FREE
SOUTH COAST
The visitors guide to Bass Coast, South Gippsland and part of Wellington Shires 36 McCartin Street | PO Box 84 LEONGATHA Vic 3953
www.thestar.com.au
P (03) 5662 2294
E kristy@thestar.com.au
AUTUMN EDITION 2013
So much to explore AUTUMN is here and there is still enough warmth in the air to appreciate the great outdoors of the South Coast. Fishing, walking, sports and more can be enjoyed from Phillip Island to Yarram, with coastal and inland destinations to appeal to every interest. For those seeking more relaxed pursuits, the region also caters to your whim. Rick Whitehouse of Inverloch sets out to try his luck fishing from his kayak on the tranquil waters of Anderson Inlet. Enjoy what the season has to offer in South Gippsland.
Destination: Inverloch
WIL0070043
Superb local seafood, Fine local wines, tranquil waterfront views 40 Wharf Street Port Albert. For bookings call 5183 2007 | www.wildfishrestaurant.com.au
PAGE 2 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Autumn on the South Coast
SOUTH COAST
By Tourist News coordinator Kristy Leys AFTER our scorching run of weather, Easter and the school holidays beckon and with it comes a reprieve from our mini heatwave.
A visitors’ guide to Bass Coast Shire, South Gippsland Shire and part of Wellington Shire
INDEX
Take Wilsons Promontory for example; its pristine beaches and stunning walking tracks make it a must do attraction. Not only at the Prom do we see such natural beauty. A drive along the Inverloch to Cape Paterson Road is another example of the great locations in this region. Near Yarram, Port Albert is a stunning fishing village with a great opportunity for the freshest fish and chips around as you watch the fishing boats come in. The port has a museum, art gallery, café, hotel and, of course, the renowned Wildfish Restaurant. Be sure to drop in to Yarram and district over Easter where the annual Tarra Festival takes place, including the big parade on Easter Saturday morning. If it is warm enough and a dip in the water is in order,
PAGE NO.
Around The District. . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Leongatha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Korumburra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Around The District . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wonthaggi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Phillip Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 San Remo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Tarwin | Venus Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Meeniyan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fish Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Grazing In Gippsland . . . . . . . . . 17 Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yarram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Wonthaggi Club . . . . . . . . . . 20
Autumn is a pleasant period, the more settled weather making it a great time to get out and explore or relax at your favourite destination. From Phillip Island to Yarram, there is so much to see and do, with a variety of events and festivals running in most towns. There is one reason why people keep coming back to our region - it’s beautiful down this way.
take your pick from beaches including Venus Bay, Inverloch, Woodside, Waratah Bay, Sandy Point, Inverloch, Cape Paterson, or the many beaches on offer at Phillip Island. The island is a tourist mecca and there are plenty of places to wine and dine or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the wineries there. Of course there’s the famous penguin parade and nature park with Easter activities again on the agenda. There are a number of great service towns in our region. Some of the larger ones like Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Foster, Yarram, Korumburra, Inverloch and Phillip Island are places to visit to stock up on provisions. There is a four-screen cinema in Leongatha with all the latest movies. Other towns like Meeni-
yan, Loch, and Mirboo North are worth a look too; they contain galleries, good coffee and gift shops, and are worth the drive. This region is a great place for cycling with many routes off the main highways and ride lengths anything from 20km to 200 kms! The rail trails between Leongatha and Foster are great for family cycling. And if its fresh fish you want, take your boat out at a number of places and you’re sure to bring in a good catch. Whatever you do these Easter school holidays, take care on the roads so you arrive and leave safely. Enjoy your break. Take a look inside today’s 20 page South Coast Tourist News to see what’s on offer in our region.
Unique destination: coloured granite at Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
CONTACT US: Phone: (03) 5662 2294 | Fax: (03) 5662 4350 Email: kristy@thestar.com.au Inserted in the Great Southern Star, March 26, the Yarram Standard News, March 27, and distributed throughout tourist outlets.
house1131
SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS is published by The Great Southern Star, 36 McCartin St, Leongatha, 3953 P.O. Box 84, Leongatha, 3953.
Poowong Phillip Island
Nyora
SOUTH COAST Loch Bena Grantville Cowes Rhyll Korumburra Bass Mirboo North Newhaven Leongatha Kongwak San Remo Woolamai Tarra Valley To Sale Koonwarra Kilcunda Wonthaggi Meeniyan Yarram Inverloch Foster Tarwin Lower Cape Paterson Toora Port Albert Welshpool Venus Bay Fish Creek Port Welshpool Corner Inlet WalkervilleSandy Point Cape Liptrap
CHOOSE YOUR AUTUMN ESCAPE
Yanakie
Waratah Bay Tidal River
• Tourist News coordinator Kristy Leys.
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 3
AROUND THE DISTRICT
See South Gippsland by car SOUTH Gippsland and Bass Coast roads host some enchanting views to enjoy while travelling between destinations. From the captivating coast to the undulating hills, the view from your car can be better than that from your accommodation. Many locals don’t even know
about some lovely scenic roads that connect major towns. Along the coast from the Penguins to the Prom is a great way to take in all the attractions and scenery the region has to offer. Start on Phillip Island at the famous Penguin Parade, head across the bridge to San Remo then on to Wonthaggi for great views of Bass Strait and West-
ernport Bay. When in Wonthaggi, visit the interesting State Coal Mine for an insight into the way of life of a miner. From Wonthaggi head out towards Cape Paterson, then down the Bunurong Coastal Drive for beautiful views of Bass Strait, Inverloch’s beaches and Anderson Inlet.
Heading through Inverloch and on to Tarwin Lower, you can take your journey on a detour to Venus Bay (just three kilometres out of the way) or continue straight through to Walkerville. Home of the historic limekilns and the Cape Liptrap lighthouse, Walkerville provides some great views of Wilsons Promontory.
Continue further on through Fish Creek and Yanakie before reaching what is the southernmost point of mainland Australia, Wilson Promontory. This is just one of the many drives that can be taken on a trip around South Gippsland and Bass Coast. If you don’t mind a little adventure and have a keen sense of
direction, don’t be afraid to take the back roads as well. They may not always be surfaced and can add extra time onto your trip, but you may find some wonderful views, as well as some interesting and challenging roads. You never know what you can find in the hills of South Gippsland.
Magical: some of the coastal and farm views you come across in South Gippsland and Bass Coast are one of a kind.
FILL UP ey . .. n r u o j e h for t Easter Sale - Sat, Sun, Mon 10% off all pots 20% off large pieces OVER $500
i’m lovin’ it
OPEN OVER HOLIDAY PERIOD • Jugs • Casserole dishes • Mugs • Planters • Baking dishes • Large jars • Bowls • Ornamental pieces www.gooseneckpottery.com.au Email: gooseneckpottery@dcsi.net.au
LEONGATHA South Gippsland Highway Ph: 5662 5755 WONTHAGGI 177-181 Graham Street Ph: 5672 1131
60 Kardella/Fairbank Road, Kardella - via Korumburra
Ph. 5655 2405 One
GOOSENECK POTTERY
Cha
in R
oad
Foster
Kardella
Leongatha
Korumburra Melb.
Sth Gippsland Highway Inverloch
MCD6760090
5 minutes Korumburra 10 minutes Leongatha 25 minutes Inverloch The pottery is also open weekends, public holidays and most week days from 10.30am to 5pm. GOO7640054 (It’s best to phone first on week days)
SALE TRARALGON LEONGATHA
Raglan Street Shakespeare Street 95 Bair Street 7 Anderson Street KORUMBURRA 2 Commercial Street FOSTER 95 Main Street WONTHAGGI 105 McKenzie St INVERLOCH 25 William Street TOORA 26 Foster Road YARRAM 325 Commercial Rd MIRBOO NORTH 106 Ridgway FISH CREEK Falls Road
5143 1030 5174 1138 5662 2440 5662 2834 5655 1668 5682 2008 5672 3988 5674 1442 5686 2324 5182 6019 5668 2377 5683 2521
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Petroleum EGippsland vans Pty Ltd Fuel & BP/Castrol distributors for Gippsland
EVA5530182
OPEN 24-7
BASS Bass Highway Cnr. Soldiers Rd. and Bass Highway Ph: 5678 2064
... at your local Evans Petroleum Service Station
PAGE 4 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
LEONGATHA
Leongatha, coffee central LEONGATHA has gained a reputation as one of the best places in the region for a coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick take away pick-me-up or a sit down latte chat fest, the town has a plethora of great venues. Forget Melbourne, if you want to see a vibrant cafe culture come to Leongatha. The Rusty Windmill, Lulu, the Gatha Food Store, Number 9 Dream and Henriettas all have fine reputations for their brews – not to mention their tasty selections of savoury delights and sweet nibblies. But Leongatha, built from the riches of the local dairy industry, has far more to offer than food and beverage. The Leongatha CBD has a huge range of shops extends along the wide boulevards of Bair and McCartin streets. Where these two roads meet are some of Leongatha’s oldest buildings, including the post office (built in 1887), court house (1912) and Mechanics Institute (1912) which now serves as a local history museum. The Memorial Hall was built between 1925 and 1926 and part of it functions as a community art and craft gallery. Leongatha’s long agricultural heri-
tage is embodied by the Murray Goulburn (Devondale) dairy factory, just north of the town centre. It is the largest co-operative in the country, producing milk-based products for Australian and overseas markets. Leongatha also marks the start of the Great Southern Rail Trail. The meandering trail snakes its way through some of the region’s most beautiful countryside and is a must for the keen cyclist, walker and horse rider. Beginning just south of Leongatha, the trail covers much of the distance southeast to Foster, and passes through several small towns, including Meeniyan. But cycling, walking and horse riding are not the only activities on offer. Sports-mad Leongatha has everything for the active person to enjoy. If you need to run the kids ragged before hitting the road again, the town has a football oval, swimming pool, cycling velodrome, tennis courts and nine-hole golf course, all within the same recreation precinct. For the more serious minded golfers, an 18-hole course at Leongatha South provides a perfect spot to tee off for a round.
A welcoming smile: Monique Ross is front of house at the renowned Rusty Windmill. The cafe is across the road from Target on McCartin Street.
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 5
LEONGATHA
SO! Me sells just five goods LEONGATHA business SO! Me advertises just five products: jewellery, handbags, scarves, clothes and giftware. But, if you accept the idea that less is more, this shop will not disappoint. The moment you look in the window and enter, you know this shop is a step above your average country town retailer. Take the scarves; this shop has more scarves than any other shop in town. But it is not a scarf shop; it just has a huge collection of styles, colours, materials and shapes. SO! Me also boasts a wide array of handbags, many in leather and with a wide array of colour. There is also the B Sirius range of bags, as well as all shapes and sizes of wallets. When it comes to clothing, SO! Me carries mainly the Threadz range which is nice functional everyday wear clothing. The giftware component of SO! Me fights for a space among everything else and is unusual in that a lot of it is sourced directly from overseas by the owners. There are artefacts from Vietnam, Thailand and Bali that are not everyday items. The owners have an eye for the unusual, like the silk lotus lanterns, the finely carved stone boxes or the lustrous lacquer boxes with dragonflies embossed on them. However what will impress you the most at SO! Me is the jewellery. Jewellery covers such a wide range of possibilities and the shop offers everything from toe rings for the kids to superbly designed silver with semi precious
stones. There are two glass cabinets each over two metres long with the higher priced items, but most adorns the shelves and mixes with the scarves, bags and gifts to create an enchanting collage of colour and shine. The shop has another drawcard: the unique and stylish jewellery creations of one of its owners, Jennie. She combines semiprecious stones, beads and anything else to create one-off pieces that excite and delight. It’s a pleasure to walk around SO! Me’s brightly lit shelves and take in the ever changing wares that are set up row upon row. SO! Me makes retail shopping the sensual pleasure that it can be, a persuasive mix of beautiful products, soft music in the background, air-conditioned comfort and good service. Remember that concept: service. The staff of this shop will actually talk to you and assist you. And, while talking about the virtues of country town shopping, you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices. If the opportunity presents, consider making the drive to Leongatha to see this shop. It runs normal country hours, which means it is closed from 1pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and public holidays. But, you did come here to get away from the city, so you have to take the good with the not so good. And even though this shop only sells five things, it does do so with a fine style.
Always busy: Leongatha prides itself on being a great place to shop and do business. It draws big crowds from across the region.
Take home a dairy souvenir IF you have a toothache while in Leongatha, you are in luck because there are dentists in town. Which is just as well, given Leongatha is thought to be named from an Aboriginal word meaning “teeth”. The town is a dairy hub and if you are looking for a souvenir, why not pop into a supermarket
and buy some Devondale products, mostly made at Leongatha’s own dairy factory, owned and operated by Murray Goulburn. Many local farmers supply milk to the factory. The farmland surrounding town is not only used for producing quality dairy products, but also some of the finest beef, lamb, wines and vegetables you will find in Victoria, if not Australia.
Local wines are available to sample and buy at restaurants and bottleshops in town. While the settlement of Leongatha dates from 1845, the town itself was not established until the 1880s, when dairying became an important industry. The opening of the railway from Melbourne advanced growth from the 1890s to the early 1900s. Much land was cleared
for farming by members of a labour colony that operated from 1893 to the early 1900s. The colony was subdivided in 1919 into dairy farms for returned soldiers. According to the latest Census, there were 5334 people living in the town in 2011. • Information courtesy of South Gippsland Shire Council’s community profile.
An extraordinary shopping experience
SO me Handbags
Clothing
Giftware
SOM1030016
Jewellery Scarves
Come in and see: Janine Towns shows off some of the latest styles and colours available from Leongatha’s SO! Me.
57 Bair St Leongatha. Ph 5662 3103 | Open Weekdays 9 - 5.30, Sat 9 – 1pm
PAGE 6 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
KORUMBURRA
of LOCH VILLAGE
Cracking Easter on the way EASTER at Coal Creek is set to be a cracker.
ANTIQUE FURNITURE BRIC-A-BRAC COLLECTABLES CHINA, CLOCKS LAMPS
LE HUGE SA IS OVER THEAK R EASTER B
CARR42150053
Always something new and different. Seek and ye shall find.
40 Victoria St., LOCH Ph. 5659 4215
Once again the Coal Creek team is hosting a weekend of family fun and entertainment. Starting with Good Friday, there are hot cross buns in the Pig and Whistle Cafe. The cafe is nestled in the centre of the park and provides a good rest stop when exploring all that Coal Creek has to offer. On Easter Saturday there is fun for the kids with a craft session from 11am to noon. Egg painting and Easter Bonnet making is on offer at the cost of $5 per child. Bookings are essential. Sunday is the big one! Hundreds of hunters will flock to the park for three hours of egg hunting with more than 1000 eggs up for grabs. A hunting licence will set you back $5 each, while entry to the park as always is free. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny at 12.30pm with photo opportunities available. Throughout the day there are fun family activities and prizes drawn at 12.30pm.
Happy hunters: Olivia and Lily Ancilleri were happy with their rewards in a past Easter Egg Hunt.
There is also a non-denominational church service at the Coal Creek Church at 10.30am. From midday, great local bands will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon. Other activities coming at Coal Creek include the ever popular Sustainability Festival on Sunday, April 7 from 9am. Entry to the park as always is free and there is a great range of activities on offer for the whole family. The festival finishes at 1pm. With the school holidays just about here, why not make the trip down to Coal Creek to keep the kids entertained. Each Thursday in the school holidays the park is running craft workshops, games and bush tram rides for children in a package for $10. Bookings are essential and spots fill fast so act quick. Coal Creek is a fantastic asset for Korumburra, and locals should get in and see what it has to offer and see the improvements that are constantly being made.
Experience History - explore over 60 Heritage buildings Enjoy natural bush surrounds COAL CREEK Community Gallery
MUSIC @ THE CREEK EASTER @ THE CREEK Easter Sunday 12pm - 4pm FREE Entertainment @ the Coal Creek Rotunda
Friday March 29 | 11am - 3pm Hot Cross Buns at the café Saturday March 30 | 11am – 12pm Craft session $5.00 per child
Sunday March 31 | 10am – 1pm Easter Hunt, 1200 eggs to be found! $5.00 per license Meet Easter Bunny and enjoy Beggs 2 Differ, Marty Box, Willy FREE family fun activities Golightly & Heart Strings Enter the colouring competition Proudly sponsored by Sentinel-Times
FREE ENTRY
April 3 – April 30 Needle work & Craft A Gentle Inheritance – a Legacy passed down from Mother to a Daughter.
Upcoming Exhibitions Anne Frank Exhibition 10 Oct – 14 Nov Quotations from Anne Frank’s diary and photos of her family form a thread throughout the exhibition.
COAL CREEK
Community Park & Museum | South Gippsland Highway, Korumburra | 5655 1811
www.coalcreekvillage.com.au
COA950114
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 7
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Country Memories is newest exhibition AN exhibition of the latest works by Di and John Koenders entitled Country Memories will open on Friday, March 29 (Good Friday).
Di’s speciality: Di Koenders has a deep love and respect for the native birds and animals of our region. Little blue wrens on old cast-iron kettles, people’s pets and prized livestock are among the diverse range of her works.
The show will be open daily, including public holidays, from 10am to 5pm until Saturday, April 27. As well as examples of their commission work, which Di and John are happy to discuss with visitors, this exhibition also features a wide range of paintings, both in size and subject. Di and John have a great love of South Gippsland. The region’s beautiful landscapes and magnificent birds and animals have provided an unending source of inspiration for these two talented local artists. They have lived on their farm property in Arawata for nearly 40 years, and have amassed a treasure-trove of memories. Our local heritage is important to Di and John, and they really enjoy preserving it for future generations. One of their favourite pastimes is painting farmhouses and properties for families who wish to save their memories, or to pass them on as heirlooms to future generations. Many times when people are leaving a family farm, especially when these are such an important part of peoples’ lives, they want a keepsake of the time spent there. Portraits of family members are also a favoured commission, and lasting images of much-loved pets, and animals ranging from prized cattle or horses, to dogs, cats and poultry are among the requests Di and John have rreceived rece ece ceiv ived iv edd oover verr the ve t years.
During their long careers, both Di and John have received many accolades and art awards for their work, and many famous people have collected them, but their greatest joy still comes from their paintings that touch people’s hearts. Tears for a much-loved pet, or nostalgia for times past – these are the fabric of life which make these two gifted artists’ efforts worthwhile. The satisfaction of producing something which lasts forever and evokes deep emotions in people is important to them. John’s watercolours are widely sought after and beautifully executed. Rustic old farmhouses and broken-down sheds (complete with old Fergy tractors), tranquil scenes of riverbeds and gumtrees, and many others. His oils are mellow and detailed and depict anything from our beautiful coastline (Inverloch, Eagle’s Nest, etc.) to the majestic, rolling hills of South Gippsland and beyond. Di’s speciality is wildlife. She has a deep love and respect for the native birds and animals of our region, and revels in preserving their beauty on canvas. Little blue wrens on old castiron kettles, people’s pets and prized livestock, are among the diverse range of her works. One of the benefits of visiting the gallery direct is the fact that you avoid costly commissions charged by private galleries (usually around 40 per cent), so you can buy a beautiful artwork at an affordable price, and also talk direct to Di and John about their work. They love a chat about art and offer real “country-style” hospitality!
A cup of tea or coffee, or a chilled glass of wine are complimentary, and can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the ambience of the friendly gallery and surrounds. The views are spectacular and colourful wild rosellas, corellas, galahs, and various other ‘feathered varieties’ feed on the balcony. These two experienced professional artists had been painting for nearly 50 years and were already well established in the art world, when, five years ago, they were advised that John is the great grand-nephew of the famous Vincent van Gogh. A documentary has now been produced covering this incredible coincidence and is being shown in many countries around the world. The gallery incorporates their working art studio, and has a charm and atmosphere all of its own! Mayfield is fully air-conditioned for year-round comfort, so it’s a great way to spend a few hours in a unique and picturesque environment. As well as their stunning originals, Di and John carry a large range of limited edition prints of their work, beautifully reproduced and of high quality. They are signed and numbered, and a genuine collectable. Leather-bound books showcasing their work, as well as DVDs of the documentary covering their connection to Vincent van Gogh, are also available at the gallery. Arawata is north of Leongatha and Korumburra. ‘Art gallery’ signs point you to Mayfield Gallery at 655 Fairbank Road. For any enquiries, please phone Di or John on 0428 598262.
Art Show
“Country Memories” A major art show of wildlife & landscapes by
Di & John Koenders March 29 (GOOD FRIDAY) to April 27 Including Easter and all public holidays Open daily: 10am to 5pm
HIRE KARTS BYO KART MEMBERSHIPS (DAY/YEARLY RATE) CORPORATE DAYS GROUP BOOKINGS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND FUNCTIONS DRIVER EDUCATION PHOENIX KART AGENTS KART SALES AND SPARES CAFÉ Stony Creek Go-Karts is located next to the Stony Creek Racing Club, 2km east of Meeniyan VICROADS Map Ref 103 A3 | Melway Map Ref 928 B9
2000 South Gippsland Hwy STONY CREEK Phone/Fax 5664 7272 Email info@stonycreekgokarts.com.au KOE9390019
585 Fairbank Rd, Arawata Ph: 5659 8262 www.mayfieldgallery.com.au
STO6180018
MAYFIELD GALLERY
PAGE 8 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
WONTHAGGI
Pay a visit to Wonthaggi WHEN you wander into Wonthaggi and you’re not sure what to do, make your first stop the Visitor Information Centre. It has everything you need to not only see all the sights of Wonthaggi, but to keep you fully informed about nearby tourist destinations and attractions. A stone’s throw from the coast, Wonthaggi is ideally located to act as a base and launching pad for your Bass Coast holiday and is filled with interesting history. If delving into the past is your forte, your first stop may be the State Coal Mine, which offers a fascinating insight into the difficult working conditions of the Wonthaggi coal miners. Another great attraction is the Wonthaggi Historical Society Museum at the Old Railway Station, which has on display artefacts, photos and documents from pre-settlement to the end of the twentieth century, detailing how Wonthaggi came to be the town it is today. And while history may be in the past, Wonthaggi has reinvented itself as the undisputed commercial and retail hub of South
Gippsland. The town brims with a range of shops and eateries, supermarkets, entertainment facilities and accommodation. When it comes to cuisine, Wonthaggi has it all; Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Italian and more, and you can’t go past a good Aussie pub meal at one of the
many bistros around town. When it comes to shopping, Wonthaggi is the place to go, with plenty of specialty stores available, as well as the Bass Coast Plaza and brand new Wonthaggi Plaza. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of walks to enjoy too. The wetlands are brim-
ming with native life with walking tracks throughout, and if you’d prefer a longer walk, the rail trail runs all the way from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda and Punchbowl. If you’re one for taking the scenic route, there is also a range of tourist drives, from the coastal routes including the
Bunurong Marine Reserve, to through rolling greens hills and hinterland to tiny towns such as Woolami and Kongwak. For other recreational activities, Williamson Beach, only a short drive from Wonthaggi, has some of the best surfing and fishing around. You can also hike up
into the sand dunes, where you’ll find a great view of the desalination plant. The roof of the plant will eventually have
around 100,000 native plants growing from it, while the main site will be surrounded by acres of native trees and habitat.
Place to be: the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club is the perfect place to unwind and relax, whether you’re enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner, or simply stopping in for a cold beer at the bar from Sheree Chetland.
Come admire: art enthusiasts enjoy a previous Easter art show.
Easter art delight
South Gippsland's Leading Entertainment and Dining Venue Wonthaggi Workmen's Club Winner 2012 Clubs Victoria Regional Club of the Year
THE Bass Coast Artists’ Society is celebrating its 45th Annual Easter Exhibition this year and will again be featuring the cream of Bass Coast and Gippsland artists.
RAMALAMA BOOK EXCHANGE
Enjoy a meal in our large modern family friendly bistro whilst taking in the town's colorful history around the venue. Open seven days a week with a great seasonal menu and daily specials. • Large family groups catered for. • Alfresco deck and coffee lounge • Live entertainment. • Fantastic kids playroom. • Award-winning wine list • Visitors and guests welcome
• Sci-Fi, Fantasy • Mystery, Thriller • Romance, M&B • True Crime • Horror • Westerns • Travel • Kids’, Teenage • Military • Self Help, New Age • CDS, DVDs
The exhibition is held at the Goods Shed Studio Art Space Gallery, situated on the Rail Trail in Wonthaggi, opposite the Historic Railway Station. The gallery will be open from 7pm Friday, March 29 with the official opening and awarding of the prizes commencing at 8pm. The exhibition will then be open from Saturday, March 30 to Monday, April 1, 10am – 5pm and Tuesday, April 2, 10am to 2pm. Local businesses have provided more than $5000 in prizes, with a $1000 award for Best in Show provided by Bass Coast Shire Council which includes automatic entry to the Bass Coast Shire Art Acquisitive Program for a further $5000 award.
Bass Coast Artists’ Society Inc
EASTER ART EXHIBITION 2013 at the Goods Shed Studio Gallery, Wonthaggi (Behind Safeway & railway station, enter via Big W carpark)
Bass Coast Artists’ Society’s 45th Annual Art & Photography Exhibition Over 150 items on display and for sale $5000 in prizes
For more information or to make a booking phone reception on
Official Opening: Friday, March 29 8pm (Gallery opens 7pm)
Exhibition:
5672 1083 75 Graham St, Wonthaggi
WON4580346
1 McBride Avenue, WONTHAGGI Ph 5672 4790 RAM2700003
Saturday March 30 to April 1 | 10am to 5pm and April 2 10am to 2pm ul opportunity to view Don’t miss this wonderf work by local artists art and purchase quality
Enquiries: Colin 5674 2892
BAS19490012
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 9
WONTHAGGI
Step back in time WHETHER you’re a history buff, a bit of an explorer or simply love the outdoors, the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine has something for everyone these holidays. As a working mine, the State Coal Mine operated between 1909 and 1968, producing black coal for Victorian Railway’s steam trains. In comparison to our lifestyle in the new millennium, working conditions in the mine are unimaginable today. The State Coal Mine commenced as a visitor attraction in late 1983, with the partial reopening of the mine’s Eastern Area underground workings for public inspection, and now offers visitors a unique heritage and tourist attraction. What’s even better is that no matter the weather outside, you can enjoy the beautiful 17 degrees of the underground coal mines and be entertained by informative and entertaining commentary from experienced tour guides, many of whom are descendants of original miners. A brand new winder and skip makes the journey underground comfortable and accessible for everyone. Above ground, there is plenty to see and do. On selected dates from 10.30am until 12.30pm throughout the Easter holidays, children can come along and take part in activities from the early 1900s. On Tuesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 11, children can take part in a variety of games from the 1920s, such as hoop’n’stick, tunnel races, quoits, bocce, and egg and spoon, three legged and sack races, all at no cost. On Thursday, April 4 they can experience life as a miner, including the chance to make yummy damper in an outdoor oven, to taking an underground tour and eating their lunch in the crib room. On Tuesday, April 9, children can celebrate Wonthaggi’s Italian heritage by making pizza, collecting and potting up herbs from
the cottage garden to take home, dancing to Italian music and leaning to play bocce. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the life as a miner and Italian heritage activities, and the cost is $15 per child. As numbers are limited, bookings must be made for these two activities, however anyone can come along and enjoy the 1920s games. It’s not often you get the chance to dine in an underground restaurant, so there’s no surprise Dine in the Mine is another popular activity at the State Coal Mine. The next event is scheduled for March 30 at a cost of $38 per person. Seats are limited to 18 to 20 people so bookings are essential and must be made by March 29 by calling 5672 3053. For those wanting to take part in an everyday tour, the first skip leaves at 10am, with another tour run at 2pm. With holiday demand however, as one skip fills, another will be scheduled to guarantee no one misses out. The State Coal Mine opens to visitors every day these holidays with the exception of Good Friday. The cafe, From The Ground Up, is now fully operational and is the perfect place to relax and have a bite to eat before or after your exploration of the mine. As a special Easter offer, anyone who presents the State Coal Mine ad from The Star’s Tourist News will receive a 10 per cent discount on any food and drink purchase during the school holidays. For those who prefer to stay above ground, a barbecue area is ideal for a family picnic, with a new garden walk nearby recently completed. The cottage is also worth a visit to see how the miners lived in the early 1900s, and the chook house out the back has plenty of baby chicks for the children to play with. A visit to the State Coal Mine is not only fun, but educational – just don’t tell the kids! So take a trip back in time and take part in a tour these holidays.
Plenty to see and do: Doreen and Norman Lonsdale from Outtrim (centre) took a tour of the State Coal Mine and enjoyed a bite to eat afterwards at From The Ground Up Cafe with Ruth and Paul Lonsdale, who were visiting from Adelaide.
Adventure underground
State Coal Mine ACTIVITY PROGRAM When: Easter School Holidays 2013 Times: 11am to 1.30pm Date: April 2, 4, 9 & 11 Cost:
April 2 & 11 - no charge April 4 & 9 - $15 bookings required For details visit: www.juniorrangers.com.au
Come prepared to laugh... Going underground: Clynton Robinson from Heathcote, Miriam and Tony Brincat from Melbourne and Angus Keates from Adelaide prepare to explore the State Coal Mine with local tour guide, Kevin Guthrie.
...and have fun. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
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PAGE 10 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
PHILLIP ISLAND
Fish and chips with flair Right on the water’s edge on Phillip Island at the Foreshore Restaurant and Bar in Rhyll, you can live the dream and savour some of the freshest fish and chips, but in style.
Proud owners Anthony and Sue Webber have built up a fine reputation for some of the best food and service in the region, and strive to offer their customers an unforgettable dining experience. The experience is so unforgettable that customers return again and again year round for relaxed lunches, sunset sippers, elegant dinners or wedding
celebrations. Perfectly situated on the foreshore in the little fishing village of Rhyll, this Island favourite has been luring diners from all round South Gippsland and Melbourne for years. Lovers of fine food come for the casual yet elegant ambience, the stunning 180 degree seaside views and of course the delicious food and fine wines.
Seafood gourmands will enjoy a delicious selection of dishes on the menu, but for those not tempted by fresh ocean delicacies such as their wonderful freshly shucked Tasmanian oysters, seared scallops and bowls of mussels, then there is a wide range of dishes to suit all tastes including for people with special dietary requirements. At any time of day, the Foreshore is the place to
wine and dine, be it on the balcony, inside in the rustic but stylish restaurant, a drink at the bar or relaxing in the lounge area and of course children are well catered for with their own menu. Autumn is a lovely time to dine at the Foreshore, whether on the deck in the sun or by the fire. If you would like to try one of local region’s premier restaurants, phone the Foreshore on 5956 9520.
Friendly: the friendly staff at Rhyll’s Foreshore Restaurant and Bar serve up great service and fine food.
Fascinating place: the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island.
Take off at museum THE National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island is planning an annual weekend of events as part of Military History and Heritage Week Victoria, over April 20-21.
the foreshore
bar & restaurant
OPEN FOR Lunch & Dinner Covered alfresco dining with water views Fresh seafood and local produce Extensive wine list Bookings essential Closed Tuesdays from April 15, 2013 The Foreshore invites you to come and enjoy quality food and service with amazing views, in the quaint little village of Rhyll
Phone (03) 5956 9520 11 Beach Road Rhyll, Phillip Island www.theforeshore.com.au
FOR5200020
DINING at the seaside for many conjures up comforting memories of fish and chips with the family on the foreshore.
Stylish fare: expert chefs at Phillip Island’s Foreshore Restaurant and Bar serve up a range of stunning seafood and many other delights that will have you coming back for more.
The weekend will begin with a fully catered one day history conference – Choppers: Helicopters and the Vietnam War - in the superb setting of the museum. This is a must go to event for Vietnam veterans, historians and those who just want to learn more about the helicopter experience in Vietnam. The conference will be followed that night by a magnificent dinner set under the wings of the museum’s Canberra bomber. A three course dinner and drinks from Phillip Island gourmet restaurant Spice Island, with well known entertainer Mae Parker singing the songs of the Vietnam era and an entertaining guest speaker in MajorGeneral John Hartley, AM will make this a night to remember. The fundraiser will also see the raffle of a classy Jonesy bronze among other prizes. Bookings are essential for these two events (no walkins) as the museum will only be open on Saturday, April 20 to registered guests for the conference and dinner. See www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org for more information. On Sunday, April 21, the museum will open its doors to all for its inaugural Activities Day from 10am-4pm. In addition to the unique collection in the museum, the day will include the Australian Army Big Band, Thai food stalls, funky camouflage face painting for kids and photo ops with Australian and US re-enactors on our Huey helicopter, US Willys Jeep and Centurion tank. Normal entry fees apply. It’ll be a great weekend at the museum, with something for everybody, don’t miss out.
Visit www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org to register or call 0408 342 795 for more information
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“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 11
PHILLIP ISLAND
Attractions, beaches, relaxation PHILLIP Island is synonymous with the penguin parade, Seal Rocks, stunning views and fabulous beaches of the bay and ocean variety. Four of those beaches have just been named as Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve, an event celebrated in the presence of surfing great Layne Beachley. She was master of ceremonies. Ms Beachley is the first woman in the world to have won seven Women’s ASP World Championships. She said, “Phillip Island has always been one of my favourite surfing destinations with its four excellent breaks: Woolamai the hero, Smiths Beach and Express Point, Summerland and Cat Bay.” Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland (where the penguins come in) and Cat Bay make up the surfing reserve. Two local island surfing legends were there too – Glyndyn Ringrose ASP World Championship Tour surfer and Nikki Van Dyke, ASP Australasia
Women’s Number One Pro Junior. Both Phillip Island and neighbouring San Remo have quieter beaches more suited to families with young children and San Remo’s Griffiths Point is popular with wind surfers. Water sports other than swimming and surfing are well catered for. There is sailing at Cowes and Newhaven which both boast yacht clubs. A boat ramp at Anderson Street, Cowes has just been upgraded by Bass Coast Shire Council and the kiosk there, open during warmer months, offers snacks, ice creams, tea, coffee and soft drinks. But it’s not just about beaches and boating. There are excellent restaurants and both Phillip Island and San Remo have strong historic aspects. This is reflected in their respective cemeteries which provide a wealth of information to those interested. The Phillip Island Cemetery is up a winding track, past a wetland and set among gum trees. It is run by an active cemetery trust.
The one at San Remo sits atop a hill with a commanding view of the sea and Phillip Island Bridge. It is under the management of Bass Coast Shire Council, but there is a Friends of San Remo Cemetery Group that is responsible for many improvements in recent years, including the installation of a memorial garden with seating that offers a reflective opportunity. Churchill Island off Phillip Island has its own history and is a wonderful place to visit. There is a cafe, souvenir shop, historic homestead, walks and activities such as whip cracking. Yoga is held there every Saturday from 9am, although not during Easter. San Remo and Phillip Island have wineries – Silverwaters Winery at San Remo, the Purple Hen at Rhyll and Phillip Island Vineyard and Winery at Ventnor. Rhyll also hosts an award-winning trout and bush tucker farm where you can catch your own trout and yabbies and have them cooked for you. The abiding theme at Phillip Island is this: relax, you’re on island time!
Top recommendation: world women’s surfing champion Layne Beachley says Phillip Island is one of her favourite surf destinations.
EASTER FUN FESTIVAL
Saturday 30 March
Madagascar 3 ‘Europe’s Most Wanted’
Churchill Island Heritage Farm 30–31 March DreamWorks Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted © 2013 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
Free entry with a 3 Parks Pass Saturday 30 March
Madagascar 3
Europe’s Most Wanted Sunday 31 March
Alvin and the Chipmunks™3
Chipwrecked
Sunday 31 March
Alvin and the Chipmunks™3 ‘Chipwrecked’
Performances at 11am and 1pm, with a meet and greet at noon
Free ąŗ Kids Activity Show Bags ąŗ Easter eggs on Sunday ąŗ Plus meet the Easter bunny
Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Chipettes and Characters TM & © 2013 Bagdasarian Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
All your festival favourites are returning for 2013!
penguins.org.au | (03) 5951 2800 @Penguin Parade
PAGE 12 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
SAN REMO
Easter fun at island LIVE character shows from the films Madagascar and Alvin and the Chipmunks will feature at the Easter Fun Festival at Churchill Island. This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever when the cast of the films perform live shows across two big days.
Join in the fun on Saturday, March 30 when Alex the Lion learns how to juggle and hula hoop in the Madagascar live show. Learn some classic circus moves with Alex who’ll be joined on stage by a circus ringleader and some crazy clowns. The fun continues on Sunday, March 31 with everyone’s favourite chipmunks – Alvin, Simon and Theodore. Dance and
sing along to the exciting Chipwrecked show with fun-loving Alvin and gang. And don’t forget – you can meet the characters at noon. The Churchill Island Easter Fun Festival is action-packed with activities for the whole family. From 10am to 4.30 catch the Magic Punch and Judy show, Pockets the Clown, Tall Poppy stilt walker, vintage cars and
Tractor ride: climb aboard for a wagonload of fun at the Easter Fun Festival at Churchill Island.
caravans, working horses, plus live music and stalls. And don’t forget the free kids’ activity show bags being given away all weekend and free Easter eggs on Sunday for the
kids. Cost is free with a Three Parks Pass or family: $27.50 (two adults and two children), adults $11, child $5.50. www. Bookings:
penguins.org.au or phone 03 5951 2800. The Three Parks Pass includes entry to Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Centre and the Penguin
Parade. Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-forprofit organisation. All revenue is re-invested into conservation, research and education activities.
Family favourite: the Magical Punch and Judy Show will be back to delight the crowd at the Easter Fun Festival.
FOODWORKS r o f m s k e r ! o W
OPEN 8am - 8pm 135 MARINE PARADE SAN REMO Free home delivery
5678 5337
AUR3370007
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 13
SAN REMO
Fishing for business: Bass Coast Shire Councillor and owner of the award winning Hillies Meats in San Remo, Bradley Drew encourages people to stay and shop in Sanny.
Sea changers lured to Sanny FROM humble beginnings, San Remo developed as a deep sea port, a bustling fishing village and now to a vibrant town, growing in size every year to cater for the influx of sea changers. While the town’s population sits around 1100, at weekends and holiday times San Remo accommodates tens of thousands of visitors and holidaymakers. Bass Coast Shire Councillor for Anderson Ward and owner of the award winning Hillies Meats in San Remo, Bradley Drew said, “I am a great believer in going fishing.” “We want to catch more of the tourism trade and entice more people to come and settle in Sanny,” Cr Drew said. “San Remo is a great place to visit for a day trip, shop, eat, stay for an extended holiday or come to live. “I see 2013 as being the year for San Remo and looking to the future we will be opening up discussion and debate with local residents. “Bass Coast is the most buoyant shire in Victoria and I would like to see the population double in San Remo in the near future. “We will be actively promoting growth in San Remo and consulting with the current residents as we build for the future and we want the input from the local community every step of the way.” Cr Drew said San Remo has so much to offer, from the fabulous range of accommodation from backpackers to caravan parks, motels and four and a half star resorts.
“We have two thriving hotels, great cafes, restaurants and shops, and we want to encourage people to come to town and buy local and support local jobs and business,” he said. Cr Drew is an active member of the local traders group, and said group president Bronwyn Pratt is doing an outstanding job promoting San Remo. “We are attracting more and more events to the town and we are more than happy to assist any group wanting to run an event in San Remo,” he said. San Remo is only an hour and a half from Melbourne and is the perfect place to stay and take in the best of the region, from the world famous Phillip Island penguins and Phillip Island grand prix race track to Wilsons Promontory and the world class surfing beaches. Named after the famous Italian Riviera resort town, San Remo is a great place to holiday with wonderful bike and walking paths, great fishing, and of course one of the town’s biggest attractions is the daily pelican feeding at noon on the beach adjacent to the San Remo Jetty. Pelicans are such a delight to see and the best thing about this lovely tourism attraction is that viewing is free. Treat the family to a top day out and start with a coffee or fresh juice at one of the local cafes, check out the pelicans feeding on fresh fish, grab some fish and chips or some superb meat from the award winning Hillies Butchers. Enjoy a barbecue lunch in the foreshore park or Lions Park with its barbecue and picnic areas, woodfired pizza oven and a scenic cliff top walk.
Jewellery | Scarves Belts | Books | Gifts Pre loved & New clothing
O
SAN REMO 37 MARINE PARADE 5678 5944
BAKERY & CAFÉ
• Homemade quality gourmet foods • Fresh take-home meals • Catering available • Range of dietary food and beverages available, incl. gluten free, fructose free, lactose free, vegetarian • Experience old fashioned friendly service • Relax in air conditioned comfort and our newly renovated layout
OPEN 7 DAYS Monday - Friday: 6.30am - 5pm Saturday & Sunday: 6am - 5pm
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
O
COWES SHOP 5, 34-38 THOMPSON AVE 5952 1899
San Remo
Bakehouse 153 Marine Parade SAN REMO | 5678 5862
SAN8620002
PAGE 14 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
TARWIN | VENUS BAY
Your one-stop shop to fuel up the car and yourself with • Great coffee • Hot and cold take-away foods • Drinks • Ice creams and Confectionery
We also have: • Bait and tackle for your fishing needs • Trailer and mower hire available
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL DAY, EVERY DAY Mon-Fri: 6.30am-8.30pm Weekends: 7.30am - 8.30pm TAR4950003
Intrigue, fascination and more
RIVER DRIVE, LOWER 5663 5480 49TARWIN
LIPTRAP Creations is one of those shops that takes visitors by surprise. surpr
Come on in: Kerry Harrison promises customers will have an entertaining time at her store, Liptrap Creations.
The Venus Bay store Th packed with delights for is pac you aand for others, and to mark the Tour de Tarwin this E Easter Saturday it has an irre irresistible offer. To Tour participants are promi promised 20 per cent off everyt everything in store simply by presenting the Liptrap Creations business card available in their tour showbags. “It’s worth just popping in,” said proprietor Kerry Harrison. “A lot of people have to come back three times before they see everything.” Women will love the extensive range of fashions from such reputable brands
Women’s Fashion Handcrafted Metal Sculptures Revitalised Vases Jewellery Candles Paintings Home Decorations Handcrafted Driftwood Timber Creations Craft Supplies Incense
Shop 1, 121 Jupiter Road, Venus bay 0400 901 060 | liptrapcreations@gmail.com LIP0600009
LIP0600008
OPEN: Monday & Friday 10.30am to 5pm Weekends and Public & School holidays 9.30 - 5.30pm CLOSED: Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday over winter
as Filo, Whispers, Elegant, VULOS, JV and Lilia. Winter clothing is coming into the store now, from dresses and tops to skirts, hats and scarves. There is giftware for every occasion, particularly something small to say thank you to local hosts if you’re visiting town over Easter. Decorative homewares such as wall hangings, mobiles and artwork cover a breadth of themes, with a focus on coastal influences. Kerry now has a wide range of paints from Jo Sonja’s and wool and other craft supplies for people wishing some private creative pursuits. Admire the range of quirky signs covering a variety of themes and subjects, or take time out
with candles, incense and soaps. “There are metal and driftwood sculptures to suit indoor and outdoor, and small and large original bird feeders too,” Kerry said. She displays a variety of her own original artworks, acrylics paintings interpreting the region through patterns in a style not seen elsewhere. The shop is divided into sections based on colour, with walls and floors painted to suit, to appeal those with an interest in particular shades. Liptrap Creations is open all Easter, all school and public holidays, and at other times, from Friday to Monday. Admire Liptrap Creations at 121 Jupiter Boulevard.
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 15
MEENIYAN
Groovy little Meeniyan SITUATED on the highway, in the foothills of South Gippsland’s rolling green landscape, is the charming country township of Meeniyan. With so much to see and do, Meeniyan is a worthy place to warrant a short stop or a long stay. Stony Creek Go Karts provides the perfect opportunity for your inner revhead to be let out in a safe, fun environment. The track is situated around two kilometres east
of Meeniyan on the South Gippsland Highway and is open seven days a week, from 10am. The track caters for corporate days, group bookings, birthday parties and functions as well as small groups, families and individuals. The Great Southern Rail Trail is a fine gravel pathway suitable for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheelchairs. If you want a great track for running or riding, or simply want to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the region, the rail trail is the perfect direction to head.
There are about 20 access points to the trail, including several at Meeniyan. Starting at Leongatha, the trail goes through Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo, Fish Creek and finishes in Foster. The total length of trail is around 50 kilometres, and it’s up to you whether you attempt just a small section for a stroll, or take to your bike to attempt the whole distance. There is a section to suit everyone. During your journey, you can appreciate the true beauty of South Gippsland including dairy farms, wetlands, stunning
views of Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet and a wildlife corridor of remnant vegetation. If you prefer to take your time in Meeniyan, why not enjoy a barbecue in Tanderra Park, peruse the variety of specialty shops, or tempt the tastebuds at the wide range of restaurants and cafes. The leafy median strip is lined and shaded by mature trees, and is the home of the war memorial and provides a perfect place for a picnic. As well as having all of the services you would expect a small town to
have, Meeniyan celebrates a strong arts community, showcasing contemporary fine art, crafts, jewellery, antiques, theatre and live music. Meeniyan is the perfect base to explore what the region has to offer including the beaches at Venus Bay, Waratah Bay and Inverloch. Drive south to scenic Wilsons Promontory, north to the forests of the Strzelecki hills, east to Agnes Falls and Tarra Bulga National Park or west to Coal Creek and Phillip Island, all within an hour or so.
Contemporary, fine gold & silver jewellery
Beautiful jewellery for all occasions
132 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Phone 5664 0055 please visit lacyjewellery.com.au LAC3100051
Family friendly: back, Shania Stewart-Taylor, and Alice and Ebony Cashin from Meeniyan and Keira Leicester from Dumbalk have fun in one of Meeniyan’s lovely playgrounds.
BREAKFAST LUNCH CAKE & COFFEE
Regional
DINNER
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY
“A ta s te o f s la nd ” S o ut h G ip p
OPEN ALL OVER EASTER WEEKEND Great spot: Kath Gilbert from Fish Creek and Claire Guy from Leongatha enjoy the serenity of Meeniyan’s leafy median strip.
Local Chefs
Head Chef Shane Dight, Emily Darmanin & your friendly host Marty!
Open Thurs. - Mon. 89 Whitelaw Street MEENIYAN 8.30am - 4.30pm 5664 0010 MOO530020
www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au
PAGE 16 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
FISH CREEK
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Relax with a line
One stop, one fish: owner of Fish Creek’s One Fish Furnishings Wendy Davidson, with faithful shop assistant Frankie.
WITH rivers, inlets, bays and ocean, South Gippsland and Bass Coast presents many fishing opportunities this autumn.
Western Port Bay offers a variety of fish, from whiting and snapper, to gummy shark and garfish. While there are ample land-based options, your catch will most likely be bigger with a boat. At Phillip Island, boat ramps can be found at Newhaven, Rhyll and Cowes
and, on the mainland, at Corinella and Coronet Bay. Look for gutters or channels with shallow sandy bottoms, or cast near the edge of weed beds. If wetting a line from land, find a pier or jetty within casting distance of a channel or gutter. Heading eastwards, Cape Paterson offers several reliable fishing spots, such as Undertow Bay, for mullet and salmon. The rocks around the main swimming bay and
Art mecca
TOURIST NEWS won’t pretend to have statistics on this, but we reckon it’s true.
Fish Creek has the highest per capita art gallery ratio of any place in the world. Forget New York, Fish Creek is the epicentre of sophistication and culture. “We’ve got four art galleries and we have the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival coming up in May. We’ve got a new cafe, Nine Acres, which is going very well. Not to mention the brilliant Flying Cow and Cafe Kranen O’Neill Bar & Grill,” One Fish Furnishings’
Wendy Davidson said. “Fish Creek’s full of art and culture.” Wendy has been operating her business, which also has its fair share of artistic offerings, for six years. She wouldn’t be anywhere else. With loads of native animals and birds, it’s an area rich in natural wonders, Wendy said. “It’s an old cliché that it’s a gateway to the Prom, but it really is,” she said. Aside from the colourful locals, the town sees any number of interesting international visitors. “The older crowds come
along in their caravans, touring around Australia. Yesterday we had a Canadian taxidermist who had grown up in Switzerland. He’d had echidnas in his lab in Switzerland and was so excited to see the echidnas and the wombats at the Prom,” Wendy said. And what is it about Fishy that holds her? “It’s just the best place in the world. I just love this place and I’m blessed to live in this beautiful part of Australia,” she said. “The hills are full of artists and musicians, as well as the dairy farmers. We all blend perfectly.”
Here’s hoping: Steve Dunnell of Pakenham tries his luck from Inverloch’s jetty.
Browns’ Bay produce large whiting and pinkie snapper. Anderson Inlet between Inverloch and Venus Bay is suitable for land and boat based anglers alike. Trevally, flathead, King George whiting, snapper, mullet, tailor, estuary perch, bream, gummy shark and elephant fish all abound. Target trevally with white bait and pilchard fillets. Outside Stevie’s Gutter and along the green buoys to Nolan’s Bluff are the pick of the areas. Pinkie snapper can be found between Mahers Landing and Nolans Bluff. Run in tide is the best time to fish. Flathead are throughout the inlet and swim up onto the flats to feed at the top of the tide. The preferred rig is a running sinker with a 50100cm leader, with the best baits including pilchard fillets or pieces, squid strips and blue bait. The use of soft plastics allows you to walk and fish a greater area of the sand flats. The sand flats from the angling club to the mouth of Screw Creek are a great area to target flathead, as is Doyles Road on the Venus Bay side of the inlet. Estuary Perch are low light feeding fish, so fish around snags and under the river gums in the creeks,
using fresh Bass yabbies or frozen prawn and worm. The Tarwin River above the highway bridge and Screw Creek are the premier areas for bream. Lure selection is important as well as fishing tight in on the structure. Best lures are surface poppers and shallow diving minnows. King George whiting enjoy the weed beds past Pensioners Corner, to the east of the Inverloch boat ramp and off the banks at Mahers Landing. Around Wilsons Promontory, Corner Inlet has a good fishing, yielding snapper, salmon, whiting and trevally. The area is popular with game fishermen because it offers the safest ocean entrance between Western Port Bay and Eden in NSW. Many fishable rivers, creeks and reservoirs are only a short distance inland. Brown trout are fairly well distributed in the upper reaches of most rivers, and rainbow trout, blackfish, eels and perch are also caught. The Agnes River can be productive for small brown trout and some blackfish. Boat ramps are situated at Port Welshpool and between Duck Point and Townsend Point near Yanakie Beach. Another ramp is located at Toora but those in larger craft will need to watch the tide.
South Gippsland Tourist Railway Travel on board historic railway carriages on a winding journey through the rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges. It's a leisurely and relaxed way to experience our beautiful countryside . The train passes through some unique places such as the forested Alsop's Creek gully and Hilda Falls. Playgrounds at Loch and Nyora help to make it a fun day out for children. Visitors may tour the heritage listed station at Korumburra including the John Nolan Museum in the former parcels office and a photographic history in the former first class waiting room.
Paul and Gary can give you all the help you need
Come in and check out our range You won’t believe the size inside Large range of plumbing fittings, pipes, taps and fishing gear. Fishing licences available We also stock an extensive range of timber.
TRADING HOURS MON-FRIDAY - 8am-5.30pm, SAT 8.30am-12.30pm
21 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Ph 5683 2378 FIS7600042
Train trips begin at 11 00 am every Sunday also on Wednesdays during school holidays Phone 5658 1111 or 0431 684 981 for timetable information S G R also offers Train Charters for sight seeing groups birthday parties or other functions Dream Come True experiences where you get to drive the train Function Room Hire and Murder Mystery Trains
Phone: 5658 1111 info@sgr.org.au | www.sgr.org.au YA12790002
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 17
g n i z a r in G
d n a l s p p i G
Monthly Dining Guide
BBISTRO
Double Advert size 10cm x 2 colums
FAMILY BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS Introducing our NEW Head Chef Jean-Christophe Tomasi NEW Autumn menu Breakfast every Saturday & Sunday 8.30 - 11.30 am
ONLY
INV770140
$88 PER MONTH
FULL R OU COL
A’Beckett St INVERLOCH | 5674 1432
45 McCartin Street LEONGATHA 5662 5878 info@therustywindmill.com.au
Lots of daily specials CAR5890004
Carmie’s Kitchen 144 Marine Parade SAN REMO 3925 Phone: 5678 5589
d l u o c e c Spa S YOUR
NEW CHEF, NEW MENU
Carmie’s Kitchen
All homemade cakes and muffins. Everything cooked fresh while you wait
75 Graham St, Wonthaggi 5672 1083
This be
OPEN 7 DAYS 8am-4pm
Great coffee, gourmet burgers and lots more
Open seven days a week Great seasonal menu & daily specials.
FREE PHOTO & CAP
café pantry home
Eat in takeaway café by the sea
Large family groups catered for | Alfresco deck Coffee lounge |Live entertainment. Fantastic kids playroom | Award-winning wine list
WON4580343
OPENING HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday Night from 6pm Thursday night 3 courses $35 from 6pm
Wonthaggi b Clu Workmen's Winner 2012 oria Clubs Vict b lu Regional C of the Year
Come into Carmies: whether breakfast, lunch or any time of day Carmies in San Remo is a great place to dine and staff member Courtney Pendergast is one of the happy team dishing up delicious treats to the steady stream of diners in this popular seaside cafe.
Business card size 5cm x 2 colums
ONLY FULLUR O COL
$44
PER MONTH
Sunday Night $15 Roast Monday Night $15 Parmas Tuesday Night $15 Seafood
Plus lots more in venue… Bookings: 5672 1007
80% OFF Membership
Join as a silver member today for only $5 to receive a 10% discount on all Drinks and Meals*. *conditions apply
BISTRO | BARS | ENTERTAINMENT THE WONTHAGGI CLUB 16 McBride Ave WONTHAGGI Phone 5672 1007 www.wonthaggiclub.com.au
Proudly supporting the community
THE6580014
CCAPTAIN’S LOUNGE
THE8590003
South Gippsland's Leading Entertainment and Dining Venue
PAGE 18 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
FOSTER
Foster rich in history CONVENIENTLY located close to Wilsons Promontory, and with its own fabulous array of sightseeing delights, Foster is a ‘must see’ for those on the tourist trail. Something to see: a view of Foster from Kaffir Hill somewhere between 1880 and 1910. The image comes courtesy of the Museum of Victoria.
The town bboasts a rich the beginning history, but in th was little more than a place
Rich history: Foster’s Historical Museum is a great place to visit and delve into the town’s fascinating past. It has been well supported by Foster and District Historical Society members, including, back from left, Norm Sparkes, Reg Williams, John Taylor and Bill Davies, and front, Marion Haupt and Nola Taylor.
An s Bakery
to take a break. Originally called Stockyard Creek, after the stream which still flows through the centre of the town, Foster was a resting place for drovers travelling from Port Albert to Westernport. John Amey, an exconvict from Tasmania, took up land at Bennison, several miles east of the creek, in 1860. He established a profitable farm which shipped produce to Port Albert via packhorse and bullock dray. His daughter often accompanied him on these trips and thus she met and married Port Albert’s Crown Land Ranger. At that time, all logging was supposed to be strictly licensed by the Crown and the illegal logging of blackwood was being carried out around the creek. When timber staves were found washed up after a boating wreck, the ranger became suspicious and travelled to Stockyard Creek to investigate. While he was resting at Amey’s, the father-in-law
hurried out to the loggers’ camp and forewarned them. They cleared the camp and, while pretending to be gold prospectors, actually discovered a rich seam of gold. The find was registered and a rush followed. One of the most profitable claims existed on the site of what is now the State Bank. As there were no police at the site of the rush, William Henry Foster, a magistrate, was called in to adjudicate disputes in 1871. Objecting to carrying out the Crown’s business at an undistinguished ‘creek’, he suggested a change of name. Someone, with a wry sense of humour or an eye on winning the favour of the magistrate, suggested Foster and the suggestion was unanimously carried. According to John Well’s Gippsland – a people, a place and their past, the town was banking massive amounts of gold, with the Bank of Victoria, which set up in the town in 1871, handling about 30,000 ounces of the precious metal during a three year period. Despite this the town was
Explore delights PROPRIETOR Deborah Harris wanted a business name that wouldn’t restrict whatever direction the shop went in and, voila, Main Street Revelations was realised.
g Celebratirns 10 Yea 13 2003-20
In 10 years of operation, the shop has evolved in many ways and continues to be a ‘revelation’ to all who wander through. Gently used books, clothing, bric-a-brac, homewares and manchester were a main feature but staff are always happy to respond to customer requests. A significant part of the business is the wide variety of sterling silver jew-
Wake up to to our fabulous breakfast menu
ellery available. There’s been a gradual introduction of items that are good for people both physically and emotionally, perfect as a treat for oneself or for gifts. From beeswax candles, stainless steel drink bottles and Himalayan salt to meditation CDs, essential oils, crystals and inspirational quotes to display and affirm you. New goods are evaluated on how much they will add to your life. Australian made goods are valued as are unique items made from craftspeople from around the world. Along the way, Main Street Revelations has become a member of both Prom Country Tourism and
Egg Bacon & Cheese toasted sandwiches Big Breakfast Hot Filled Croissants Fresh Brewed espresso coffee Large selection of cakes & slices
Main Street REVELATIONS
Hot Cross Buns
new and gently used quality goods
OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 6.30am to 5pm Sat 7am to 2pm Open Every Sunday 8am to 3pm Ph/Fax 5682 2903 28 Main St Foster
Weekdays: 10am-5pm Sat: 9.30am-4pm; Sun: 10am-4pm Closed Tuesdays from May 30 until Melbourne Cup Day
31 MAIN STREET FOSTER. 5682 1381
www.mainstreetrevelations.com.au
MAI1870013
AND9030031
Fresh salad rolls, wraps, foccacias and sandwiches pre-made or select your own fillings
said to be a relatively happy place to be and Wells noted that it ‘was remarkable there was very little lawlessness’. But Barry Collett, in his fabulous Wednesdays Closest to the Full Moon – A History of South Gippsland, told a slightly different tale, quoting a letter from one of those early miners, who wrote: “We have no police here…fighting was going on last night until nearly daylight this morning (Sunday)…the men looked like falling and rolling about in the slush.” But the town’s gold supplied had all but dried up by 1880 and the more salubrious pursuit of dairying had taken up the financial slack. More settled days followed, with the town growing and prospering amongst the rich pastures. The railway arrived in 1892 and two years later the people of Foster successfully agitated for the creation of the new shire of South Gippsland, with their town as the municipal centre.
Shop owner: Deborah Harris is celebrating Main Street Revelations’ 10th birthday this April. This Foster business has something for everyone.
Prom Country Regional Tourism (PCRT). Through workshops run through PCRT, Deborah gained skills to launch a website and also more recently a Facebook page. You can also find Main Street Revelations on Trip Advisor. Last year, Main Street Revelations participated in the mystery shopper program auspiced by Destination Gippsland, keen to gain unbiased impressions. Deborah and her staff were delighted to receive the outstanding score of 98 percent and impressed the mystery shopper with “... clear professional signage; a cosy, neat and clean interior and a vast range of items to view; the range and quality outstanding”. The popular shop is open all weekend for locals who appreciate browsing on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, and for tourists. “I’ve heard my regulars boasting about their great shop,” Deborah laughed. Closed Tuesdays between May and November’s Melbourne Cup Day, Main Street Revelations is currently trading seven days a week. “Occasionally a customer admits it’s their first visit even though they may have lived in the district all the time we’ve been open,” she said. “Invariably they become regular customers too, so if you’ve never stepped inside, please call in and browse both rooms and see what delights many locals and visitors alike.”
“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013 - PAGE 19
YARRAM
So much to offer
YARRAM is located within the heart of what some would describe as the most beautiful country in Gippsland. The town is the perfect place to stop for a bite or for the night, with its modern amenities and some of the best food and coffee in South Gippsland. From the glittering Ninety Mile Beach to the inviting cool atmosphere of Tarra Bulga National Park, and from the historical Port Albert to the natural wonder of Wilson’s Promontory, a stop at Yarram has plenty to offer. Yarram itself offers its visitors a plethora of things to do and see. Sport lovers can spend some time on the 18 hole golf course, enjoy a hit of
tennis on the courts, or take a refreshing swim in the pool. The recently restored Regent Theatre is worth a visit, plus Yarram’s extensive shopping facilities will have even the most seasoned shopper excited. The old Court House, which is now an information centre and gallery, is open every day except Wednesdays. A wide range of accommodation is available for visitors, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and caravan parks, all clean and friendly. Fishing is a major attraction and the Yarram area provides some of the best places along the coast to drop a line. Launching ramps, hire and charter boats are available out of Port Albert, as
Living history: Yarram is steeped in historical significance, as demonstrated by some of the older buildings in the main street. well of plenty of prime fishing spots off the jetties and the wharf. Snapper, gummy shark, flathead and whiting are waiting to be caught. The Yarram Memorial Gardens, located at the southern end of the town’s commercial centre next to the bowling green and swimming pool, features
Great art: Debbie Hobbs and Sue Gelbov check out some of the fantastic artworks on display at the Court House Gallery in Yarram.
An Autumneyes! feast for your Our free, community-run gallery welcomes you!
Open Every Day Except Wednesday, 10am-4pm Cnr. Commercial Rd and Rodgers St YARRAM 5182 6553 www.yarramchgallery.blogspot.com
YA26070025
•Paintings •Photography •Ceramics •Textiles
water attractions, pathways and a playground. The Tarra Bulga National Park is well known for its giant mountain ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches. The park covers some of the best examples of the original cool temperate rainforest of the Strzelecki Ranges.
Walk to the impressive Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge, which stretches through the rainforest canopy, affording spectacular views of the lush fern gully on the forest floor below. Another delightful walk is the Tarra Trail, which follows the path of the historic Great Southern Railway between Yar-
ram and Alberton, through farmland with views of the Strzelecki Ranges and Wilsons Promontory. This easy trail is perfect for young children or people of any ability to walk or ride. The importance of tourism to Yarram is growing by the year, and local traders are always friendly.
PAGE 20 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Autumn Edition, 2013
BISTRO | BARS | ENTERTAINMENT OPEN UNTIL LATE 7 DAYS A WEEK
In the Bistro LUNCH 12pm-2pm
DINNER 6pm-9pm
MON $12 Light Lunch
$15 Parmas
TUES $12 Light Lunch
$15 Seafood Specials
WED $12 Light Lunch
Double Discount (extra 10%)
THUR Big Bucks Bingo
Steak Specials
NEW CHEF | NEW MENU Full Bistro Menu available Lunch and Dinner 7 Days Bookings Essential Phone 5672 1007
Sportsbar Open late 7 days With TAB, Trackside, Keno, and all-day snack menu
Courtesy Bus Local pick-up and Drop Off (with notice)
18-Hole Golf Course The Wonthaggi Golf Club boasts a picturesque 18-hole course set on 103 acres of undulating land. The easy-walk course is a welltreed and testing 18-hole layout stretching 5862 metres with a par of 72 and an ACR of 70. A fully stocked golf shop has hire clubs, buggies and electric carts available. The clubhouse includes shower and change facilities, quality dining room, and a range of entertainment options. Wildlife on the course may include kangaroos, rosellas, kookaburras and wombats.
Golf Bookings - Phone 5672 3697
THE WONTHAGGI CLUB 16 McBride Ave WONTHAGGI | Phone 5672 1007 www.wonthaggiclub.com.au Find out what’s on today! THE6580010