd lamb and beef www.cherrytreeorganics.com.au
Grand Ridge Beer- Mirboo North beer-www.grand-ridge.com.au
Berry’s Creek Cheese- Fish Creek www.berryscreekcheese.com
Worthy Mention: Koonwarra Town
Koonwarra describes itself as a contemporary rural village which actively demonstrates sustainable living as evident by it becoming Australia’s first eco-wise town in Australia in 2004.
It is most certainly a worthwhile stop on the way or a great day-trip. It is especially lovely if you are in the meandering mood. You will find a thriving settlement boasting organically-grown food in a plastic bag-free zone.
Koonwarra Store
www.facebook.com/koonwarrastore
Koonwarra Store Old post Office built in 1892. Local wine tasting (weekends) and homely meals served in a cute restaurant with a beautiful garden.
Storehouse Koonwarra
It is an artisan lifestyle store offering unique quality pieces created by committed small scale producers through to renowned Australian labels producing quality classics made for a lifetime of use.
Milly and Romeos Artisan Bakery and Cooking School
The first, certified organic cooking school in Victoria offering a wonderful selection of short courses including the craft of making; cakes, breads, preserves and traditional pastries and pastas as well as children’s classes.
Phone: 03 56642211
www.millyandromeos.com.au/artisan-bakery
South Gippsland Farmers Market
Held the first Saturday of every month.
Lyrebird Arts Council
It was set up by an amazing bunch of locals who wanted to import great talent to their interesting gigs. They hold an annual open air festival at the gorgeous Mossvale Park and regular events at The Meeniyan Town Hall built in the 1930’s was once the home of Mechanics Institute, a popular spot for town dances in its heyday. BYO food and Wine, it a great unique setting.
Website: lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au
A Bit Further: But Still Worth a Mention
Grand Ridge Brewery - Mirboo North www.grand-ridge.com.au
The Rusty Windmill - Leongatha www.therustywindmill.com.au
Tasmins Table - Poowong East tamsinstable.com.au
Coal Creek Korrumburra – Re-creation of a coal mining town, great for the kids. coalcreekcommunityparkandmuseum.com
Free Entry- whole family.
Port Albert Fish And Chips- No active website.
No active website. 40 Wharf Street, Port Albert. 03 51832002
Tarra Bulga National Park-www. parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/tarra-bulga-national-park Absolutely stunning.
Fleur's Favourites
- Snorkelling around Bird Rock, Walkerville, South Beach. There is rocks, caves, heaps of fish and interesting sand formations.
- Coastal walks – Walkerville to Bear Gully including rock hopping, beautiful sandy beaches and Bear Gully-Cape Liptrap for more of the same. Make sure you pay close attention to tides.
- Sitting on the deck at night, with a glass of wine, watching the stars.
- Trulli Pizza Meeniyan. Authentic, delicious southern Italian style pizza: The best eating in the region.
- Waratah Hills Winery for an afternoon drink: A Relaxed and lovely setting.
- The Big Drift -This is a massive sand dune close to the entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park that is walking its way across the Prom.
- Storehouse Koonwarra -Artisan lifestyle store with unique quality pieces.
- The rail trail from Leongatha to Koonwarra (Koonwarra to Meeniyan also especially good).
- Wilson’s Promontory beaches. Gorgeous!
- Valley Plains Pottery. Zac Charmers- Leongatha South……..
and….. a sneaky
11th, Ride the Wild Goat in Fish Creek, extraordinary art from recycled materials.
Mike Leslie
First Published 19-12-17