ROSEBUD CAPEL SOUND BONEO TOOTGAROOK RYE

With its picturesque sandy bay coastline, safe swimming beaches, excellent fishing off the pier and a 2km stretch of retail heaven, Rosebud is like the quintessential seaside town taken straight from a movie. The iconic foreshore campground is a place of cherished memories for families who have pitched their tents in summer and come back year after year to rediscover Rosebud’s quiet magic. Although there’s plenty to do in the sea – hire a boat, kayak or jetski, for example – a stone’s throw inland is the magnificent Yawa Aquatic Centre. Here visitors can choose to relax in the spa or raise their heart rate in the gym, learn new skills in the pool or practise old ones, and catch up with friends and family.

A short drive away is the Tootgarook Wetland, a vital ecological feature that was once the largest landmark on the southern end of the Peninsula, stretching almost the whole length between the bay and the ocean. Enjoy the walk around and see if you can find some of the birds, native mammals, reptiles, fish, insects and many indigenous flora species that are still in the area.

Head back to the coast to entertain the kids at the fabulous community-built Ryes Up Playground. It’s securely fenced, has barbecues and toilets, and is right across the road from a plethora of eateries to sate your appetite. It’s also near the 309m Rye Pier, where you can do some jetty jumping or snorkel along the 200m Octopuses Garden Marine Trail, where underwater signs allow you to take a self-guided tour and learn about the area’s sea life. At Easter and over summer, the legendary Rye Summer Carnival comes to life in a burst of colour, fun and laughter.

It’s all about the simple, old-school pleasures in this part of the world.