Wonthaggi & Surrounds

A stone's throw from the coast, Wonthaggi is ideally located to act as a base and launching pad for your Bass Coast holiday. The town is best known for its historic State Coal Mine that operated from 1910 to 1968. Now a great visitor attraction the Mine offers a fascinating insight into the difficult working conditions of Wonthaggi coal miners with guided underground tours, audio-visual displays, a museum and heritage buildings.

The coal is long gone today, but Wonthaggi has reinvented itself as the undisputed commercial and retail hub of South Gippsland. The town brims with a range of shops, eateries, supermarkets, entertainment facilities and accommodation.

Each day at midday you'll hear a whistle sound in the town, located in the old poppet head in Apex Park on Murray Street. The whistle was once located at the powerhouse and its shrill blast signalled shift changes across the entire coalfield. Made by the Danks company, its 'sister whistle' was used in the Titanic and now lies at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean!

Two kilometres west of Wonthaggi towards Kilcunda you'll find Williamsons Beach - a wide open surf beach great for long walks while listening to and watching the thunderous almighty power of Bass Strait waves crashing on the fragile dune system. This is also the site of some of Victoria's sustainable energy development with a large wind farm and the State's first desalination plant.

Heading south-east, a short five-minute drive through lush open farm country will take you to the golden beaches of Cape Paterson on the Bunurong Coast. Tucked away amongst the sand dunes you'll find protected beaches, fabulous rock pools, great surf and scuba diving.

The place comes alive in summer, with a constant trickle of kids carrying buckets, balls and boards to the beaches. The main beach boasts a massive seawater swimming pool created by the early miners within the natural rocks along the shoreline. Because the pool is within the inter-tidal zone, it flushes with new marine life every day, making it a perfect place to introduce children to the wonders of the ocean in complete safety. Two life saving clubs operate on weekends during the summer months at either end of the town.

Kilcunda, Archies Creek & Kongwak, these three little towns hold hidden gems amongst the picturesque scenery of Bass Coast. Kilcunda sets the coastal drive scene in spectacular fashion with its broad beach and rolling hills all visible from the Killy Pub's big balcony. Down at beach level, check out Kilcunda's famous old railway bridge. Built in 1910 and almost on the sand, its sturdy trestle construction is testament to the steadfast abilities of local pioneers. While you�re there, cast a line or two into the waves for some great fishing or paddle out on a surfboard.

Kilcunda is the start (or finish) of two great walks - the George Bass Coastal Walk heading across the clifftops towards San Remo and the Bass Coast Rail Trail taking you back towards Wonthaggi. En route to Wonthaggi, you will pass the mouth of the Powlett River. Follow the signposts off the highway to a lush picturesque area and rich waterbird habitat with diverse flora and fauna. Fishing and canoeing are definitely favoured past times here.

As you head away from the coast, the compact nature of the hinterland is one of its most appealing aspects. Wandering, winding roads encourage discovery and exploration without the urgency of actually getting lost. Not far off the main road you'll find Archies Creek, a tiny township that has recently come alive with the establishment of a new restaurant and convention facility. You won't want to miss stopping in at Gippsland's newest culinary destination Archies on the Creek, where you are sure to enjoy the quality local produce and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Next door, the historic Royal Mail Hotel is filled with interesting memorabilia, and a really great little front bar adding further charm to the experience.

If you continue to head inland you'll find Kongwak, on the Wonthaggi to Korumburra Road. This area is largely used for agriculture, including dairying but also hides some real artistic gems including a gallery displaying an array of contemporary artworks. The township holds a fantastic country market every Sunday with collectables, retro, vintage and second hand items, plants and books.