Five towns to stop by on Victoria's Bass Highway

Getting in the car and heading off on a weekend away or a day trip to small and medium-sized towns down the highway can be a fulfilling experience with hidden gems and great local hospitality. Here are a few highlights down Victoria's Bass Highway.

From: Lang Lang to Leongatha indirectly via the coast. Follow this route south east of Melbourne.
Named after: Naval explorer George Bass.
Route number: A420
Length: 85km
Best bit: The coastal section near Kilcunda running along the Bass Strait.

San Remo is a short detour off the highway and once there, you’re at the gateway (or actually the bridge) to Phillip Island with its penguins, koala park, beaches and busy town of Cowes. If you want to leave that for another day, at least stop at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op for fish and chips with a view of the channel and stock the esky with fresh seafood for later on.

Kilcunda has a pub with a fabulous ocean view, a few shops, and also three very good beaches. But if you’re up for a walk don’t miss the George Bass Coastal Walk, a well made trail that hugs the beaches and cliff tops along the coastal reserve. In total, it’s a seven kilometre hike from Kilcunda to San Remo and also links with the Bass Coast Rail Trail, a 21km walking track following the old coal-hauling railway to Wonthaggi. Or stop at Udder & Hoe food store for the best local produce.

Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine is a museum harking back to the town’s early days as a coal mining town. Now, the mine is open to visitors who can explore the history of mining in the area above and below ground. You could also check out the town’s ArtSpace gallery for local artists and craftspeople.

Inverloch gets a bit busy in summer, understandably because of its sheltered and sunny position on the coast at the entry to Anderson Inlet. It’s got plenty of shops and eateries, and on the third Sunday of the month the Community Farmers’ Market on the foreshore is particularly pleasant. For a short detour, try the 12 kilometre Bunurong Marine and Coastal Drive to Cape Paterson with its spectacular cliff top views.

Leongatha is further inland, settled among rolling green hills and is the commercial centre of South Gippsland’s dairy industry. Stop off at The Rusty Windmill cafe and pantry for a bite, stroll the shops, drop into the Lucinda Estate Winery and restaurant on the edge of town, or for something different visit the Firelight Museum’s collection of antique lamps, jewellery and firearms.

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