News Drink in views on the George Bass Coastal Walk

• Don’t miss a hearty lunch at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, a beloved local watering hole. If you’re after a hit of caffeine or thoughtful brunch, get to KGS Kilcunda.

• Pop into The Sticks, a collection of artist and produce hubs, where you can support local creators and stock up for home. Raza Kilcunda has you covered for leafy greens and organic veg, plenty of pantry items and makes a cosy nook to enjoy a glass of wine or afternoon tea.

• It’s a short walk from the shops to the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, but well worth the visit to marvel at the historic structure, and duck underneath to access the beach where you can scour rock pools and explore a sea cave.

• In Kilcunda you will find connections to Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, Bass Coast Rail Trail. Hop on your bike and travel along this historic route for jaw-dropping scenery.

• Kilcunda is just a hop, skip and a jump away from beloved Phillip Island. World-famous for its penguin parade, there are plenty of popular beaches and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, as well as a thriving café culture.

Kick your day off from San Remo, soaking in the beach town atmosphere and fuel up for the hike. Get to Sanny Side for excellent coffee and a simple range of bagels and toasties, or Saint Jules for a fuller brunch menu, baked goods and pantry items.

Head off on the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk, aiming to reach Kilcunda in time for lunch. Stop in at KGS Kilcunda for a delicious meal after your long walk. This charming place is a triple threat, as a café, post office and general store – expect classic brunch fare, made with fresh local produce and a relaxed, seaside flare. Follow your tasty lunch with a stroll through Kilcunda’s shops. At futuristic The Sticks you will find Art by Safina, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist, and By Georgia, a handmade jewellery wonderland. Stock up on pantry items and fresh produce at Raza Kilcunda.

After your stroll through Kilcunda, it’s time for the walk back to San Remo – but don’t worry, you’ll be back. Weave along the clifftops back to your car, making sure you take the time to enjoy the spectacular views on this magical walk.

Drive back from San Remo to Kilcunda, where you will stay for the night. Indulge in a classic pub dinner at the Kilcunda Hotel – we’re talking calamari, parmas, and plenty of chips. If you’re here in winter, you can cosy up by the fire, or if you’re visiting in the summertime, sit outside and bask in the sunset glow.

After a coffee first thing from KGS, hit the road and wind your way over to Wonthaggi, to park your car. Unload the bikes and ride the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Wind through bucolic hills, taking in the staggering sea cliffs and vivid blue sea. You’ll take in the stunning Kilcunda Trestle Bridge on this coastal ride, and when you get there, you’ll know that lunch is just around the corner.

After a tasty lunch, ride back to Wonthaggi to collect your car, before driving to Inverloch to stay the night. Finish off the day with a pub dinner at the Invy Espy Hotel or sushi and sake at Tomo’s Japanese Inverloch.

Start the morning with breakfast from one of Inverloch’s many fantastic cafes. Try Bluette on Bear, The Local or The Larder, before beelining it to the beach for a relaxing stroll. Head to Dirty Three Wines for lunch over chardonnay and pinot noir, or visit Harman’s Cellar Door for a snifter and full lunch menu, and perhaps some classic lawn games.