PENGUINS TO PROM DRIVE
210km | 3 hours
This is a short and sweet, yet totally stunning journey between two of Victoria's most defining attractions. From the huggable little penguins at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, the Penguins to Prom Drive hugs the contours of the Bass Coast and winds through hilly South Gippsland countryside to the breathtaking splendour of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Along the journey, embrace sweeping ocean views and discover soulful country towns.
GETTING STARTED: In under 2 hours you can be at this dreamy island, just 142km from Melbourne. Make your way out of the big smoke on the M1, and connect with the M420. This lovely patch of the world offers a couple of wineries nestled in The Gurdies, a farm gate at Macca's Farm, a cheesery care of Bassine Specialty Cheeses and Maru Koala & Animal Park. The M420 (changing to B420) will get you all the way to Phillip Island. Your journey ends at Wilsons Promontory, 3 hours south-east of Melbourne.
LEG 1: PHILLIP ISLAND TO INVERLOCH
60km | 1 hour

Grab a delicious breakfast at one of Cowes' buzzing cafes then hop on the bridge to San Remo. Get your timing right and delight the kids with the free daily pelican feeding at midday, where the locals from the co-op hand feed the gluttonous birds.
Follow the coast along some of the best views Victoria has to offer as the highway follows the contours of rugged cliffs along the coastline.
Lovely Kilcunda is famed for the iconic Kilcunda trestle bridge and show-stopping walking and cycling can be accessed from the town. Soak up the seaside goodness along the Bass Coast Rail Trail, Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, or the dramatic George Bass Coastal Walk.
A short drive south lands you in Wonthaggi, a bustling little town with plenty of options for restocking on goodies and fuel. For history buffs, check out the town’s coal mining past at the open air museum, State Coal Mine. If history is not your thing, hang out at one of the cool cafes breathing new life into the commercial centre of Bass Coast.
From Wonthaggi brace yourself for some of the best views Victoria has to offer. The route takes a scenic detour to Cape Paterson and the start of the Bunurong Coastal Drive. This mini Great Ocean Road runs to Inverloch, offering rugged cliff tops on one side and rolling rural hills on the other (careful not to strain your neck!).
Highlights
LEG 2: INVERLOCH TO FISH CREEK
72km | 1 hour

Waking up in the beachside town of Inverloch affords bountiful adventures across all four seasons. In summer, this popular holiday destination is a coastal resort and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, paddling or rockpool rambling.
Inverloch is a trendy town housing plenty of gastronomic delights with boutique food and wine vibes. Make sure you check out the South Gippsland Drink Trail for some places to relax and enjoy a sample.
If you are into surfing, detour to Venus Bay for its wild waters. Or check out the other end at Andersons Inlet for safe, still waters, and Victoria’s longest sand pit. Next up is Tarwin Lower, known for its fishing fun.
You can head straight for the drawcard, Wilsons Promontory, but the short stop at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is well worth it to see the operational lighthouse and glorious ocean panoramas. Stretch the legs on the Walkerville Overlook Walk amongst coastal woodlands and gain a sneak peek at your final destination with phenomenal views towards The Prom.
Soldier on down Soldiers Rd to connect you back with main drag, the Meeniyan-Promontory Rd. From here it is a short drive to the entry point Wilsons Promontory. Or carry on to Fish Creek, a browser’s delight with boutique stores, galleries and cafes and picturesque rural views.
Highlights
LEG 3: FISH CREEK TO WILSONS PROMONTORY
54km | 50 minutes
Enter one of the most magical places on our planet, Wilsons Promontory. While the park boundary is just a stone’s throw from Yanakie, all the action takes place at Tidal River with beach access, camp ground, accommodation and a Visitor Centre.
Explore the mystical beaches of Fairy Cove, Squeaky Beach, Waterloo Bay and Whisky Bay. Take a short stroll or a thigh-wearying hike, with endless opportunities for wildlife Spotto including lazy seal colonies and playful dolphins.