News Sandy days at Mouth of Powlett River
A perfect beach day without the waves, the Mouth of Powlett River is a haven for families and anyone who just wants to lie back and float on an inflatable lilo.
The Mouth of Powlett River is a serene spot between Kilcunda and Cape Paterson. A slow-moving river winds its way out to the sea, surrounded by sand dunes under a wide, blue sky. This is the place to visit if you are after a lazy summer day, splashing in the fresh water without any pesky waves getting in the way.
Located 1:40 hours’ drive southeast of Melbourne, from Kilcunda, take the Bass Highway toward Wonthaggi, turning off at the Mouth of Powlett Rd to a car park near the caravan park.
MOUTH OF POWLETT RIVER
Load up with your towels, lilos and beach umbrellas before heading down to nab a spot on the wide, sandy riverbank. Set up for the day in this serene location, where you can lay down your towel and blow up your lilo – or festive flamingo – before wading into the cool water.
If you’re into paddling, don’t forget to bring your kayak or stand-up paddleboard – there are no waves to contend with here.
There are large sand dunes on the western side of the river, begging to be climbed or zipped down. Those in the know bring plastic toboggans to dial up the fun.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
- Visit the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel for a hearty seaside meal of calamari, flake or schnitzels, complete with oceanfront views. If cafe-fare is more your style, sashay into KGS Kilcunda, boasting a menu of egg-based brunches, burgers, toasties, complete with house made pita, felafel and chutneys.
- Enjoy a fresh coffee with the finest beans at Raza Kilcunda, tucked away in The Sticks hub, your browsing centre with micro-gallery spaces and gelato cart over summer.
- Walk the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk for stunning clifftop views over a dramatic ocean below, or take the Bass Coast Rail Trail for Victoria’s only coastal rail trail.
- Don’t skip the impressive Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, towering above Bourne Creek. With delightfully weathered timber trusses, it makes a worthy subject of your travel pics.
- Head over the bridge to Phillip Island, where you can visit the Penguin Parade or go surfing at one of the world-famous beaches.
YOUR GETAWAY ITINERARY AWAITS
DAY 1
Head to the Bass Coast, taking in that magical coastline with a walk or ride. The luscious George Bass Coastal Walk, winds through rolling hills and past towering cliffs between Kilcunda and San Remo. This walk is 7 km one-way, clocking in at 2 hours – leaving a car at both ends allows you to walk one-way, or make a day of it and do the full 4 hours return.
If you prefer the power of pedal, take on the Bass Coast Rail Trail instead. Starting off in nearby Anderson, cycle the 16km along Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, pedalling along the coast and through bucolic countryside, before ending in Wonthaggi. If you're super keen, you can extend that to 23km by starting at the Woolamai Racecourse.
Either way, time lunch with your arrival in Kilcunda... both trails pass through the town. Choose between classic pub fare at Killy Pub or a modern-Australian cafe menu at KGS Kilcunda, with house made items lacing the menu. Raza Kilcunda has coffee and afternoon tea sorted, stock up on product while you're here.
Round out your Kilcunda trip with a visit to the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge – pop down the staircase to the beach where rock pools are king and you can find a small sea cave at the western headland.
Stay in Kilcunda or Wonthaggi.
DAY 2
After yesterday’s exertions, spend some time lolling about in the water at the Mouth of Powlett River. Don’t forget to pack lots of sunscreen, water and food, so you don’t have to leave this heavenly corner of the coastline. Bask in the calm water of the river or make a dash at the giant sand dunes across the river.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Bunurong Coastal Drive. Starting in Cape Paterson, this road hugs the contours of the coast, ending in Inverloch. Discover hidden coves and secret beaches at the base of wooden stair platforms at Shack Bay or The Oaks. At The Caves you’ll find the site of dinosaur dreaming, where a dino footprint can be seen at low tide. Marvel at the Eagles Nest landmark just outside Inverloch – this iconic sandstone sea stack sits on a rocky platform. You can reach the platform at low tide, or get a view from the lookout near the car park on the clifftop above.
Finish the drive at Inverloch, your base for the night. Head to Tomo for outstanding Japanese flavours, combining gyoza, sashimi, soft shell crab and tofu dishes.
DAY 3
Spend your morning in Inverloch, taking a stroll along the Inverloch Foreshore Track or the Screw Creek Nature Walk.
Head to lunch at Harman Wines for woodfired pizzas or a selection of tapas from the beautiful countryside setting of this award-winning winery.
Hit the beach in the afternoon and be sure to purchase a scoop or two of artisan gelato from The Invy Cafe Al Mare to finish the day.
TOWNS TO VISIT NEARBY
DISCOVER MORE GIPPSLAND WONDERS
The Gippsland region is home to some serious pinch-yourself wonders - from the dreamiest natural water hole to a monolith jutting from the ocean in the shape of a skull... A clifftop hike serving up front-row ocean drama, to one of the state’s last patches of cool rainforest... A latticework of butterscotch-hued caves to gorges seemingly built from tetris blocks.
Published on under: Nature & Outdoor