South Coast Tourist News - Summer 2011 by The Great Southern Star

Superb local seafood, Fine local wines,Tranquil waterfront views 40 Wharf Street, Port Albert. For bookings call 5183 2007 www.wildfishrestaurant.com.au

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AS a youngster, one of the best Christmas holidays my family took was to Phillip Island. At nine years of age I had well and truly been bitten by the fishing bug, so almost every day I would take my pride and joy, Grandpa’s old cane rod with a Bakelite reel, down to the pier at Cowes. Over the following years my horizons were broadened as to just how good the fishing can be in the entire region. So look at this as a holidaymaker’s guide to catching a fish on our piece of the south coast. San Remo The jetty here is a terrific spot for squid fishermen in the warmer months. Also a great spot for garfish in the shallows between the jetty and the bridge, but watch out for the fast running water as you get deeper. Newhaven The jetty here does give up good catches but mostly on the run-in tide. Snapper, gummies, banjos, trevally and mullet are all very common to this spot, but get here early as spaces are taken up quickly on nice days. The boat ramp here is excellently sheltered from most of the southerly winds that come whistling through. Easy access to Maggie Shoal, Anderson Peg and the other way to Cleeland Bight and the eastern entrance. Rhyll Flathead and ling nearly always in good numbers from the jetty. The boat ramp is always busy here because of its close proximity to the corals and the area known as the elephant triangle. Cowes Whether land based or on a boat, the fishing here is tremendous almost all year round. The area in front of Cowes and Ventnor is home to some of the biggest snapper in Western Port. You will also find a large variety of sharks as the water starts to warm up. Tortoise Head bank on French Island opposite Cowes holds some of the best whiting fishing in the bay from Christmas until Easter. Turn east at Cowes to fish Silverleaves and the corals. Land based anglers can cer-

Here’s hoping: Dale Wilson of Inverloch waits in anticipation of catching a flathead from the Inverloch jetty. tainly enjoy this area with Cowes jetty being a tremendously productive spot. Flathead, ling, snapper, skate, coutta and pike are the most common catches. Along the front of Cowes the fishing is good all the way from Mussel Rock in the east to Red Rocks at the western end. Catch salmon, whiting, flathead and the occasional smaller shark along with squid and coutta from dusk. Punchbowl The rock ledges here can be very productive, however this is not a place for the fainthearted. To call the access track a ‘mountain goat path’ is no exaggeration. Leave the kids at home. Unfortunately several lives have been lost here over the last few years, so great care must be taken when fishing or just exploring in this area. Kilcunda Easy access to some very good surf beaches makes Kilcunda one of the most popular spots with fishermen and surfies alike.

Those wanting to try rock fishing should give Shelley Beach or the rocks at the mouth of Bourne Creek a go. One of the most popular surf fishing spots is behind Kilcunda cemetery. With gutters running close to shore, you don’t need masses of gear or effort to get onto the fish. Williamsons Beach Situated just before Wonthaggi, this is a popular spot at any time of the year. The only drawback to this spot is the long walk from the car park to the beach. Cape Paterson An absolutely beautiful spot with some magnificent fishing beaches. Accommodation and food are also on hand, so have a look around this peaceful, quiet and amazing spot. Inverloch/Anderson Inlet The seaside town of Inverloch has long stretches of beach providing some ideal spots for land based fishing. A serviceable ramp grants access to both Anderson Inlet as well as the open waters of Bass Strait. Anderson Inlet provides some top spots and a wide variety of species to cater for most anglers’ tastes. Mahers Landing has estuary perch among others. The inlet is serviced by four boat ramps: Inverloch, Mahers Landing, Fisherman’s Landing and the Tarwin estuary. Venus Bay Fantastic surf fishing on the back beaches of Anderson Inlet and access is via the sleepy little town of Venus Bay. The beaches here are identified by numbers one to five. Beaches four and five have always been the most consistent for salmon, mullet and trevally. The tide variations here are sizeable but best fished on the incoming tide. Waratah Bay Well known by locals as one of the few places where King George whiting spend their winters. The coastline of the bay is about 10km long taking in Walkerville, Walkerville South, Waratah Bay and Sandy Point. Continued on page 6.

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THE Tarra Festival has been an icon of Easter in the Yarram district for 39 years and the 2011 event promises to keep the tradition alive. With the theme of ‘EcoHeaven 2011’, the festival will offer fun, arts, culture, music, sport, markets and music and appeal to all ages. Organisers are looking forward to Yarram coming alive, with eco friendly related performers and entertainers, like The Can You Dig It? Gardening Team, a caricaturist, giant majestic butterﬂies on stilts, and Tim Tim the amazing clown specialising in balloonology, bubbleology, juggling and more. A giant instrument will arrive in town for the festival earlier in the year, called Ruang-a-bang-bang. Students will be able to learn from master musician Steve Schultz. A performance will be presented on Easter Saturday during the Look, Lunch and Listen event. The Can You Dig It? Gardening Team is a group of percussive gardeners, playing infectious rhythms on ﬂower pots and other gardening implements like shovels, brooms and spades transported on a customised wheelbarrow. The roving performance has loads of funky drumming, juggling, comedy and audience participation. The Gardening Team was a favourite feature act at the Ballarat Begonia Festival. The highly successful Chocolate and Jazz festival will return for

2011, being held at the Tarra Valley Rainforest Retreat. This wonderful afternoon of pure indulgence will offer local produce to buy, eat and drink, plus chocolate making demonstrations and fantastic jazz in the beautiful surrounds of Tarra Valley.

It is a blend of colour and sound and appeals to young and old. The main event is the street parade on Easter Saturday morning, featuring ﬂoats created by community groups, clever individuals and school students. It is a blend of colour and sound and appeals to young and old. Over the four day event, Yarram and surrounds comes alive with activities. Families will have the choice of an Easter Egg Hunt, Lions Mixed Sports Day, Rotary Art Show, Pancakes in the Park and much more. Street performers will meander around town prior to and after the Saturday morning parade, markets will be held in Yarram and Port Albert, and the famous ghost tours will be at the historic Alberton Cemetery. From the festival’s inception in 1971 to today, the Tarra Festival has been the embodiment of community spirit. The festival brings together the residents of this rural township and the surrounding district in a

celebration of its history while showcasing all that Yarram has to offer. The signiﬁcance of the word “Tarra” originated from Charlie Tarra, an aboriginal who guided early explorers such as Count Paul Strzelecki, James McArthur and James Riley to this area and to what is now referred to as ‘Tarra Territory’. The Tarra Festival is coordinated by a team of volunteers and representatives of local service groups and community organisations. The committees’ aim is to coordinate and promote a program of activities and events staged by the local service groups, schools and community organisations throughout Easter. The festival is funded 100 per cent by sponsorship, grants and donations from businesses, tourism bodies and Wellington Shire Council, with dozens of volunteers all helping to make the festival come alive. So whatever you are doing on the Easter Long Weekend, come and experience Tarra Festival and make sure you don’t miss one of Gippsland’s biggest and most popular events. To ﬁnd out more, check out the website: www.tarrafestival.com.au Major sponsors in 2011 are Woolworths and Wellington Shire Council.

Party time: Tim Tim, performer extraordinaire, is bound for the 2011 Tarra Festival.

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Heritage delight: the township of Yarram boasts many historical buildings for tourists to enjoy.

AFTER years of planning, the ﬁrst stage of Yarram’s Tarra Trail is complete. The former railway line from Yarram to Alberton has now been transformed into a shared rail trail with the help of a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government, $60,000 from Wellington Shire and $10,000 from the local community. The project involved building a gravel trail 2.5 metres wide, with seating, signage and revegetation. Tarra Trail president Judy Kennedy and her committee can now sit back and enjoy what they worked so hard to create for the entire community.

“The trail starts just near the recreation reserve, continues through the town, crosses Pound Road and the South Gippsland highway at Eady’s corner and continues on to the Alberton Primary School,” Judy said. “There are six seats along the route for people to sit and take a breather. We are planning to build a picnic shelter near Eady’s corner as well. “We have had enoromous support from community groups who have helped with reforestation of the trail and SP AusNet who contributed ﬁnancial support to the purchase of native plants.” Recent rain has boosted the growth of these trees in the past weeks, so the area is looking just

Biking: Yarram’s Tarra Trail Inc president Judy Kennedy is pleased with the new trail that runs from Yarram to Alberton.

fantastic, just in time for the tourist season. “The track has proved extremely popular and we have had great feedback from people using it, which is very gratifying,” Ms Kennedy said. “It (the track) is an easy walk or ride for anyone thinking about using it. We have a number of locals who walk or ride it every day, some go just part of the way, while others walk or ride the whole distance. “We are working with the Yarram and District Health Service on a number of ideas which will enchance the health beneﬁts of the trail in the future, but already it is a fanantic healthy asset for the whole community.”

The overall plan for the Tarra Trail includes continuing the trail to Port Albert. “It has always been the intention to continue the trail through to Port Albert. Everything takes time but hopefully in the not too distant future this will happen,” she said. While many tourists and locals are already using the Tarra Trail, the committee is looking to hold the ofﬁcial opening celebration in March. Plans are also underway for the Tarra Trail to eventually connect to and be an important part of the Great Southern Rail Trail, adding to the signiﬁcant infrastructure assets in Gippsland’s nature-based tourist attractions.

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Birthday girls: Alan Hewitt of Queensland, Elizabeth and Philip Tracey of Robertson’s Beach and Ann Hewitt of Queensland celebrate Elizabeth and Ann’s birthday at Wildﬁsh. Summer days: Sawtells Inlet at Tooradin is a tranquil spot to stop. Photo courtesy City of Casey.

FRESH local produce is one of the keys to the success of Wildfish restaurant and fish and chip shop at Port Albert. Beautiful surroundings, fully waited service and views of the sea are among the others. Owner Michael Hobson said Wildfish was a restaurant experience that had been lacking. “We basically take the best of the local produce and present it as it should be.” This summer, expect kingfish, snapper and scallops to be among the seafood on the Wildfish menu. Of course there will be the fantastic rock flathead, which can only be

caught from Western Port Bay to Corner Inlet. Many of the vegetables and herbs being served up this summer, including the tomatoes, capsicums, egg plants, coriander and curly leaf and Italian flat leaf parsley, come from Michael’s own garden at Port Albert. Quality wines from local wineries are among the drops on offer in the restaurant. Keeping with the local and fresh theme, an exciting development has been the purchase of Wildfish’s own fishing boat, which is being refitted and will be on the water next year. “It’s a nice way for the business to expand.” The fish and chips are the best in

the nation and make use of “very, very fresh ﬁsh”. The phenomenal little business has been voted the most popular takeaway in Wellington shire. Wildﬁsh has been open since May 2008. Michael had returned from overseas where he had seen fantastic restaurants by the water, but most of them did not use local seafood. Michael’s family has lived in Port Albert since 1846. “I love living here,” he said. “This is my passion and this is what I’ve decided to do. It’s really surprising how well it has taken off.” There are now two full time chefs and bookings are highly recommended to avoid likely disappointment.

Discover the past FOR a trip back in time, visit the award winning Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum at Port Albert. The museum showcases Gippsland’s nautical past, from the settlement of Port Albert in 1841 after the wreck of the paddle-steamer, Clonmel, to more recent developments. Port Albert was initially the major port for the region, offering a gateway to the goldﬁelds of Walhalla. Museum visitors can see a cannon from Cliffy Island and the drum lens from the Cape Liptrap lighthouse, as well as enjoy numerous exhibitions. The museum displays artifacts from the Clonmel and other vessels destroyed along the coast. Outside, enjoy exhibits such as the work boat from the Cliffy Island lighthouse and the “Talking Boat”, taking people on an imaginative journey overnight on an old inlet ﬁshing boat. Navigation equipment displays, ample reading material and fascinating other photos will appeal to people of many ages.

The well serviced coastal town offers fishing, walking and birdwatching, as well as dining at cafes, a hotel or sporting club. The town’s foreshore precinct is peaceful yet located just off the South Gippsland Highway and is appointed with barbecue facilities and public toilets. Services such as an ATM, post office, chemist, supermarket and bakery add to the town’s appeal, and the town also boasts a fascinating bookshop for all your holiday reading. Watch pelicans feed and frolic, or gaze as the fishermen return from Western Port Bay. Families can walk around the shores of the inlet, gazing at nature or dangling a line in the hope of catching lunch. Tooradin is a destination in itself, or is a convenient stop-off point between South Gippsland and Melbourne. The town carries a fascinating past. The surrounds were first settled in 1839 when Robert Jamieson and Samuel

Rawson established a ‘run’ beside Yallock Creek. Soon, Tooradin became a small sea port to transport produce to Melbourne, aided by its reputation as a safe boat anchorage and a more attractive option than the dangerous journey to Melbourne. There are a couple of events this summer at Tooradin, which will appeal to many people. On Australia Day, a free sunset cinema will be held on Memorial Island at Sawtell’s Inlet. There will be a free sausage sizzle for the ﬁrst 500 people, face painting, children’s activities and the singing of the national anthem. The event starts at 6.30pm and goes until 11pm. On Saturday, January 15 there will be a tractor pull and truck show at Rutter Reserve on the South Gippsland Highway from 10am to 10pm. As well as trucks, there will be Australia’s ﬁrst showing of the new William Adams cat prime mover and the annual tractor pull. Freestyle motocross demos and fun for the children also feature.

Continued from page 3. Some great fishing in these areas, unfortunately boaties are only serviced by sand ramps at Walkerville, Walkerville South and Waratah Bay. Corner Inlet Yanakie Landing, close to Duck Point has a decent boat ramp but it can be affected by the tidal fluctuations. Pretty good land based fishing here at times. Fishing at Port Franklin can be a bit hit and miss but when the fish are on, it’s well worth the effort. Port Welshpool has a good jetty for the land based fishos. A three lane boat ramp that is in very good nick makes this a premium spot for boaties looking to get into the great fishing to be had all around Corner Inlet. The channels around the islands are always productive, with some large snapper up to 10kg being taken around new year’s and through to February. If you like your flathead on the larger side, this is the place to come.

Port Albert Another sleepy little hollow that is well worth a visit. Terrific launching facilities for boaties who want to fish in the many channels and around the islands in this area. A good spot for land based fishos with jetties and beaches all productive. Ninety Mile Beach Lots of choices along this extraordinary stretch of Australian coastline. McLoughlins and Woodside beaches can get blowy at times, but some magnificent salmon get taken along here. Seaspray, the Honey Suckles, Golden Beach and Paradise Beach all offer good fishing as well as some top places to stay and play. Loch Sport has a wide array of stores to stock up in for those touring around or choosing to stay in town or close by. This was a favoured spot of my late father. Some of the flathead and bream he would bring home had to be seen to be believed.

SITUATED on the shores of Sawtells Inlet, Tooradin is an ideal location for returning to nature.

Wildﬁsh welcome: Sheree Kilgower and EmmaJaye Gavin are among the friendly staff at Wildﬁsh at Port Albert.

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Region of enchantment THE W Welshpool lh l region i hhas plenty to offer. One of the biggest highlights of visiting is the journey there. As you make your way down the South Gippsland Highway from Leongatha for part of the drive, Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory is visible out one side while beautiful hills adorn the other side. The Toora wind farm is a picturesque highlight of the drive. Agnes Falls is only 10km from Welshpool and a scenic drive to Tarra Bulga National Park also begins in the town. Welshpool itself is a pretty village with trees lining the main street and Shady Creek at the western entrance to town. The town has all the necessities with a hotel/motel, supermarket, general store, ANZ bank outlet, petrol and mechanical help. Why not plan a stop in the town to pick up some food and have a coffee? There are toilets, and play equipment for those restless children in the park. If you need to stretch your legs for an extra long time, a new feature this summer is the Welshpool to Port Welshpool track. Make your way for several kilometres on the recently created track through picturesque rural farmland. Once you arrive in Port Welshpool take advantage of the

amenities which iti there, th hi h include i l d the obligatory playground near the beach and food and accommodation options. The inlet beach itself is safe for swimming and relatively calm, making it ideal for relaxation on a hot day. There is plenty of beach space to share and lots of sand for the kids to enjoy getting creative with. Port Welshpool is a popular spot for fishers and is home to commercial boats. Try with a rod and a reel off the pier or bring your boat and head out into the deeper waters. The Prom Coast Summer Festival is on from December 29, 2010 to January 2, 2011 and centres around the towns of Port Welshpool, Welshpool, Toora and Mount Best. Activities scheduled for the five day celebration include sand sculpting, touch tank display and a try fishing event for the kids at Port Welshpool. The Pier Port Hotel will hold seafood cooking demonstrations. Colourful resident John Woolley will tell salty stories at the terminal. John has worked on boats for years and collected many great anecdotes. At Welshpool see the fabulous Black Light Puppets and watch kelpie dogs in action at the Beloka dog trials.

Great place: Jan Gordon of Hazel Park and Lomas Bennett of Port Welshpool in the main street of Welshpool.

Water refuge: Gypsy Whittle of Port Welshpool with The catch: Graeme Edwards of Trafalgar cleans ﬂathead at her dog on the town’s beach on a steaming hot day. Port Welshpool after ﬁshing in Corner Inlet.

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Toora beach: picturesque scenes and amazing birdlife make this a ‘must see’ spot.

An invitation to Toora LONG-TIME Toora resident and former South Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr Jeanette Harding, tells us why her town is a ‘must visit’ location for those on the tourist trail… WHEN you are looking for a couple of days of fresh air and relaxation, drive to Toora, 180km from Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. Overlooking Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory, Toora is a small rural town of about 600 residents ready to welcome you in true country style. The town boasts award-winning accommodation at the Toora Caravan Park, with entertainment for the whole family. The Toora Lodge Motel and Royal Standard Hotel are also great places to stay. Toora is renowned for its eateries, and the Standard Hotel, the Toora Chinese Takeaway Restaurant, Antonio’s Pizza Parlour, Windmill Café and Barb’s Place all offer various culinary

delights. The Windmill Café is renowned for its coffee and delectable pastries. The same goes for Barb’s Place, with its homemade cakes, light meals and drinks. The town’s galleries and shops offer tourists something to peruse. Fill up at the Toora Service Station and head up Sillcocks Hill for a leisurely drive. Further along is the Toora wind farm car park. Grand views of the town, Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory abound. Truly, this is a photographer’s dream. Continuing on, you can follow the signs to the spectacular Agnes Falls. Again, have your camera ready. Drive further along sealed roads amid rural scenes to Welshpool and head back to Toora, stopping at Beloka Kelpie Stud (open Tuesdays or by appointment). The stud has been featured on TV and is a regular at the Royal Melbourne Show and local shows. Cuddle a puppy and see how quickly they can be trained to be ‘man’s best friend’. Back at Toora, you can enjoy some rest and relaxation at our

pride and joy – the Toora heated pool. Open seven days a week, the pool is a mecca for water lovers. Toora also has great tennis courts and the best grass bowling green in Gippsland. For those who like to wander amongst nature, the Heritage Pear Orchard and town park offer a real treat. You can also drive to Toora beach and quietly count the birdlife or have a picnic at our best kept secret, Franklin River Reserve, a place of beauty with conveniences located two kilometres west of Toora on the South Gippsland Highway heading toward Foster. An alternative is to drive to Mount Best, another spot with lush green hills. It also has its fair share of tree ferns and wildlife. You’ll see houses too, that seem to pop up among the natural vegetation. With plenty of signage, you can meander along the gravel roads and take in the spectacular views from different perspectives. Head down to Port Franklin, a picture perfect ﬁshing village that offers fresh ﬁsh for the barbecue. Back at Toora you can dive deep into family history at the local historical society.

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Painting talent: local school children painted the surfboards on Beach Parade to reﬂect the Sandy Point ethos.

IF YOU ever wanted to go to a small beach town with a fantastic beach and spectacular view, Sandy Point is the place to go. With a population of about 300 people, Sandy Point is primarily a retreat town, with the majority of residences being holiday houses and apartments. There is an interesting mixture of beach houses and permanent homes in a wide range of architectural styles. Sandy Point is located at the entrance of a narrow peninsula that fronts both Waratah Bay and Shallow Inlet with its adjacent wetlands. It is situated at the northern end of Wilsons Promontory National Park and is a perfect and accessible base for exploring the beauty of the natural attractions in

Summer fun: Sandy Point General Store proprietors Andrew and Sue Cummings said the beach is a very popular spot over summer.

the area. The beach is very popular with swimmers and surfers and is supported by the local surf lifesaving club. The commercial centre of Sandy Point features a cafe, general store, mini golf facility and real estate ofﬁce. The general store sells everything from petrol and the local paper to fresh fruit and alcohol. Andrew Cummings, of the Sandy Point General Store, said the beach is the main attraction of the town. “It is family friendly and good for surfing and swimming,” he said. Fishing is good off the beach at Sandy Point and from boats on Shallow Inlet. “We have two boats available to hire all year round,” Mr Cummings said. He said it gets busier every year in the

town over summer because the township is just minutes away from eight kilometres of pristine surf beach. The local cafe provides meals and updates on the surf and weather reports. The Sandy Point Holiday Park is a great place to stay while visiting the town. On the opposite side of town, Shallow Inlet is where the compacted sand allows visitors to drive their vehicles right out onto the beach and close to the water’s edge. Shallow Inlet is popular with windsurfers and kite surfers. “An Australian speed record in windsurﬁng was set at Shallow Inlet in 2006,” Mr Cummings said. Spectacular views across Shallow Inlet and down to Wilsons Promontory can be enjoyed by climbing the sand dunes.

Life saving: Nick Buruma and Ashley Presser of Luther College enjoy the beach on a school trip.

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FOR the person who loves a good market, Foster is the perfect place to be. The Promontory Home Produce and Craft Market and the Foster Farmers’ Market have become institutions in the town, drawing thousands of holiday makers and tourists alike. “The market has been going for about 30 years. The Easter market draws about 5000 adults through the gate. There’s over 250 stalls. It’s quite a big market,” Promontory Home Produce and Craft Market co-ordinator, Max Parnell, said. The Foster Rotary Club member has been in-

Tourist draw card: the Foster Farmers’ Market is always popular.

volved with helping run the market for about 15 years. The Rotarians work with Toora Lions and Fish Creek Jaycees, with all proﬁts going back into the community via their various projects. Max believes the market’s popularity is due largely to its friendliness and the superb location. “The venue is fantastic. The showground is one of the nicest ones around. It’s maintained by voluntary labour. Everyone comments on what a beautiful setting it is,” he said. “There’s such a wide variety of stuff there. It seems to be getting bigger every year.” For the last 25 years entry has been $1, but as costs of running the market have increased,

the entry fee this season will be $2 for adults, with children under 16 free. Selling starts from 8am and continues to mid-afternoon. The Foster Farmers’ Market is similarly popular during the summer months. With the ﬁnest fresh produce and loads to see and do, it is little wonder the event draws a crowd. The Promontory Home Produce and Craft Market will be held on January 2, January 23, March 13 and April 24. The Foster Farmers’ Market is held every third Saturday in the month at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre Hall, Main St, Foster.

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Gateway to the Prom FOSTER stands at the very gateway to one of Australia’s most amazing natural wonders – Wilsons Promontory. The first European to see the promontory was George Bass in January 1798, but Aboriginal occupation at Wilsons Promontory dates back at least 6500 years and the park is highly significant to the Gunai–Kurnai and the Boonerwrung Clans who call it Yiruk and Warnoon respectively. Wilsons Promontory contains the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria, and draws visitors from all over the world. Over 30 species of native mammals, not including marine mammals, have been recorded in the park. These include populations of the Long-nosed Potoroo, Swamp Antechinus, White-footed Dunnart, Broad-toothed Rat, Feather-tailed Glider and Eastern Pygmy-possum, as well as the more familiar kangaroos, koalas and wombats. One of the most significant habitats of the New Holland Mouse also occurs within the park, and a number of species of whale have been sighted in the waters off its coastline. The Yanakie grasslands are popular for viewing Eastern Grey Kangaroos, wombats and emus. Significant species of migratory wading birds feed on the tidal mudflats of Corner Inlet within and adjoining the park. The offshore islands provide roosting and breeding sites for sea birds, including an enormous number of Short-tailed Shearwaters. Populations of the endangered Damselfly Hemiphlebia mirabilis, a “living fossil”, are found around freshwater swamps and lagoons in the park. Wilsons Promontory also has a number of introduced animals, including foxes, cats, rab-

bits, starlings and blackbirds. The park has diverse vegetation communities including warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest, tall open forests, woodlands, heathlands, and swamp and coastal communities. The park has stands of White Mangrove, the most southerly stands of mangroves in the world. The heathlands, influenced by the frequency and intensity of fire, are rich in species and provide habitats for a variety of fauna, including many threatened species. Wilsons Promontory has a variety of geological and landform features of national geological and geomorphological significance. There are nine individual sites within the park of state or regional significance, including Darby, Squeaky and Five Mile Beaches, Great Glennie and Cleft Islands, and Chinaman Creek Delta. Norman Bay at Tidal River is an excellent and accessible place to study the different kinds and formations of granite that make up the Prom. The promontory represents the northern end of a large granite mass extending to north-east Tasmania. Coastal features include expansive intertidal mudflats, sandy beaches and sheltered coves interrupted by prominent headlands and plunging granite cliffs in the south, backed by coastal dunes and swamps. In the intertidal zone adjoining Corner Inlet, large areas of highly productive tidal mudflat are exposed at low tide. Corner Inlet contains internationally important habitat for migratory wading birds. For those who like to explore nature, Wilsons Promontory is one of those rare, life-affirming experiences.

Family destination: Wilsons Promontory is the perfect destination for dad, mum and the kids to get away together.

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A town full of fish FISH Creek is bursting with fish orientated things to see. As you drive into town there is a sign saying “Welcome to Fish Creek”. That sign has a fish on it. Drive a little further, the Fish Creek pub is in sight. There is a massive mullet sitting on top of the roof. Shop names are also related to fish;

One Fish Furnishings, Orange Roughy, the Green Baron and Fish Tales book shop. In the park, the tables are shaped as fish and there is a fish mural painted on the side of a fence. There is a seat in Falls Lane which has been decorated in broken tiles to form an image of a fish, boat and lighthouse. Fish Creek is a very fish orientated town with a big heart.

Hunting for treasures: there will be plenty of second hand items to ﬁnd at this year’s swap meet.

Swaps put club in top gear THE South Gippsland Branch of the Gippsland Historical Automobile Club is famous for its swap meetings, which bring thousands of car enthusiasts to the Korumburra Showgrounds each year.

Everything’s here: even the kitchen sink was thrown in at last year’s event.

This year it will be held on January 9 from 6am. The event is one of the largest held in South Gippsland. Attendances have steadily kept growing every year, visitor numbers as well as stall holders. People come from far and wide to the swaps, which have a nationwide reputation, with sellers

coming from as far as New South Wales. This event will be the 28th time the event will be held. It includes a vintage and classic car display, which always attracts many admirers. The cars look immaculate. In 2007, the South Gippsland branch celebrated significant milestones, when members opened the doors of a new clubroom on the Leongatha Recreation Reserve. The official opening on that particular Saturday was timed precisely to the day the branch was formed, (then) 30 years ago, on August 18, 1977. The club will be 34-years-old in 2011. With more than 80 members, the South Gippsland branch is a thriving club that has established its own place in automobile history. Branch members have been running the swapmeet in Korumburra in January for more than 25 years and organise day runs, weekends away and social nights. The proceeds from the swap-meets have largely funded the renovation of the club room. Previously members held their branch meetings at different locations. The Gippsland Historical Automobile Club was founded in 1968 in Morwell. The prime objects of the club were to assist anyone interested in historic motor vehicles, motor cycles, tractors, trucks and stationary engines of 25 years or older. However, people do not need to own anything historic, such as a vintage car or any other related item, to be a member of the club. Over the years, as membership grew, other branches were formed. Today, South Gippsland is one of six branches. The other five are East Gippsland, Heyfield and District, LaTrobe, Westenders and Bass Coast.

Fish everywhere: Fish Creek has lots of ﬁsh objects around town, like this seat.

Remembrance: in memory of those who served in the Malaysian, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars.

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Sunny day: Lisa and Flynn of Foster enjoy the playground at Fish Creek.

Big variety: One Fish Furnishings features many different objects from all over the world.

Artists galore: Fish Creek is a town full of artists; the bicentennial project was painted by the Fish Creek Art Group.

Fish friendly town KNOWN as the gateway to Wilsons Promontory, Fish Creek is more than just a town to pass through. Driving into the town, some people may think it is small, but the locals and tourists get to know that it has a big heart. The first thing people might notice is the big mullet on top of the Fish Creek Pub. Fish Creek is very fish oriented but it is also home to some of the best art galleries in Gippsland. It has one remarkable claim to fame – it has more galleries per head of population than New York! No matter what their taste, tourists and locals are bound to find something that appeals, as the galleries offer a

broad range of artistic experience which reflects the extraordinary depth of creative talent in South Gippsland. There is the Celia Rosser Gallery and Banksia Cafe, the Gecko Studio Gallery, the Stefani Hilltop Gallery and a few more. The Fish Creek Hardware Store sells a wide variety of goods, including paints, power tools, fishing gear and fishing licences. “A lot of the tourists come and buy paint to do up their holiday houses,” proprietor Paul Inglefinger said. One Fish Furnishings is right in the heart of Fish Creek and features interesting jewellery, lamps, ornaments, furniture, baskets, sculptures, pictures, furnishing fabrics, wall hangings, crystals, unique fragrances and more. Each room is filled with a large se-

lection of interesting gifts, furniture and furnishings. Wendy Davidson, the owner, has created the perfect atmosphere to make sure customers enjoy a totally stress free shopping experience. “We recently got in a new container of furniture from India and we have an international range of designer clothes at very low prices,” she said. Wendy said there is always an inﬂux of people to Fish Creek over summer. “Holiday makers come down for a holiday and always stop by to have a look in the shops,” she said. The Great Southern Rail Trail passes through Fish Creek on its way to Foster. The rail trail is perfect for a casual stroll, bike ride or horse ride. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Prom.

Delicious food: the Fish Creek pub with the famous mullet on top does a great meal, suitable for adults and kids.

PAGE 14 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

MEENIYAN has long been known as The Turning Point, a scenic town situated within striking distance of Wilsons Promontory and also a convenient route to the Latrobe Valley. The town is not only a great place to take a breather but is often used as a place to base a short-term holiday. Meeniyan houses art galleries, cafes, a motel and a hotel. And next year Meeniyan will boast a new supermarket to further service the district. The median strip is lined and shaded by mature trees and is the home of the war memorial, drinking fountain and pic-

New bridge: the rail trail bridge near Meeniyan has opened up new possiblities for bike tours to start. Inset - Picnic spot: beautiful Tanderra Park in Meeniyan.

nic tables with connecting footpaths and flower beds. Beautiful Tanderra Park has a rotunda, seats and barbecue facilities making it a great place for a picnic or stop for a cup of tea. For a breaky or lunch break or a coffee and cake, Moo’s at Meeniyan and Pause Cafe are the places to go. The opening of the magnificent rail trail bridge this year has put Meeniyan firmly on the map as a great place to start a bike ride. The rail continues unbroken through until Foster some 32 kilometres away. You can do the 64km return ride or stop at Fish Creek and return to reduce the total

ride to 36kms. In the opposite direction the trail runs through Koonwarra and on to Leongatha. It is hoped in the coming years that in the Leongatha direction, new bridges will ensure riders don’t need to use the highway. Enjoy the gallops at Stony Creek just three kilometres down the road or be exhilarated with a visit to the Stony Creek Go-Karts; located near the racecourse. Meeniyan Golf Club is a stunning 18 hole golf course and welcomes visitors or new golfers. They run a golf for beginners program each year. Green fees are just $16 for all day golf!

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 15

MOO’S at Meeniyan will celebrate its ﬁrst birthday this holiday season. The business opened on Boxing Day last year and has made all the right Mooves ever since. Passionate owner and friendly host Marty Thomas has been promoting Gippsland produce, featuring regional dining. “We really are a taste of South Gippsland,” Marty said. From Boxing Day, Moo’s will be

open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch and will host regional dinners every Friday and Saturday night throughout the year. The set two-course and three-course dinners have been a real hit, according to Marty. Shane Dight is the head chef, along with apprentice Jess Mc Cracken. Both are locals. Marty was originally from Sandy Point, but has spent the past 20odd years working at some of the

First birthday: Marty Thomas celebrates one year in Meeniyan on Boxing Day.

Bendigo Bank agency MEENIYAN’S banking needs are being serviced by a Bendigo Bank agency. Many of the basic transactions can be undertaken including withdrawals and deposits. The community is working hard and pledges have now risen to $482,000 in order for Meeniyan to have a fully ﬂedged Community Bank. There needs to be about $550,000 in pledges for the committee to push to the next stage; it is getting a lot closer! Prom Country Real Estate in Meeniyan is where to go to conduct transactions. There is a Bendigo Bank ATM lo-

cated there as well so people can pick up some cash or check details at any time.

best wineries and restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula. “Friendly hospitality is what we’re all about.” Marty urged visitors to “pop in on your way to the Prom” or when you come into town. He said all were welcome, including “four-legged customers of the canine variety” who “will be welcomed by our resident ‘wine dogs,’ Lucy and Will.” “We have a large outdoor deck for relaxing under a brolly or a cosy ﬁreplace inside for those cooler Gippsland days,” he said. For breakfast you can choose from such favourites as mixed berry pancakes or The Breaky Stack Fit For a King. There are breakfast specials each weekend so come in and check out the board. For lunch the salt and pepper calamari is always a winner as too is Marty’s salad with Tarwin Blue Cheese, roasted pumpkin walnuts and baby spinach. Dinner features a changing menu with 2-courses for $35 or 3-courses for $45. Examples of the dinner menu include roasted beetroot soup with sour cream and Hope Farm sour dough, local snapper ﬁllet with caper, butter sauce, or Gippsland lamb curry. Desserts include Jess’s favourite lemon tart. There is a different wine of the month and local artists are featured regularly on the walls at the restaurant.

Regular haunt: Moo’s continues to attract repeat customers as well as holiday-makers.

PAGE 16 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

Destination for family fun IT may be a small town, but Koonwarra certainly isn’t short of things to see and do. It is becoming a popular place for young families to reside, with many things to do in the town family oriented. The Great Southern Rail Trail is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride. Alone or in a group, the beautiful scenery along the trail captures people’s attention, with the wetlands and vegetation. From Koonwarra, the rail trail travels eight kilometres into Leongatha or nine kilometres to Meeniyan, however, some Relaxation: Owen Schmidt of Lyre Bird Hill Winery said the sections to Meeniyan are closed due to winery and guest house is a great place to come and relax. maintenance. It gives the community a perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and o exercise. e The rail trail passes the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve on its way to Meeniyan. M The reserve features an oval, tennis court co and playground, all perfect for family activities. A river ﬂows around the edge of the reserve ser with a nice walking path along it. Cricket matches are held on the oval over ov summer and lush shade is given by the large larg trees. It is a popular destination for school groups to ride their bikes to, as there are gro shade, sha amenities and large grassed areas. Koonwarra features a range of boutique

shops specialising in aromatherapy and beauty products, clothing and furniture and organic produce. The local cafes provide small meals and delicacies. A coffee is never out of the question either. A nearby winery, Lyre Bird Hill, offers opportunities for activity and relaxation with wine tasting and a guest house. The Farmers Market at Koonwarra showcases fine produce from the local area. It is conducted on the first Saturday of every month. The market has been around for 10 years now, offering a wide range of local produce that is fresh, organic, GM free and chemical free. Some products available are goats cheese, free range eggs, frozen delights, cakes, pies, olive oil, pasta, sauces, meat, herbal teas, potted roses, flowers, native and exotic plants and potted herbs. The market is a place to relax, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have a picnic. A short stroll from Memorial Park where the farmers market is held is Nirvana Park. Featuring bushland with a short walking trail, the park has a nice rotunda that is an ideal spot for lunch. Koonwarra has lots of walking tracks, some unknown to tourists, so stop and ask a local for the best place to take a stroll. Koonwarra is a great place to stop; to have a coffee, go for a walk or bike ride, have a picnic or to browse the local shops.

Picturesque picnic: Barry and Pauline Johns and Geoff and Margaret Bourchier of Rosebud stopped to have lunch on their way through Koonwarra.

Regular stallholder: Tania Murray of Hens of Hallora sells free range eggs at the Farmers Market at Koonwarra.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 17

Just picture perfect THE Great Southern Rail Trail is home to spectacular views and wildlife corridors. From Leongatha to Foster, the length of the trail is about 50 kilometres. However there are three kilometres which have not been completed between Koonwarra and Minns Road. The rail trail was initially used as a railway for transportation. It opened in 1892 and joined the towns Dandenong and Port Albert. Later the railway was extended to Yarram and Woodside. The railway was closed in 1992 due to competition from road transport. The railway is now a ﬁne gravel pathway suitable for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheelchairs. It features the beauty of South Gippsland. Dairy farms, wetlands, stunning views of Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet and a wildlife corridor of remnant vegetation are all present and exquisite. There are about 20 access points to the trail, at all towns the trail passes through and where country roads cross. Starting at Leongatha, the trail goes through Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo, Fish Creek, Lowrys Road and ﬁnishes in Foster. The distances between towns vary between three and eight kilometres and between half an hour and four hours in time

Winery hosts beautiful artwork N I N E T E E N Gippsland artists will be showing their work in various mediums around the gardens and waterholes at Lyre Bird Hill Winery from December 18.

Casual stroll: Nicole Hayward of Koonwarra took dogs Gypsy, Bonnie and Rusty for a walk along the rail trail. There is a trail to suit everyone. Users should abide by the code of conduct which is set out along the rail trail and not be afraid to say “g’day” to other users. The Friends of the Great Southern Rail Trail is a non-proﬁt community organisation that aims to promote,

help and lobby for the growth of the trail. This group also helps with tree planting and surveys. The rail trail is very photogenic as it provides a magniﬁcent view at every turn and is very popular with the locals and tourists.

Hosted by Robyn and Owen Schmidt, the sculpture in the vineyard exhibition runs from December 18 to January 30. Artist printmaker Angela Newberry has been organising the event. “In the beautiful natural setting among vines, lawns, waterholes and wooded areas, artists will be showing their work in metal, ceramic, stoneware, basketry, Ferro cement and textiles,” she said. For the past two years the exhibition was shown at Angela’s studio in Berrys Creek. She decided to move it to Lyre Bird Hill Winery because lots of people were enthusiastic about the exhibition. The exhibition will be open every day, entry is free and a map of an artist’s trail through the vineyard will be available.

Natural setting: Symphony by Andrew Kasper will be on show at Lyre Bird Hill. “In the winery there will be work hung on the walls, affordable prints and information about the artists with their promotional material,” Angela said. All works are for sale. There will be wine tastings, local cheese on offer and soft drinks for sale. On some Sundays there

will be wood ﬁred pizzas provided by Sam from Paradise Pizza. Angela said it is a fun day out for all the family and allows people to acquire a unique piece of sculpture for their home or garden. For more information visit www.lyrebirdhill.com

PAGE 18 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

By Tessa Hayward FASHION retail shop SO! Me is a must visit store in Leongatha. Every product will delight: clothing, jewellery, handbags, giftware and scarves. Jennie and Hess Strengers run the popular shop in Bair Street. Hess and that Jennie and himself complement each other well; he set out the store and she decorated it. “I got inspiration from a jewellery store in Chadstone shopping centre for the layout of SO! Me,” Hess said. “Every item has been put there for a reason; the shelves have a unique way of selling the products.” Hess said it is a radical way of merchandising as it breaks up the sections. SO! Me is not the only enterprise Hess and Jennie intertwine with their lifestyle. They also operate Zenergie villa accommodation at Kongwak. Walking into a villa at Zenergie is like walking into idyllic bliss. Panoramic views across the Powlett River ﬂats to Wilsons Promontory take people’s breath away. With the weather always changing in South Gippsland, the view is always different. The Strengers show a commitment to the quality of life. “Zenergie is primarily accommodation but our lifestyle of body, mind and soul is inArchitecture: Hess Strengers designed and built tertwining into it,” Hess said. the villas at Zenergie himself. Jennie and Hess are passionate about

many things and they all seem to be evolving into Zenergie. Yoga, pilates, meditation, massage and drumming are all present and available. “Zenergie is a destination designed to both awaken and soothe the senses, to both excite and placate the mind, to bring both inner tranquillity and inner strength to the body,” Hess said. There are three villas: Earthsong, My Mantra and Lotus Dreaming. Earthsong fits two couples, while the other two villas are one bedroom. The villas are only a 10-minute drive to Inverloch, which features a hub of activities. Zenergie opened on Australia Day, 2009. Jennie and Hess had been working on it for six years. Hess is a man of all trades: “I designed, built and landscaped the villas.” The buildings are empathetic with their surroundings and environment and seek to blend. They also reflect the historical continuity of corrugated iron as the architectural stereotype of Australian rural life. Zenergie was featured on Channel 9’s Postcards not long after it opened last year. It was a good introduction to a fantastic property. “Our long term goal is to become a retreat for those in pursuit of a holistic experience,” Hess said. Jennie and Hess are very satisfied with both SO! Me and Zenergie and hope customers are too, as they have had a lot of fun putting them both together.

Stylish setting: Jennie Strengers and Janine Towns in SO! Me, Leongatha.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 19

SPLASH into swimming SPLASH South Gippsland is the region’s premier aquatic venue. For lap swimmers, there is plenty of room to enjoy the 25 metre pool, with around 10 lanes to host a range of swimming speeds and capabilities. The toddler and program pools provide a safe and fun environment for children’s aquatic experiences. The big inﬂatable is open at least once a week up until the start of February. The giant blown up obstacle course is always a big hit with the kids, and even those who are still young at heart. And for those looking to meet friends after a swim, or looking to replenish their

precious energy stores, they can sit down and relax at the SPLASH café and enjoy a roll, hot chips or other snacks. There is a range of healthy food ideas to go along with the coffee. SPLASH also hosts two multi-purpose courts designed for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and indoor soccer. The courts are open to anyone interested, to have a shoot around at any time, except for when the school holiday program is running. So for fun, ﬁtness and a great social outing, get along to Leongatha’s SPLASH and enjoy the summer heat with a nice refreshing swim.

Want advice? LEONGATHA’S Citizen’s Advice Bureau is the best way to make well informed decisions about what moves and shakes during the holidays in Gippsland. Go to the council website: www. southgippsland.vic.gov.au. Scroll down and click on the question mark: community directory. That leads you straight into the data base of the Community Advice Bureau, based in Leongatha. Alternatively, you could drop in at the bureau at the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, in the Leongatha Memorial Hall complex. Take the steps up to the courtyard. The CAB is on your left. The CAB also functions as a visitor information centre. Staffed by volunteers, it will be open every day during the holidays, except Christmas.

A wealth of information is stored at the centre, including maps of towns and an overall map of South Gippsland. There’s information on galleries, wineries, museums, markets, antique shops and pubs and restaurants. Also available are the bus time tables from Leongatha to Melbourne and Yarram, which stops at the main towns in between, and a booklet covering all South Gippsland and Bass Coast bus and V/Line services. A comprehensive coastal explorer brochure provides information from Shoalhaven to Phillip Island, offering a wealth of tourist data. Staff at the centre are local and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of South Gippsland. Anyone who wants to know what is happening during the holidays is invited to visit the CAB. For inquiries, call 5662 2111.

Advice, anyone?: volunteers Janica Nicholls and Carol Coch are willing to lend a hand.

Little ones: even the smallest of children can enjoy the pool.

PAGE 20 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

WANDERING into an op shop used to be frowned upon.

So many bargains: Vinnies volunteers Liz Moles, Marg Farrell and Sue Martin with manager Anne Pellicano and an array of items available.

Look, a book: Salvation Army opshop manager Wendy O’Neill, back, gets some help stocking up the books section from volunteer Marion Haw.

But these days, just like Facebook and the latest technology, op shops are cool. “Vintage fashions are a big hit,” Anne Pellicano, manager of St Vincent De Paul in Leongatha, said. And while young people search for the next big thing, many others are searching for second hand objects that may add to their life. Leongatha has three op-shops that offer a wealth of treasures, especially for visitors who will find many of the items have a distinct country flavour not found in the city. Wendy O’Neill is the manager at the Salvation Army shop at the bottom of Bair Street. She has seen plenty of interested visitors pass through in her time. “There are always a lot of people coming in during the holidays, particularly the summer,” she said. The Salvation Army Op Shop is packed with clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac and toys, and much like the other two venues, it seems to have less and less room every week leading up to the summer holidays. “You could start up a flat on your own with all the furniture and things we have in here,” Wendy said. “Sometimes we even have the kitchen sink.” Wendy has also found that items such

as VHS recorders and tapes are becoming collectable items, as well as silver cutlery and records. St Peter’s Anglican op-shop, located next to the church, may only be small, but it is still full of bargains. And it may give tourists peace of mind to know that their dollars are going towards a worthy cause. This year alone the op-shop has donated $17,000 to charity in time for Christmas. Some of these include the Anglican Church, Christmas hamper assistance, St John Ambulance, Gippsland Southern Health Service, palliative care, Angel Flight Australia, Able and Parkinsons and many more. The shop will close on December 18 and reopen on January 17, 2011. St. Vincent De Paul also has a ﬁne record of assisting those in need over the Christmas period, but also those looking for a special deal. It too is packed to the rafters with brica-brac, collectables, clothing, furniture, books and everything else imaginable. Long time volunteer Marg Farrell said visitors love to fossick around. “Sometimes they don’t want to go back to their cabins, so they decide to look around the town for a while,” she said. “All sorts of people come in; grandmas looking after the kids, families, tourists who might be sick of the beach. It’s endless.”

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 21

Something for everyone LEONGATHA is one of South Gippsland’s major towns and is a tourist treat. With a population of around 5000 and two main streets filled with shops for various tastes, Leongatha has something for everyone. For the more fit and active participants of the world, there is the Great Southern Rail Trail, which is perfect for a bike ride or walk. Beginning at Leongatha’s Horticultural Park at the far end of Bair Street, it is not too far away, yet it allows travellers to escape busy roads filled with cars and human traffic. The 16km roundtrip from Leon-

gatha to Koonwarra and back provides fresh air, nice views and smooth gravel to ride on. If still feeling energetic, Leongatha’s pool facilities are not far away and a nice swim might be just what the doctor ordered to stave off the lactic acid. The pool is located in the SPLASH facility, which also doubles as an indoor multipurpose area for basketball, badminton or volleyball. Just outside is the Leongatha Recreation Reserve, a large expansive oval with plenty of room for a kick of the football or just a run around. But exercise may not be your cup of tea, not to worry; there is plenty on

offer for others, such as the foodies. Why not treat yourself to a pastry from a choice of the various bakeries and cafés on offer; they offer some delicious teas and coffees, and plenty of sides to eat with them. And for a bigger feed, enjoy a pub meal, or a pizza at one of the three pizza places in town. Chinese is available for those with an oriental tongue and for the oldfashioned foodies, there is a ﬁsh and chip shop. The kids may wish to do something more their style, so send them off to the cinemas to catch the latest ﬂicks. And when they are done, they can

Swing away: Bodi, Izak and Kyle Kennedy test out the swings at Leongatha’s famous McIndoe Park.

wander down to the skate bowl at the recreation reserve to muck around. Shoppers at heart will not be disappointed. Just a quick wander down the streets will open up a world of boutique, surf, sports, clothes and shoe shops. Spending a whole day shopping is not an unusual occurrence for people who like to look in every nook and cranny. For the festive ones who enjoy a drop of wine or pot of beer, do not fret, there are options. Two main pubs in the town offer a nice place to sit and mingle with the locals and there are plenty of bottle

shops, so drinks can be taken home. Two main supermarkets as well as butchers mean great deals can be picked up on meats to be barbecued. And just the place to do it is Leongatha’s McIndoe Park. Kids can play on the equipment not too far away from the barbecue, and tables and chairs are a perfect place to sit and enjoy the complete meal. Leongatha is the all rounder of tourist venues, suiting any size family, individual or couple. But come and check it out for yourself, you will not be let down.

Great shopping: McCartin Street has a country feel with up-to-date shops.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 23

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PAGE 24 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

OWNERS of Venus Bay Caravan Park, Fenna and Jacob van der Meulen, have seen many families grow since they took over the park seven years ago.

Surf’s up: surf instructor Shane Hogan and daughter Lucy love riding the waves near Venus Bay.

Tourists to double population HOLIDAY makers are set to double the population of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower over the summer. The permanent population hovers around the 500 mark, however it is likely to swell into the thousands. Venus Bay has become a popular holiday retreat for people from Melbourne and is close to other popular South Gippsland tourist spots, such as Phillip Island and Wilsons Prom. It is very much a holiday town, with a large collection of houses and units available for holiday rental and a caravan park, all located within a short distance of the coast. The town’s commercial centre, situated on Jupiter Boulevard at

the Centre Road junction, features a general store, food outlets and a number of specialty shops. There is also a Venus Bay Community Centre, which houses twighlight markets during the summer holidays and other community activities. Venus Bay has a number of pristine surf beaches which front the waters of Bass Strait and are nestled within the foreshore reserve of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. The Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club is located at the No. 1 Beach. This is the only patrolled beach, although during the busy summer period surf patrols regularly make their way up and down the beaches

to just beyond No. 5 beach. The placid water of Anderson Inlet, which resembles a large lake, is ideal for boating and ﬁshing. This large body of water extends all the way from Inverloch to the mouth of the Tarwin River at the small township of Tarwin Lower. Venus Bay is central to many natural attractions in the South Gippsland area, including Wilsons Promontory National Park, which is just under an hour’s drive east. So while holidaying in Gippsland, why not check out one of the area’s number one tourist destinations in Venus Bay, and on the way stop off at Tarwin Lower to see what is on offer.

And going into their eighth summer, they expect to see the same families again, as well as some brand new ones. But the tourists are never quite coming back to the same park. Fenna and Jacob aim to change something every year, so as not to let the place appear old. This year’s new installment is a giant shade area above their coffee shop. “People can now sit outside without getting wet or sun burnt,” Fenna said. The fence line of the area was moved back, which allowed more space for tables and chairs, allowing adults to relax. And while they are enjoying their coffee, there are plenty of play areas around for the little ones. Once a day of relaxing and sightseeing is complete, the families will be keen to hit the hay, and now they can do so in style

New and improved: Fenna, Jacob and Coen van der Meulen show off the new coffee area shade to Tarwin resident, Mike Hergatt. in a range of new deluxe cabins. The deluxe cabins offer air conditioning and private barbecues. There are also four star holiday cabins, as well as 10 en suite sites. With a new and improved tennis court, adventure playground and coffee and gift shop, the place is sure to be a buzz. “Locals come in to have a coffee or go to the gift shop. There’s always people around,” said the owners. “We normally host

around 450-500 people at this time of year.” Tourists come from all parts to reside in the cabins, or to camp in the grounds. “We’re generally busy every weekend, and from Boxing Day until the end of January, we’ll be fully booked,” Fenna said. The solar heated pool proves one of the more popular parts of the park over the hot summer, with many guests content to sit pool side or splash around.

Deluxe: the range of new cabins on offer at Venus Bay Caravan Park.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 25

Lunch time: (clockwise, from left) Tennille, Porscha and Dinisty Francis, Pauline Key and Brendan Hilder are served by waitresses Jess Thomas and Kirsty Koene.

Enjoying a beer: Brian Ahearne, Arthur Rose, Grant Beyer and Steve Fenton enjoy the drinks on offer.

Great service: manager Silvia de Clifford loves working with customers.

Not just a brewery MIRBOO North’s Grand Ridge Brewery is famous for its beer. In fact, they have won more than 150 titles for their prestigious lager. The brewery is also famous for its food, with beef sourced from its own beef farm. Grand Ridge’s reputation for beer is being answered by its well known food. Supporting local producers like Berrys Creek Cheese and a host of other fruit and vegetable growers, the kitchens have become renowned for producing high quality meals based around seasonal local produce. The emergence of the Grand Ridge Brewery over the last 20 years has coincided with Mirboo North’s rise as one of Gippsland’s premier tourist towns. The brewery was established after the failure

of the Strzelecki Brewery on the same site in the late 1980s. Eric Walters and a band of locals restarted the operation under the Grand Ridge name and have never looked back. Today it has moved from a boutique brewery to a major dining and function centre for the region. Recent renovations have included a new dining area which overlooks the brewery’s bottling and packaging area, as well as a refurbished function room that has catered for everything from wedding receptions to a divorce party. Having established one of Australia’s premier beer labels (more about the amber ﬂuid later), Eric and his team have been focused on building the brewery into a tourism magnet for Mirboo North.

“It’s all about increasing the facilities for Mirboo North,” he said. “We are consistently growing our tourism ﬁgures for visitors coming to Mirboo North. “They don’t just come to the brewery, they stop, they wander down the street, they stay in the B and Bs – it’s good for everyone really.” Grand Ridge Brewery’s reputation as a beer maker has now, arguably, been equalled by its reputation for ﬁne dining. Eric said many people are travelling to Mirboo North, not for the drinking, but for the eating. “We have a lot of asparagus, blueberries, tomatoes and so forth from around here, which allows us to have specials when food is in season,” Eric said. “We get a lot of pure local food that is taken out of the ground in the morning and is on the

plate that evening. “Melbourne people are more aware of our famous steaks than the people of Gippsland, ironically enough. “They are coming up from Melbourne for the food, and the beer is a side attraction.” For many, though, it is the Grand Ridge brews that will always be the star of the show. New award-winning beers like the Grand Ridge draught, Almighty Light, Mirboo Madness, and the Mirboo Midnight are quickly becoming household names among serious beer lovers. The Grand Ridge philosophy is to make good beer and let drinkers fall in love with it. The brewery is open for beer tasting and lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Booking ahead on 5668 2222 is a good idea.

PAGE 26 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 27

Historic, yet fresh MIRBOO North is rich with history, but the current setting is just as exquisite. It is home to some of the most beautiful views in Gippsland, including rolling hills and forests. From the rail trail, to Baromi Park, to the main street – Mirboo North boasts a wide range of businesses set in a country setting, surrounded by trees and covered in murals. Baromi Park fronts much of the northern side of Ridgway and offers expanses of lawns, gardens, barbecue areas, picnic shelters and is the venue of the local country market and the fresh produce market. Other attractions within the town centre include the Old Colonial Bank of Antiques and Craft and the Grand Ridge Brewery, which features a restaurant and beer sales outlet. Just a short drive north of Mirboo North on the Strzelecki Highway is the Lyrebird Forest Walk, a ﬁve kilometre walking track through native bushland. A short but popular tourist drive is along the Old Thorpdale Road and Dickies Hill Road. At about 15 kilometres, this loop passes through elevated forest areas, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside and farming areas. And whilst on the Strzelecki road, why not continue along the ridge of the Strzelecki Range, offering stunning views of farmland and mountain forests.

City meets country All of these offers are available by phone on AFTER stepping into the Dalliance Chocolaterie and Providore you get a sense that 5668 2455, or customers can call in and make an appointment. the place is different. It is as if a Lygon Street café was transplanted along Ridgway in Mirboo North. From a range of handmade chocolates with no artiﬁcial ﬂavours or preservatives, to the chutneys, honeys, nuts and wide variety of coffee and tea, the exquisite venue is packed with items not normally seen on local café shelves. The food on offer is made from only the freshest and best ingredients, combined for taste and wellbeing. Sit down inside or enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in the courtyard setting, and be offered a taste experience. A coffee made from fresh, fair trade organic beans will taste all the much more rich when complemented with one of a stunning array of bite sized chocolates. The chocolates are extremely popular, well known for their taste and visual appeal. For those on the run, chocolates and coffee can be taken to go. The staff at Dalliance can offer fresh beans for customers to take home, and will grind on demand. It is not just coffee though. The small café makes a mean European hot chocolate for the younger generations, or for those with a sweeter tooth. Christmas hampers are now available for those looking for an extra special gift. General hampers can be made to order too and all are made to custom wants. Dalliance is also starting to deal in bonbonniere – tiny chocolate gifts that can be given out at weddings. So come on down today and taste a chocolate, sip on a coffee or choose from the range of foods to take home. And with seating to suit 52, there’s plenty of room for the friends and family.

Hampers: Ellina Dentoom and Marie Walker with just some of the products available for hampers.

PAGE 28 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

Soak up that THE seaside resort of Inverloch is a tourism gem, offering memorable getaways for holidaymakers of all generations. Anderson Inlet’s azure water, the reliable surf and the tranquil bush surrounds make Inverloch a natural treasure, offering an escape to a serene setting. In recent years, the town has rapidly grown, with many former visitors now calling Inverloch home. All it takes is one visit to see why. There are ample beaches appealing to surfers, and safe swimming spots for young children; smooth sands for launching kayaks, wind surfers and kite surfers; and a sealed path along the foreshore to enjoy a walk by the sea. A range of modern and established cafes and res-

Sibling time: Liam and Jessii O’Neill of Leongatha let their imaginations roam while making sand creations.

taurants will satisfy one’s hunger, and a stay by the sea would not be complete without the Australian traditions of fish’n’chips or an ice-cream. To fill in an hour or two, explore the Screw Creek Estuary Walk, starting at the far end of the foreshore camping reserve. The gravel track passes over the tranquil creek and meanders up the hill of Townsend Bluff. Sit back and savour the superb views over the inlet, to the distant hills and over the surf beach towards the iconic Eagles Nest rock formation. On the way downhill, another path branches off to the right, providing access to fishing and viewing spots. Eagles Nest - which resembles a map of Australia - is a highlight of the iconic Bunurong Coastal Drive

Summer fun: Jessica Stoneman, Ashlea Aitken and Robbie Speir travelled from Traralgon to cool down in Anderson Inlet.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 29

sea feeling that begins at Inverloch and continues to Kilcunda, via Cape Paterson. Along the way, tourists are promised grand views over Bass Strait and can stop off at many private beaches along the way for swimming, rock hopping, surﬁng, snorkelling or search for the fossils of dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals in the rocks. Flat Rocks opposite the RACV resort the is a magical place to don the mask and snorkel, with a variety of ﬁsh to see in sheltered, clear waters. For a touch of history, stop by the replica of the Ripple vessel on The Esplanade to learn about a popular means of transport between Inverloch and Melbourne during the town’s early days. Picnics can be enjoyed in The Glade opposite the Inlet Hotel, in the park along The Esplanade and on the

beach adjacent the Anderson Inlet Angling Club. Fishing spots are aplenty along the inlet, with popular land-based spots being at Mahers Landing, Pensioner Point and opposite the former Kiosk café, closer to the inlet entrance. Watch for a variety of water birds that visit the inlet, wading along the beach and around the many sandbanks. Art lovers will enjoy two galleries in the heart of town: one in an arcade near the bakery and the other in the Inverloch Community Hub, which also houses Inverloch’s visitor information centre and library. And if the day turns in wet, Inverloch is blessed with many shops to meander around and plenty of accommodation with indoors activities – a perfect excuse to catch up on your favourite book or movie.

Up high: kite surﬁng has become a popular activity on Anderson Inlet. Photo courtesy Destination Gippsland.

Outdoors delight: Charlotte Aeschlimann of Inverloch makes her own fun at Rainbow Park, not far from the centre of town.

PAGE 30 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011

Just a big country town KORUMBURRA offers an authentic country experience among the rolling hills of South Gippsland. The town’s two most popular tourist attractions are Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, which is proﬁled on page 31, and the South Gippsland Tourist Railway, which is on page 32. Many South Gippsland natives consider Korumburra to be the eating out capital of the region, with its quality Chinese and Indian offerings as well as the quality pub fare. Of course there’s plenty of take away options as well. Shoppers will be keen to check out the variety of stores in the central business district. The Korumburra swimming pool is a spot that will be popular this summer holiday season. Many tourists take the scenic drive from Inverloch to use the pool when it is windy and horrible at the beach or to take advantage of the shade to enjoy lunch. It is the only Olympic sized pool in South Gippsland and is used by many local secondary colleges for their swimming carnivals. The pool features toys to play with and a toddler’s pool. It will remain open until at least mid-March. A season ticket for the family is $126. Pool manager Kevin McPherson said it’s a great venue. “It’s a great asset to the shire and we have to keep it,” he said. After a dip at the pool head to the park next door where there are plenty of shady

trees, a large children’s playground and barbecue. In the area surrounding Korumburra there are also many things to do. Admire the majestic rolling hills from lookouts at Outtrim (head towards Inverloch and turn left), on the main road between Korumburra and Inverloch and at Strzelecki, which is halfway between Korumburra and Warragul. There are also art galleries such as Mayfield Gallery at Arawata and Emily Koenders Art Gallery at Fairbank. Gooseneck Pottery at Kardella is another highlight in the region surrounding Korumburra. Robert Barron has been operating the kiln at Gooseneck for the past 25 years after completing his pottery apprenticeship at Cornwall Bridge Pottery in Connecticut, USA. He has worked with many wood firing potters and frequented workshops, art schools, galleries and museums. Robert makes a lot of domestic items although he is starting to produce much larger items as well, with some on display only five minutes from Korumburra. Several wineries are dotted around the South Gippsland area including djinta djinta winery just off the South Gippsland Highway at nearby Kardella. This 8.5 acre vineyard boutique winery gets its name from the indigenous Willy Wagtails living there. The cellar door is open on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm, and at other times by appointment. de Vine restaurant at djinta djinta is open from noon to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 6pm on Saturday night.

Sweeping views: see the Prom from this lookout on the Outtrim-Moyarra Road near Korumburra.

Pool fun: siblings Alexandra, Ariel and Esther of Bena take a dip at the Korumburra pool.

’Burra park: Korumburra residents Erin Hopkins and Danny Connelly enjoy relaxing in the park near the swimming pool.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011 - PAGE 31

Come ride the railway BIG kids, little kids, in fact men and women too love trains, so why not enjoy riding the South Gippsland Tourist Railway this summer? With stations at Leongatha, Korumburra, Loch and Nyora, catching the train is easy and a memorable way to see a side of South Gippsland few others do. Travelling on a train pulled by a diesel locomotive, travellers will pass rolling hills, through deep val-

leys and ride high. Spanning 36km between Leongatha and Nyora, the railway is part of the original line between Cranbourne and Yarram, and is the longest tourist railway in Victoria and the second longest in Australia. Volunteers run trains every Sunday, on some public holidays and every Wednesday during Victorian school holidays. See www.sgr.org. au for a current timetable or phone 5658 1111. Volunteers are always needed and

Interesting pieces: Robert Barron with a collection of his pottery, from small to large.

Pottery of all sizes BASED on a kiln he’d seen overseas, Robert Barron built his own kiln 25 years ago. This wood firing kiln produces beautiful pottery ranging in sizes and price. The Gooseneck kiln is one of the largest wood firing kilns in Australia and is fired over a four to five day period twice a year. Robert and his apprentice Jennifer Halli fired in early November and now have lots of striking pottery to show and sell to the public. It took Robert and Jennifer four months to make the pottery. “It then took us weeks to stack all the pottery into the kiln to prepare for firing,” Robert said.

They fired for five days which allowed the wood to melt into a glaze over the pottery. “It is exhausting. Once the firing is finished all I want to do is sleep,” Robert said. Firing might be exhausting but he said the end result is satisfying. “It was a really good firing, so we are very happy with the results,” he said. All the pottery is for sale and is available to view and buy at Gooseneck Pottery in Kardella. The pottery is open every day over summer (except Christmas) from 10am to 5pm and Robert and Jennifer look forward to your visit. To contact the pottery call 5655 2405 or email robert@gooseneckpottery.com.au

Majestic scene: the train passes a pond between Loch and Nyora.

can take on such jobs as guards and signal people, or learn to be a driver. Charter bookings for businesses, clubs, social groups, birthdays, weddings, and hens and bucks nights are welcome, and dinner packages are available. Driver John Loftus loves the experience. “You deﬁnitely see the countryside in a different way and a lot of the track we travel you can’t see from the road. It’s very picturesque country,” he said.

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SUMMER is busy at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra. As well as being open every day of the Victorian school holidays, the park has a number of extra events. There is the farmers market, billy cart derby, historical ghost tours and the community gallery. The menu at Coal Creek’s Pig and Whistle Café has been revamped for summer. There will be local produce, antipasto plates, focaccias and a selection of desserts available with coffee and local wines. On some days the bush tramway or tractor rides will be available. The general store, spinners and art group will be in the park most days. Blacksmithing will also be demonstrated, but phone the park to ﬁnd out dates if you want to see it. Coal Creek Farmers Market has been a popular addition to the park. The theme is local people supporting local produce at affordable prices. The markets are held on the second Saturday of every month with January 8, February 12 and March 12 the next scheduled dates. About 30 stallholders have been attending each month. They have sold organic meats, local ﬁsh, fruit and vegetables, honey, strudel, wine, eggs and cheese. The CWA have a stall of old-fashioned sponges. Arrive early and grab breakfast, which has been prepared by local service clubs and wash it down with some barista made coffee.

The billy cart derby on February 27 at the park is run by Apex. Racers will take on the challenge of speeding down the main street of Coal Creek. It promises to be lots of fun, with several age categories as well as an open one for adults. See the Coal Creek website (www. coalcreekvillage.com.au) closer to the date for more information. Historical ghost tours begin at the top of the park and tour guides explain the history of the area and buildings. People are encouraged to bring cameras. They are on January 26, February 26 and March 26 from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. After the tour see images and things compiled

over the years at the park and chat about experiences in the park. Bookings are essential for the tours. Coal Creek Community Gallery is well worth a look. Art work by Korumburra Primary School students is on display until December 31. In January appreciate traditional Cambodian art from orphans and the Disabled Arts Association made in Siam Reap, Cambodia. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go to the orphanage. Photography by Tenilke Rickard is the February exhibition.

Local products: Fish Creek’s Eila and Mario Codarin sell their olive oil products at the ﬁrst Coal Creek Farmers Market.

Woollen theme: Coal Creek spinners group member Janet Staben of Poowong East at the community park and museum recently.

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LOCH is a gateway to the rolling hills and quaint townships that dot South Gippsland. While the South Gippsland Highway has bypassed the historic village for the past decade or so, it’s well worth your time taking a detour into the town. The main street and adjoining streets are home to a delightful range of shops offering antiques, arts and crafts and cafes. Be sure to allow plenty of time for a thorough browsing of what is on offer and then take a break in one of the cafes with a coffee and delicious sweet. Loch also serves as a destination in its own right with places to stay, ﬁne dining to enjoy at night and monthly events such as a market. Take the kids to Sunnyside Park, with its adVisit: Joyce Crawford of Sandy Point, Cheryl Wilson of Foster and joining skate park, and have a barbecue while Pam Mahomed of Foster enjoy treasure hunting in Loch. you are there or take a short drive to the Cape Horn lookout and view the majestic scenery from above. Scenery of a human made kind has been painted on the Centennial Park mural. The Loch Memorial Reserve is a popular overnight stop with motorhome travellers and also provides access to the suspension bridge. Accessing Loch can be part of the appreciation of the area. The South Gippsland Tourist Railway stops a short walk from the main street and can be caught at Nyora, Leongatha and Korumburra. The South Gippsland Highway is not the only way to reach the town. For an enchanting drive to Loch, take in the pleasant rural hinterland by going via Nyora or Poowong, or tour across the hills from Wonthaggi and the Bass Coast. The scenery is pretty any time, but is stunning once the grass greens up again in autumn Quaint town: Loch has plenty of quirky shops to keep your attention. and right through until early summer.

Garden village: this footpath in Loch is beautifully framed by gardens.

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Paintings entice IN THE beautiful hills of South Gippsland, a magical old-world property is playing host to the latest major art show of renowned artists, Di and John Koenders.

Come see: Emily Koenders at work in her gallery.

Art honours nature HOPES and Wings, the latest major exhibition of Emily Koenders’ renowned artwork will be held daily from January 1 to 30, including all public holidays, from 11am to 5pm. The venue is stunning, with far-reaching views taking in Wilsons Promontory. The gallery itself is set amongst beautiful gardens, and is a delight to visit. The gallery is fully air-conditioned for visitors’ comfort and the sight of wild birds feeding on the balcony against a backdrop of magniﬁcent rolling hills makes Emily’s home/studio a “must-see” location. As the gallery is also her working studio, it is an interesting insight into the unique world of a professional artist. Emily is also happy to discuss her art with visitors and a country welcome is always on offer. This exhibition encompasses her wonderful portrayals of wildlife – birds and animals – and has something to please everyone. From delicate blue wrens and kingﬁshers, to a bull elephant at full charge on the plains

of Africa, the eclectic mix works perfectly to present magical wildlife of the world. Emily is passionate about making us more aware of the gift of these fabulous creatures. A wonderful new innovation for this art show is the availability of top quality limited edition prints of her extremely popular paintings. Very affordable and personally signed by Emily, these prints make her sought-after artwork more accessible. Painting is in Emily’s genes. She has painted all her life and is related to the famous Dutch master, Vincent van Gogh! This revelation has brought even more value and provenance to her lovely art. She is Vincent’s great-great-greatgreat niece and his passion for art is in her veins. She has sold to many illustrious clients and her paintings are held in private and corporate collections all over the world. If you would like to visit the gallery, take a short trip from either Korumburra or Leongatha by following the “Emily Koenders Art Gallery” signs from the highway. If you would like further directions or have any queries, contact Emily on 5662 5808.

the great great great nephew of Vincent van Gogh has given an added provenance and value to their magnificent paintings. Not only is a documentary in production at present, featuring the fabulous music of Andre Rieu, a film is due to be shown in Cannes Film Festival in April, 2011. As well as this, a book is being published, and Art Spectrum, the leading Australian art paints manufacturer, is producing a range of paints bearing John’s name. Due to popular demand, Di and John will also have an exclusive range of limited edition prints available at this exhibition. The couple love to greet visitors to their home/ studio with a chilled glass of wine or cup of tea or coffee, and chat about their lives as artists and their passion for art. Mayfield Gallery is situated at 585 Fairbank Road, Arawata. For enquiries or directions, please phone Di or John on 5659 8262 or 0407 330 011. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm from January 1 to 31, including all public holidays.

Set in magniﬁcent countryside, the exhibition Beauty in the Hills is appropriate, as beauty abounds, both within the charming traditional gallery and in the surrounds. The panoramic views across the Strzelecki Ranges take your breath away and the description often uttered by visitors is that Mayﬁeld Gallery is ‘a little piece of paradise!’ On the walls of the gallery there is a feast for the senses. Glowing oils and realistic watercolours of scenes both far and wide; old Australian farmhouses with chooks running around the yard and nostalgic scenes of Europe, with Mediterranean villages and rooftops in Tuscany. Di’s birds and animals are amazingly detailed portrayals of wildlife; tiny blue wrens on old farm taps and majestic eagles ‘leap’off the canvas. The gallery is also air-conditioned for your comfort and colourful wild birds feed on its balcony. Di and John have been professional artists for more than 40 years and their clientele list includes HRH Princess Anne, The Sultan of Brunei, John Howard, Janette Howard, Andre Rieu, John Wood and (the late) Bud Tingwell (OAM). Of course, by buying direct from the artists, you save commission. The exciting Creative pedigree: John and Di Koenders are related to the Dutch revelation that John is master, Vincent Van Gogh.

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Coastal magic: the George Bass Coastal Walk is a hike to remember.

Walk to see so much more RUSHING past in a car is not the ideal way to see the sights of South Gippsland these summer holidays.

Consider pulling on your walking shoes instead. The region offers a variety of walks of varying degrees of challenge, from meanders by the sea to the memorable George Bass Coastal Walk and the long Great Southern Rail Trail. Serious hikers, or even casual wanderers, will ﬁnd a great variety of journeys at Wilsons Promontory National Park. The region is fortunate to have two rail trails: the Great Southern Rail Trail from Leongatha to Foster, breaking between Koonwarra and Meeniyan; and the Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi through to Anderson. The Great Southern trail is commonly broken into shorter trips or can be tackled as a whole journey over a few days. Read more on our Koonwarra page. The George Bass Coastal Walk spans

seven kilometres and takes about two hours, one way, but be sure to allow more time to admire the spectacular coast. Spanning between Kilcunda and the Punch Bowl near San Remo, the trail is well maintained and travels along the beach at some points, and is often the only way visitors can reach certain parts of this awe-inspiring coastline. But take note: Parks Victoria does not recommend swimming at these beaches as they are reputed to be dangerous. A brochure is available from visitor information centres or Parks Victoria’s website: www. parkweb.vic.gov.au Similar to the Kilcunda trip but an appealing walk in its own right is the trail around Cape Woolamai. Rising from the beach and reaching the highest point on Phillip Island, this walk offers magniﬁcent views across Phillip Island and the mainland, Western Port Bay and out to sea. The trail actually includes many walks. The four kilometres Pinnacles walk takes about two

hours, while the Old Granite Quarry Walk is 6km, entailing about three hours. Allow about three-and-a-half hours for the 6.6km Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk, while the circuit walk – a combination of all three tracks – totals 8km and involves about four hours. Allow a short day to enjoy this trip as there are many opportunities to explore, swim or take photos along the way. The Prom is the ideal location for people desiring walks of the adventurous type, with a host of day and multi-day hikes available. Visitor information centres at Korumburra, Leongatha and Foster, as well as Parks Victoria, are the best places to ﬁnd out more. Deeper in the hills is the shorter but pleasant Lyrebird Walk at Mirboo North. Located a short drive along the Strzelecki Highway on the northern side of town, this walk passes through relaxing bushland that is recovering well from the bushﬁres of 2009. The iconic rail trail between Mirboo North

and Boolarra once provided a day out for walkers of all abilities, but access remains restricted after the trail sustained damage during the 2009 bushﬁres. Nestled in the ‘Valley of Peace’ at Kongwak is the little known Pioneer Reserve. Located in Williams Street, the reserve offers three walks through bush ranging from 20 minutes to about an hour, plus viewing time. More information about walks in the Bass Coast Shire is available on the brochure Walks and Bike Trails at information centres. In the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, hikers are urged to try the Point Smythe Nature Trail at six kilometres and taking about two hours. A shorter option is the nearby Anderson Inlet Walk, just two kilometres (40 minutes) long. At Walkerville, Limeburners Walk is 750m long and just 20 minutes one way. The Walkerville North - Prom View Estate trail covers 1.2 km and only requires 45 minutes to complete, one way.

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THE Wonthaggi Information Centre is the best place to go to ﬁnd out about the many tourist attractions in Wonthaggi and Bass Coast Shire. The centre is in an unpretentious building next to the Wonthaggi Library in Watt Street. It will be replaced fairly soon with a new hub in McKenzie Street, a project marking Wonthaggi’s centenary. But don’t let the ageing ofﬁce put you off because the staff there are full of helpful information. Most of them are volunteers and they’re passionate about both the area and their task of guiding visitors. They’re so dedicated, the centre is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day. The hub opens at 9am and shuts at 5pm and those hours are the same at weekends too. Dennis O’Connor is one of the volunteers. He’s been on the job at the information centre for six years. “I like meeting people,” he said. “At the information centre, I meet people from all over the world.” Dennis has learned to greet visitors in the following languages: Yiddish, Russian, Polish, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Irish Gaelic – and English, of course. He’s not the only multi linguist. “We have staff across the network who speak some other languages,” said Bass Coast Council visitor ser-

vices team leader Janette Little. “Just this morning we had visitors from Switzerland.” “I greeted them in Deutsch!” Dennis piped up. So, if language is a problem, someone can usually be found to help out with some translating. The information centre has an abundance of leaﬂets and booklets on local attractions, places to stay and places to see. There’s a very helpful booklet called the Ofﬁcial Visitors’ Guide to Bass Coast, which covers Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Grantville, San Remo, Bass, Cape Paterson, Corinella, Kilcunda and The Gurdies. A new version has just been printed and the friendly information centre staff will give you one. They’re free. Bass Coast also puts out a Sun Surf and Sand booklet, listing all the activities that are on in the shire during the summer holidays. Copies of this publication, The Tourist News, are available too. The town of Wonthaggi has spent the past 18 months or so celebrating its centenary year. The anniversary extended for longer than 12 months because groups and organisations formed at different times. The State Coal Mine’s centenary was in 2009. That was established before the town began to develop. And, although it started off as a tent town, it didn’t take long before there was a hospital, miners’ dispensary, schools and other facilities that make a town thrive.

Centenary merchandise can be bought at the information centre. Wonthaggi has enjoyed an unprecedented burst of growth in the past ﬁve years, thanks in part to the construction of a huge desalination plant at Williamsons Beach, which is between Wonthaggi and Kilcunda. The town is now the commercial and shopping heart of South Gippsland. And, like the rest of the district, hosts a thriving creative community. Bass Coast Council has accumulated an enviable collection of artwork, acquired over the years from art shows that are held regularly in various towns. Some of the works are hung in the council chamber and the foyer of that room. Art exhibitions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10am and 2.30pm in the Goods Shed Studio and Gallery Exhibition at the old railway station goods shed between Safeway and Big W. Wonthaggi has an active tennis club, football and netball club and swimming clubs that train at the YMCA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wentworth Road, which is open to the public.

Much knowledge: volunteer Dennis O’Connor and Bass Coast visitor services team leader Janette Little, are two of the helpful staff at the Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centre in Watt Street. Dennis can greet you in nine different languages!

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THE Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show is one of the best in Victoria.

Drawcard: chooks, ducks, eggs and chook washing are popular. Last year, Jackie Page of Mount Eccles, was overwhelmed when her brama hen Jackie, won the junior, any other variety class.

As others have folded, the Bass Coast Show at Wonthaggi has boomed. And, every year, it just gets better and better. The 2011 event is no exception. Its reputation is such that the Victorian Woodchopping Championship organisers sought the show out as a venue for their ultimate competition. One of the reasons for its ongoing success is that the small committee organising it, starts work on the next show the minute the current one ends. No one sits back on their laurels. The show will be at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on Saturday, January 8 and it’s an inexpensive day out with something for all the family. A group ticket for two adults and two children, costs $25. Otherwise, it’s $10 for an adult, $5 for pensioners, seniors and youngsters under 14. Children under ﬁve are free. Attractions are myriad, including the zany The

Biscuit Readings. Bert and Betty Bircher say that your “inner biscuit” tells you a lot. With their roving tea trolley and range of biscuits, they offer to help you “ﬁnd out the truth about your inner biscuit”. Their website says: “Nothing devines a person more than his natural biscuit alignment.” For example, are you a Tim Tam type or a barbecue shape fancier? Bert and Betty will be ready to whip you up a cuppa and sort out your inner biscuit. And, at the end of the “reading”, you get to eat your biscuit too! Music at the show will be provided by the Victorian Police Pipe Band, Wonthaggi Citizens Band and South Gippsland group Psycho Wombat Band, with Dinkum Oz Entertainment. There will be free pony rides for children, trampolines, Tubby the Robot, medieval pageantry, tournaments and archery, dog ﬂy ball, animal nursery, show jumping, sideshows, show bags and rides, local history displays, a poultry

show that includes chook washing and dairy cattle judging. An entertainment arena, clowns, stilt walking and home produce and

cookery exhibition are other attractions. To ﬁnd out more, ring 5672 3259, 0402 868 922 or email hicksborough@ hotmail.com

Recipe book reﬂects A NEW historical recipe book has been launched in Wonthaggi. It took three years to collate and has 100 contributors. There are 200 recipes in the volume, which is called the Rescue Station Heritage Recipe Book. There are stories too and local artist Dennis Leversha has added the illustrations. The book was launched at the start of December at the Rescue Station twilight art and craft market by Philippa Sibley, acclaimed Australian dessert chef. She has been described as a pastry maestro. Wendy Crellin, president of the Rescue Station Arts Project, said the recipe book was a great effort by many people. Printed in Wonthaggi’s centenary year, the book is part of ongoing efforts to raise money to restore the rescue station building and convert it to an art complex. That has been a passion of Wendy’s for some years. The building is part of the historic State Coal Mine and is off West Area Road near the Wonthaggi Hospital. The book is available from Clancy and Co Printers in McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi.

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Riding free: the Bass Coast Rail Trail provides a day out for the active family.

Walk for history and exercise WONTHAGGI hosts h t a number b of excellent walks of varying lengths. The shops in the town centre are well spread out, from Big W in Wonthaggi Road, to the fire station in Watt Street, so walking around all of that will provide a bit of exercise. You could head further up McBride Avenue to the cenotaph, which is opposite St George’s Anglican Church. The only danger with walking around the town is, you will pass enticing eateries and coffee shops, so the exercise might become secondary to nourishment and refreshment. It will take you around three hours to do the walk from the State Coal Mine number five brace to the old rescue station. The walk begins in the number five brace car park which is on West Area Road. Desalination plant construction trucks use this road, so take extra care. The walk to the rescue station is an

easy eas one and it hass wheelchair heelchair access. access It’s also suited to cycling. A great deal of work has gone into reviving the rescue station, which was an integral part of the former State Coal Mine. A group of enthusiastic people has spent some years working on turning the rescue station into a thriving arts hub. Spearheaded by Wendy Crellin, wife of semi retired Wonthaggi surgeon John Crellin, the project is well in hand, thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts. A shorter walk of about 20 minutes’ duration, starts either at the back of the Safeway supermarket near the old railway station goods shed, or from South Dudley Road, opposite the Wonthaggi Pony Club. South Dudley Road is also used by desalination plant construction trafﬁc and is very busy, so care is needed there too. This walk will take you to Baxters Wetland and Bird Hide. The wetland covers 83 acres and contains more than 10,000 indigenous plants and an increasing number of trees, as replant-

continues. ing contin es Those who are familiar with this walk, will tell you that it is both peaceful and relaxing. The heath lands walk covers 3kms and will take you 90 minutes return. Start from the car park on Chisholms Road or Reed Crescent, Wonthaggi and explore the low heath lands and coastal scrubs of the reserve. A two hour walk from the Williamsons Beach car park to Baxters Beach covers 5kms and takes you inland. You can return via the beach to Williamsons Beach. The Bass Coast Rail Trail is more of a day walk if you want to take the full 15kms from San Remo to Wonthaggi. But you can pick it up at the historic trestle bridge at Kilcunda and head either towards San Remo, or to Wonthaggi. Much of the trail follows the disused railway line that was constructed 100 years ago by the Victorian Railways, to access the newly opened coalﬁelds.

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History, giant worms and wonderful walks HOLIDAY makers will be packing up and eagerly looking forward to their annual summer holiday. Many will be heading down to popular beachside resorts on Phillip Island, at San Remo, Cape Patterson, Inverloch, Venus Bay and beyond, and most will journey down the Bass Highway. During your summer trek take a little time to stop off in Bass, just off the Bass Highway. For the history buffs the Bass Highway, the Bass Ranges and the Bass River and the township of Bass were all named after George Bass the explorer. Western Port and Bass Strait were discovered by Bass and a volunteer crew in 1978.

Bass reached the township by whale boat and this historic visit is commemorated by a memorial in the George Bass Park in town. The park, adjacent the Bass River, has a picnic area with barbecues and a children’s play area. Pack a picnic and enjoy a rest stop, stretch the legs and check out the memorial. For a bit more excitement, one of the town’s main attractions is the Wildlife Wonderland, with one of the many highlights being the Giant Earthworm Museum. Visitors to the museum are able to crawl through the 100 metre long worm and walk through a simulated worm’s stomach. On your travels you learn much of the local natural history of worms. Gippsland is the only region in the world where these animals live

and they can grow to nearly three metres. There is also an indoor wombat display and a giant white shark. You will ﬁnd Wildlife Wonderland again on the Bass Highway. It is open from 10am to 5pm daily. For more information, phone 5678 2222. Further down the Bass Highway you’ll need to get your trainers on for a breathtaking and exhilarating journey down the aptly named George Bass Coastal Walk. This can be enjoyed by the whole family and the best part is that it is all free. You can choose to start the walk at the Punchbowl carpark near San Remo and finish at Kilcunda, down the road from Bass or alternatively from the Bass Highway in Kilcunda.

Up close: see Australian animals at Wildlife Wonderland, Bass.

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A TOUR of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum is nothing short of an inspiring and emotional journey. Phillip Island is home to many treasures, not the least this award-winning museum offering visitors an insight into the horrors and hardships faced by our courageous Vietnam Veterans. More than just a museum, this is the spiritual home to many Vietnam Vets from around the country. The loyal and hardworking team of volunteers are very proud of their museum and welcome thousands of people from around Australia and worldwide to the museum annually. Opened officially on March 9, 2007 the museum now has in excess of 20,000 items on show, amazing displays, photographs, weapons and a Bell Cobra Helicopter Gunship, the only one in Australia with full armaments. Nicknamed ‘the exhibit with attitude’, it still looks particularly menacing despite having left Vietnam 36 years ago. As museum curator John Methven would tell you, this is the first helicopter in the world to fly upside down and is estimated to be worth around $6.8 million. The Cobra is definitely up there with the most prized exhibits in the museum and has the wow factor. Perhaps one of the most popular exhibits is the impressive holograph depicting Australians’ involvement in the Vietnam war. Mr Methven said visitors usually wander through the museum and view as many exhibits as they can before sitting down and

taking in the whole, very moving story. Watching the Vietnam story unfold, it soon becomes obvious why the box of tissues is close by. There are not many who leave this exhibit with a dry eye. Designed for all ages, this will leave a lasting and vivid memory. From here, visitors usually like to take time to sit and think outside the museum. A Reﬂective Garden offers a tranquil and peaceful refuge for those who have come to learn and those who have been directly involved. Australia’s involvement in Vietnam is depicted in a most respectful way in this museum and Mr Methven is thrilled so many families, children and students come to visit. “Long after we are all gone, the Vietnam story will never be forgotten but will be shared by many through this museum,” he said. The museum prides itself on being very child friendly and coming up to the summer holidays, this is the perfect time to enjoy an educational family outing. For the children, it isn’t all history lessons. The exhilarating simulator ride is always popular and the cafe offers great coffee and light meals. The gift shop does a roaring trade all year round, raising some $50,000 to $60,000 annually to fund ongoing projects and improvements at the museum. Mr Methven is proud most of the merchandise sold in the gift shop is Australian made. Throughout January, guides will be available for scheduled tours of their facility.

Museum fun: museum volunteer tour guide Ken Anderson, AM points out the museum’s simulator ride that is always very popular with children of all ages.

Inspiring: John Methven, curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island, surveys the impressive displays showcasing more than 20,000 items.

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Island dining doesn’t get better YOUR dreams of an elegant dinner by the sea become a reality at Phillip Island’s Foreshore Restaurant and Bar. Stylish by night and casual by day, the Foreshore dishes up delectable vistas and food at any time of the day in the delightful Rhyll ﬁshing village. There is nothing nicer than sipping a glass of the region’s best wine on the deck at sunset and then settling down to an unforgettable dining experience.

You can choose to dine on the balcony or inside in the rustic but stylish restaurant, have a drink at the bar or relax in the lounge area. Contemporary seasonal menus are created with a strong emphasis on fresh local produce and of course you can always have your much wished for fresh ﬁsh by the sea. Owners Anthony and Sue Webber have perfected the right recipe and have a loyal following of diners who enjoy coming back again and again. One visit just isn’t enough. As you will discover on your ﬁrst dining experience, there are so many deli-

cious treats on the menu and you’ll want to try it all. For starters, the freshly shucked Tasmania oysters or a steaming bowl of mussels sounds an excellent choice then perhaps an exotic Asian duck, vegetarian curry, kangaroo, scrumptious ﬁsh and chips or a tender Phillip Island Rib Eye. It is great to see the Foreshore caters especially well for people with particular dietary needs with gluten free menus. For the kids, they get their own menu. Adding the perfect touch to any gourmet meal is the perfect glass of wine and the friendly staff are only

too happy to assist in your selection. Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert as there are some decadent sweet treats and fabulous coffee on offer. Summer is a busy time on the Island and the Foreshore is so popular, it is always best to book so you can be assured of the perfect table to take in the 180 degree views of the sailing and ﬁshing boats out across the water. If you would like to try one of the local region’s premier restaurants, phone the Foreshore on 03 5956 9520.

Island dining: at Phillip Island’s Foreshore Restaurant and Bar at Rhyll, you will be served some of the best food the region has to offer.

Looks great: the food tastes even better at the Foreshore Restaurant and Bar and during summer it is a top spot to dine by the sea.

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Lush vines: Purple Hen Vineyard and Winery owner Rick Lacey checks out the lush green vines he hopes will produce another bumper crop of grapes in the New Year. (Inset) Rick Lacey, takes time to sample one of the ﬁne wines just released for summer.

SUMMER holidays are the perfect time to unwind and there is no better place to kick back than Phillip Island’s Purple Hen Vineyard and Winery. There is much excitement at the local vineyard with the ﬁrst ever release of their new sparkling wine, the 2009 Blanc de blanc. Of course there is a delightful range of new summer releases to sample including the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, 2010 Pinot Gris, 2010 Classic White and 2010 Rose. The best way to sample these ﬁne wines is to grab a few friends, order some delicious tasting plates and grab a few bottles of your favourite drop and then sit back and take in the views

across the lush vineyard to the glistening waters of Western Port Bay. For those who enjoy a little entertainment, every Friday evening through January, the Purple Hen will offer live music from 6.30pm. Owners Rick Lacey and Maira Vitols have created a little paradise on their Island property and allow visitors the chance to share the experience, with the cellar door open Friday to Monday. Rick has a passion for the land and spent many years researching the perfect place to set up the winery before selecting land near the historic fishing village of Rhyll. Having bought the land, the first grapes were planted in 2001 and success came quickly, with the first vintage, the

2004 Pinot, reaping awards at the Royal Melbourne Show. The awards are thanks to a ﬁne effort by the whole team at Purple Hen. New to the team is Pip Farr, who joined as assistant wine-maker, a role which includes winery and laboratory work, vineyard work and cellar door. Pip has returned home to Harmers Haven and brings to the Purple Hen a degree in wine science from Charles Sturt University and a degree in agricultural science from the University of New England. She has worked in the wine industry for a couple of years, mainly in the Hunter Valley but she is happy to be back living and working in the local area.

New face: Pip Farr of Harmers Haven has returned to the local area and is assistant wine-maker at the Purple Hen winery on Phillip Island.

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Safety for summer

Tranquil: San Remo provides many opportunities to sit, relax and enjoy the view.

BASS Coast Council’s summer edition of Coastell is available from visitor information centres, libraries, real estate agents and the YMCA.

Place to relax - and eat! SAN Remo has a long history as a thriving fishing village. There is a memorial cairn on the foreshore that serves as a reminder that fishing for a living can be dangerous. The cairn lists more than 20 men who died in this pursuit of a livelihood. Increasing costs and government control have greatly reduced the number of boats berthed at the San Remo Jetty, but the fishermen’s co-operative is still active and hosts a modern centre where you can buy fresh fish and delicious fish and chips. Its café has beautiful views of the jetty and the bay, with floor to ceiling windows that open out towards the water. This can be a perfect place for a holiday sojourn.

The local flocks of pelicans know from experience that there are fish to be had at 11 o’clock each morning. They begin to gather on the beach near the jetty well before then, awaiting their easy meal. Fishing from the jetty is a popular pastime and sometimes there are sting rays, manta rays and the occasional seal swimming nearby. Sharks have been spotted too. As the fishing industry scaled back, families left San Remo and the town went through a quiet patch. This has now changed, as the secret of the town’s beauty has been discovered and baby boomers retire. There has been a lot of domestic and commercial building in the past 10 years and the face of the main street has changed too. There are around a dozen plac-

es where you can have coffee and cake! Peter Paul, who is a Bass Coast Shire councillor and the immediate past mayor, believes that the area is ready for promotion as a coffee and cake mecca. There are two Chinese restaurants, two pubs, two pizza parlours and a new ice cream bar. You can work up an appetite on a beach walk from the jetty to the far end of the Marine Parade shops, or in the other direction towards Grifﬁths Point where a young George Bass landed to explore the coast in the late 1700s. The San Remo/Newhaven Lions Club has developed a picnic area and playground at Grifﬁths Point and there is also a labyrinth there too. Or, you can sit on the cliff top with a picnic or just enjoy the tranquillity of looking out to sea.

The booklet is chock full of information about activities in the area, with an emphasis on safety. The message is underscored by four local youngsters, Keely, Georgia, Damon and Dylan, whose photograph is on the front of the publication. They took the “enjoy it, don’t spoil it” slogan to heart and although it’s not obvious from the picture in Coastell, they posed in their bathers in the depths of winter on a freezing cold day. Council CEO Allan Bawden, said the summer edition of Coastell focuses on the shire’s safety program that includes being a good neighbour, being prepared for emergencies and staying safe on the beach. “There are tips on dealing with increased trafﬁc over the holidays and a calendar on the last page, featuring local

Safety message: Bass Coast teenagers Damon, Keely, Georgia and Dylan were happy to reinforce a summer safety message – even if it meant posing for this photograph on the beach on a freezing cold day. events and markets running all the way through summer. “We want people to enjoy their visit to Bass Coast, but it’s important not to spoil other people’s

enjoyment or to damage our beautiful natural environment.” The booklet also explains why there will be no ﬁreworks at Cowes on New Year’s Eve.

PAGE 44 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2010/2011