Tranquil menu ... surf beaches abound in the Inverloch area.
Mary O'Brien discovers a coastline of rock-pools, dinosaur digs and bike trails to explore.
Tiny, multicoloured shells cling to the rocks while pools, left by the receding sea, are hotbeds of marine life. Baby crabs scramble away, starfish remain stoically unmoved and elephant snails stubbornly hang on to their precarious perches.
The world of Bunurong coastal sea creatures is brought to life by marine education officer Mike Cleeland. Leading a ragtag group of children, students and adults, Cleeland scribbles a note about each sighting, wondering how much marine life will be seen on this morning's rock-pool ramble.
It's not always easy to keep tweens, teens and adults interested but the hidden rock-pool world of Inverloch fires imaginations and will hopefully instil safe-keeping instincts for future generations.
This relaxed town is a great base from which to explore the Bass Coast and surrounds. Green hills unfurl like luxuriant carpet right up to the crashing ocean. While the coast lacks the drama of the Great Ocean Road, its meandering cliffs and seashore have a gentle charm of their own.
A two-hour drive south-east of Melbourne, about 140 kilometres, Inverloch is a working town with a population of 4000, which swells during holiday periods. Beach lovers can take their pick of Anderson Inlet's calm, curving stretches of sand and surf beaches on the way out of town.
Town attractions
The shell museum and dinosaur display at Bunurong Environment Centre make it a good place to bring children, especially if the weather is bad. Staffed mainly by volunteers, the centre organises rock-pool rambles, dinosaur digs and various tours during holidays and for school groups. Bunurong Environment Centre, The Esplanade, Inverloch, 5674 3738.
On the move
There is no shortage of paths and boardwalks for those who want to explore by foot or bike. The Screw Creek nature walk explores the eastern reaches of the town, while the boardwalk leads west towards the surf beach and lifesaving club. The inlet is also ideal for boating, fishing and swimming.
Foodie stops
If you want a decent coffee and wholesome food, head to Red Elk cafe (27 A'Beckett Street) and idle away an hour or two on the sunny deck. At night, Tomo (23 A'Beckett Street) Japanese restaurant is popular with locals and visitors. Vela 9 (9 A'Beckett Street) is a Mediterranean-style eatery that has earned a place in The Age Good Food Guide 2012. There's an organic food shop, Green Heart Organics (60 Dixon Street) and Inverloch Farmers' Market is on the third Sunday of each month at the Glade, near the Esplanade.
Explore the coast
The Bunurong Marine Park stretches 17 kilometres from Wreck Creek, near Inverloch, to Coal Point, past Cape Paterson. The coastal drive takes in sparkling waves, sandstone cliffs, sandy coves and interesting rock formations. The many places to park and walk include The Caves, Eagles Nest and Shack Bay. Australia's first dinosaur bone was found at Eagles Nest in 1903 and every summer Monash students continue to dig up the past. You can walk down to the beach and explore the dinosaurs' old stomping ground.
Day trips
Kilcunda There's a lovely trend in country Victoria to turn the local shop into a foodie pit stop. Kilcunda General Store (3535 Bass Highway) still serves locals but has a casual cafe with a mix of retro furniture and gift items scattered around. The service is relaxed and the food is tasty. This is also a great springboard for walkers and cyclists. On one side is the demanding George Bass Coastal Walk, which winds its way along by the sea with good views of Phillip Island. The Bass Coast Rail Trail, heading to Wonthaggi, is a peaceful route for bike riders.
Just down the road, the much-loved San Remo Fisherman's Co-op building has been given an overhaul and now has a balcony on which you can indulge in finger-licking fish and chips.
Old Dalyston Deli Order tea and cake in the relaxing grounds of the old church at Dalyston (74 Glen Forbes Road). Chef Kelvin Simpson has recently opened his eatery for breakfast and lunch. He plans to stock deli items in the run-up to Christmas. For more formal eating, try Archies on the Creek (also in this year's Age Good Food Guide), a few kilometres up the road (81 Archies Creek Road).
Koonwarra Here's a pretty place to stop either on the way to or the way home from Inverloch. The Koonwarra Store has earned itself a solid reputation as a food shop and cafe over the years. The house-made burgers and salads are highly recommended. Across the road Milly and Romeo's bakery and cooking school has taken over the Peaceful Gardens cafe. The Paddlewheel rustic farmers' market shop is worth checking out and the South Gippsland Farmers' Market is held on the first Saturday of each month at the Memorial Park. Don't forget to check out the pretty cellar door at Lyre Bird Hill Winery.
When you've finished all this eating and drinking, do some power walking or riding along the Great Southern Rail Trail. The eight-kilometre stretch from Koonwarra to Leongatha is a great place to spot kangaroos and other wildlife early or late in the day.
Places to stay
The eco-friendly RACV resort, which is a great Inverloch drawcard, was expanded in September with new reasonably priced family cabins (racv.com.au).
Eugenie's B&B overlooks the inlet beach and is ideal for those who want to be right in the centre of town (eugenies.com.au).
See inspiredbygippsland.com.au or visitinverloch.com.
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