The Australian Bucket List

Victoria

InverlochA seaside resort famed for its water-based activities, fishing, and pristine beaches.

Inverloch is the gateway to the beautiful protected waters of Anderson Inlet and the perfect place for a real seaside holiday with its spectacular coastal scenery, wind-surfing and water fun, and abundant birdlife. This pretty seaside town on the Gippsland coastline offers an array of accommodation and boat launching facilities, plus top swimming and surfing opportunities. Anderson Inlet is a haven for wind surfers. The shallow estuary is constantly changing and at low tide its sandy bottom is exposed and many species of waterbirds line the shores. Boardwalks and tranquil tracks abound for shorter and longer strolls, or bushwalks and hiking activities. Drive the Bunurong Coastal Drive to Cape Paterson and back for some awe-inspiring coastal photo opportunities. Look out for Eagles Nest, a large rock structure adjacent to the coastline that resembles the top half of a map of Australia. The excellent Bunurong Environment Centre interprets the natural surroundings, including the shells and dinosaur diggings of the area. Browse gift shops and linger in boutique eateries and cafes in the busy retail centre. The Inverloch Food and Wine Festival offers a weekend of hedonism in March. Inverloch is just under two hours from Melbourne. Travel south-east along the Monash Freeway to the South Gippsland Highway and onto Bass Highway.

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Things to do

Visit Eagles Nest

This iconic sandstone rock formation, formed from wind, water and salt erosion, offers a great opportunity for budding landscape photographers.

Explore Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park

Located about six kilometres south-west of Inverloch in South Gippsland, this proposed park covers 2100 hectares and about five kilometres of coastline. This coastline is beautiful, full of striking rock formations, attractive sandy coves, rugged sandstone cliffs, dunes and prominent headlands. The coastal waters protect a remarkable range of habitats including intertidal reefs, subtidal rocky reefs, algal gardens and seagrass beds. The waters here are cool, akin to Victoria's central and western coasts, however they are relatively protected from south-westerly swells due to the location of faraway King Island. The marine life of the region is considered special due to the unusual set of environmental conditions. The intertidal sandstone reefs of the area boast the highest recorded diversity of intertidal and subtidal invertebrates in eastern Victoria. The range of seaweed species is also large and includes greens, blue-greens, browns and encrusting, coralline reds. Seagrass meadows and sandy bays are also important habitats within the area. The diversity of habitats supports many marine animals including sea stars, feather stars, crabs, snails, Port Jackson Sharks and up to 87 species of fish. If you are lucky you may see Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales or Subantarctic Fur Seals.

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