Tarwin Valley Drive
117km | 3 hours
The Tarwin Valley Drive takes in the best of dairy farmland and finishes with the cherry on top at Venus Bay for your coastal hit.
Put your phone away as this recommended route is beyond the brilliance of Google Maps. The drive offers a back roads tour of this picturesque rural area instead of the quickest route between the highlights. Soak up the slower pace of this itinerary and enjoy the spectacular bucolic scenery.
This idyllic weekend getaway is easily accessible from the South Gippsland Hwy (A440) and Bass Highway (B460). Travel the whole circuit within 3 hours or pick and choose smaller sections of the drive. The route description begins at Koonwarra and travels in an easterly direction.
LEG 1: Koonwarra to Fish Creek
61 km, about 1.5 hours
Start your dairy farming tour of South Gippsland in charming Koonwarra, 128 km south-east of Melbourne. Spend some time in this earth loving community and soak up the wholesome vibes. This town was the first eco-wise town in Australia, pioneering the waste-wise and plastic-bag free movements and also championed slow food initiatives and organic eating. Enjoy an enlightening walk around town full of opportunities to learn about the environment and sustainable living.
A short half an hour down the road is tiny Dumbalk. Let the kids run around the park while you admire the storytelling through historical photographs at the information board.
In time for brunch and just a stone's throw away is Meeniyan, snuggled in the middle of the idyllic Strzelecki Ranges. This town is not just a stepping stone to the famous Wilsons Promontory, it has a liveliness about it and will delight foodies with its cafes and restaurants.
The next fun-sized towns you will pass are Stony Creek and Buffalo on the way to Fish Creek, to finish of your village-style cultural hit.
Fish Creek is a browser’s delight, stroll through the town to stumble across boutique stores, galleries and cafes with picturesque rural views.
Nearby on the South Gippsland Drink Trail, you will find Waratah Hills Vineyard serving pinot noirs with views, and the good people at Gurneys Cider have you covered for your cider needs. Or take a mini detour toward Foster (7 km) and take in the dreamy panoramas at Mt Nicoll Lookout.
Leg 1 Highlights
Leg 2: Fish Creek to Venus Bay
56 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes
Wake up to a perfect view and then head to the historical riverside village of Tarwin Lower. Stroll or canoe along the river, once the lifeline of this town, now a tranquil and peaceful place for a spot of fishing.
Hop back into the car and head 10 minutes up the coast to sparkling Venus Bay. Admire the long stretches of golden sand with sheltered waters. Families can delight in the gentle, protected waters around Anderson Inlet, laying claim to Victoria’s longest sand spit. The calmer waters are also popular for boating and fishing. If roaring fun is more your thing, check out the five nearby surfing beaches (aptly named 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).
Spend the night in the seaside town, or head back to where it all began at Koonwarra (35 minutes away).
