This chilled beachside town is located along the Bunurong Coastal Drive, between Phillip Island and Inverloch.
The town centre is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of small, but with a fabulous delicatessen in Udder & Hoe and the iconic Killy Pub, it’s well worth a stop.
Pop into The Sticks Kilcunda, a series of artists' and produce hubs featuring jewellery and clothing, fresh goods and giftware.
Admire the beauty of the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge where Bourne Creek meets the sea, a drawcard for photographers enraptured by the rustic and weathered frame. The view atop the heritage-listed bridge looks over the sandy beach toward rocky outcrops.
The mouth of the Powlett River is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon. The wide, slow moving river is ideal for kayakers or a spot of fishing. At times a sand bar blocks the river’s course to the ocean, making a crossing to the other side of the river.
The town is also home to the quirky Kilcunda Lobster Festival held each year at the end of January.
Eat & Drink
Change is afoot in Kilcunda, with Udder & Hoe relocating to their new digs in The Sticks, and putting a distinctively Italian twist on their offering with an array of Italian baked goods, aperitivo, vino and espresso.
Meanwhile, hugely popular Cape Paterson Life Saving Club caterers, Copper Door Kitchen have stepped up a gear, opening for regular dining in the former Kilcunda General Store.
Next door, new management at The Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, (or ‘The Killy Pub’ to locals) are serving up great pub meals with a side of ocean views, live music and incredible sunsets.
WHERE TO STOCK UP
- Udder & Hoe’s passion for sustainable and organic produce remains strong in their new home, still stocking loads of local goodies to support the farmers and community
Kilcunda Beaches
Between Coal Point and Kilcunda is a relatively straight 12km section of coast, with sandy beaches, broken by numerous rocks and reefs.
A short 200m stretch of coastline bounded by rocky headlands makes Shelley Beach a secluded slice of paradise. Strewn with millions of tiny shells, the beach is a fossicker’s delight. A boardwalk makes its way to the beach from the car park through dunes and the rocky bluff.
Patrolled: No
Hazard Rating: 7/10. Rips, windy and strong currents.
Foreshore: Sandy beaches bookended by rocks and reefs. As the name suggests, Shelley Beach is blanketed with tiny shells.
Activities: Swimming, fishing and surfing. Rock pooling at Shelley beach.
Boat Launching: No
Access: Short walks to the beaches from car parking at the Mouth of the Powlett River, Kilcunda town centre, and the back of Williamsons Beach.
WALKING & CYCLING
The 23km Bass Coast Rail Trail offers panoramic views of Bass Strait and takes in rugged coastline, bushland and farmland between Anderson and Wonthaggi.
George Bass Coastal Walk is a rare walk where you can discover the unique beauty of the Bass Coast. Dramatic cliff top views, kangaroos feeding in knee-high grass and pristine secluded beaches are all taken in on this 7km walk between Kilcunda and San Remo.
