Hicksborough Store and Cafe family walking past verandah

Discover Wonthaggi

Wonthaggi is the commercial centre of the Bass Coast, and stepping-off point for the beachside towns between Phillip Island and Inverloch. The bustling township has a thriving retail scene and is the place to refuel and stock up.

Wonthaggi restaurants & cafes

The exposed brick walls and industrial décor of the Coffee Collective make for an inviting urban brunch spot. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of town in a 100 year old cottage, Hicksborough General Store and Café offers modern, healthy fare including daily salads, raw treats and gorgeous breakfasts.

Coffee aficionados are spoilt for choice in this bustling Bass Coast hub, with eclectic local favourite, FOLKS Specialty Coffee, roasting small batches of selected beans from around the globe. Meanwhile, uber-trendy Sth Drop Espresso dishes up inner-Melbourne café vibes with your daily caffeine fix.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Café have reopened their doors, offering the perfect place to enjoy a meal and debrief after a stroll through the grounds. Drop into the Wonthaggi Club for a relaxed and casual dining experience for the whole family, open seven days with a welcoming bistro.

Parma fans should make a beeline for The Clubhouse, where 13 varieties of this Aussie classic are on offer.

At Mates Gin distillery you can enjoy a delicious range of local gins, cocktails and food in their fun-loving tasting room, all while supporting a good cause. Mates Gin are set up as a social enterprise that aims to direct 50% of their profits into charities and local communities.

History & Heritage

The poppet head Wonthaggi view of metal structure at the old mine

Celebrate Wonthaggi’s coal mining history at the State Coal Mine. The open air museum, brings to life the incredibly tough working conditions of the coal miners. With mine tours, trolley rides and interactive displays, it is a great family day out. The grounds are a delight to discover with picturesque picnic space dotted with BBQ, pizza oven and shelter. Get your pick-me-up at the Coal Mine Cafe with coffee and homemade light lunches.

The mine whistle at the top of the iconic steel framed Poppet Head in Apex Park once called State Coal Mine home, marking the change in shift of the miners. These days the whistle peeps at midday, a respectful nod to the town’s coal mining past. (Fun fact: Wonthaggi’s mine whistle was made by the same company that made the whistle for the Titanic. Her sister now lies in her watery grave in the Atlantic Ocean.)

If you’re driving toward Kilcunda you may spot the six large wind turbines of the Wonthaggi Wind Farm. The renewable energy source powers more than 6,000 homes locally, and saves nearly 50 tonnes of greenhouse gas - that’s the equivalent of emissions produced by 10,000 cars being driven for one year.

Walking & cycling

The 23km Bass Coast Rail Trail offers panoramic views of dramatic Bass Strait, taking in rugged coastline and bucolic farmland between Anderson and Wonthaggi. Head to Cross Over Cycle & Outdoor for bike hire, helmets and locks.

Kilcunda Bass Coast Rail Trail two women walking along the path beside the sea

Parks & reserves

Wonthaggi abounds in reserves and wetlands with abundant birdlife opportunities. Take the Nyora-Wonthaggi Rail Trail from the centre of town to the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve, rich in indigenous flora and native bushland. The rail trail also connects to the walking tracks around the State Coal Mine, while the Baxters Loop takes you through heathland, past historic ruins to Baxters Wetland and a bird hide.

Discover scenic native vegetation and more birdwatching opportunities on the Rifle Range Wetland Reserve, Shane’s Bush Reserve or at Tank Hill Reserve.