Local Explorer

Local Explorer

New to town and looking for some ideas on how to spend your weekend? We can help!

Over the past couple of weeks, we've featured a few posts on our socials highlighting some of our favourite destinations, both within and beyond Inverloch.

Naturally, we're very biased and we think this little slice of Bass Coast is one of the best places you could visit, and we want to make sure all the lovely visitors to our town have the right info under their belt to put their best foot forward when exploring the South Gippsland region.

To make things nice and easy, and to save you scrolling back through our feed to find the highlights, we've popped all our hints and tips and suggestions here, ready for tourists and locals alike to get out and spend a day, a weekend or a week finding the best we have to offer.

If you popped into the store and asked us for dinner recommendations or hiking suggestions or hot shopping spots to visit, we'd happily share some of our favourites. So we thought it was only fair to give our online visitors the same opportunity! Below is a list of ideas, by no means exhaustive or exclusive - consider it a jumping off point to start your adventure...

Shack Bay Inverloch Victoria Australia

Inverloch

One of our favourite scenic drives is the looping, curling road from Invy to Cape Paterson. Winding through the Yallock-Bulluk Marine & Coastal Park, the area is home to many Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and has been named after the Yallock-Bulluk clan of the Bunurong people. Pick a couple of beaches to visit along the way, and enjoy the spectacular scenery from lookouts or on the sand. Our favourites are Eagles Nest and Shack Bay, but maybe you'll love the Oaks instead?⁠ ⁠

If you're hungry, grab lunch from Lime & Co in the centre of town and head to a grassy spot in the Glade, or if you've got little people in tow, make a beeline for Rainbow Park. If you feel like dining in, Bluette has a beautiful garden to while away a morning or afternoon with a coffee and a good book (purchased from Paperplay Inverloch who stock the best selection of reading material for all kinds of busy minds). 

There's plenty of other shopping options in town too, and we'd wager there's something to keep nearly every member of the family happy. Lollies, fishing gear, homewares, clothing, surf stuff, eco products, beauty and plenty of food to take home and enjoy!

As the afternoon heads towards evening, settle in for a drink at Dirty Three Wines - a bottle of All the Dirts is never a bad idea, or maybe try a tasting flight if you're feeling indecisive! And it's also a great spot to try a glass of the lovely Loch Gin, too. 

And finally, dinner - perch up at the Invy Espy if you're after pub grub and chippies, or journey up A'Beckett to Tomo's Japanese for a special meal with friends.⁠ The burgers at the Espy are always great value, and if you do make it to Tomo, don't leave without trying the Amiyaki beef. It's mouth-wateringly good!

There's so many more wonderful options in Inverloch, and we've barely scratched the surface here, but hopefully it's sparked something for you, and you're excited for the discoveries ahead.

Beyond

Where else can you explore from our seaside town?
If you feel like heading west, we love a drive to the island, with a coffee pitstop at Kilcunda General Store and a stroll along the coastal path. Heck, you could even do the George Bass Coastal Walk if you’re really vibing some exercise! The trail will take you from Killy to Punchbowl, through undulating hills and across sandy beaches. Pack bathers and a towel on a warm day and maybe picnic lunch too!
Once you hit the island, and before you journey off to penguins and koalas and mazes and chocolate factories, nab another coffee and maybe a cheeky pastry from Seaside Provider in Newhaven, then head next door to The Ivy to add a little lush greenery to your life. This lovely family-run store is packed with gorgeous leafy goodness, and is one of our favourite destinations when we're looking for a gift with a difference.
While you're in the area, head across to Cape Woolamai and walk from the surf club to the highest point on the island. There's incredible coastal views every step of the way, and the panorama from the summit is pretty special on a clear day.
Cape Woolamai Phillip Island Victoria Australia
If you’ve been there, done that with the island, why not venture a little inland to Meeniyan? There’s great shopping to be had at Lacy Jewellery Studio (a big local favourite for anything shiny or sparkly) and plenty of fashion and homewares at Mika & Max Boutique, too. Plus there's an absolute plethora of eating options including Pandesal Bakery (our pick for a delicious almond croissant), Trulli Kitchen (for a relaxed pizza at Meeniyan Square) and Moo's (for a delicious feed any time of the day). 
And we can’t forget a little beach exploring - we spent a glorious afternoon at Walkerville South recently that’s firmly replanted that little magic cove among our favourites, but we’ll let you do some exploring to find your own! Waratah Bay, Sandy Point, Cape Liptrap, Williamsons Beach, Powlett River - the list goes on... 
And lucky last, finish your adventuring at Cape Paterson with a visit to The Cape Tavern. Crispy chippies, fresh seafood, and beautiful pasta - you can’t go wrong! And don't be surprised if you see us there with a cold beer or glass of bubbles in hand. We can't stay away!
Where have we missed? Drop any suggestions you have in the comments below - we love finding new gems, too!
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