Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat, review: Weekend away

Location

Oceanview Cottage is perched on the cliffs above the rugged South Gippsland coastline. This retreat offers fishing and surf beaches, rockpool fossicking and the wonderful Bass Coast Rail Trail for cyclists who don't mind a bracing headwind. Between Phillip Island and Wonthaggi, the quiet hamlet has long been a stopping point for holiday-makers keen to down a quality coffee at the Kilcunda General Store and enjoy the ocean views.

The place

Walk through the door of this cottage and you will have to stop and lift your jaw off the floor. Two huge picture windows frame the ocean and the view is interrupted only by the occasional seabird, a passing whale (yes, we actually saw one) and the far-off horizon. The modern three-bedroom cottage is kitted out for a luxurious stay: all linen, an ensuite to the main bedroom, a family bathroom with spa bath, pebble gas fire should it turn cold, well-equipped kitchen, a large deck with a barbecue and plenty of room to revel in that spectacular view.

The experience

The beauty of Kilcunda is that you can do as much, or as little, as you like. Kickstart the weekend with a "rail trail" cycle along the former railway line, which connected Nyora with the coalmine at Wonthaggi. One of its best-known features is the timber trestle bridge that passes over Bourne Creek, and which offers a wonderful view over the beach and the hills inland.

Don't miss

The opportunity to explore the tranquil mouth of the Powlett River or the secluded Shelly Beach - a perfect way to spend a couple of hours and to work up a mighty appetite for lunch.

Cost: From $270 a night for two people. Extra adult, $22, extra child (2 to 15 years), $20.