Surrounding Area

Walkerville

21 kms from Tarwin Lower is one of the oldest establishments in Victoria, and is reminiscent of a Cornish fishing village but was actually established as a port for the transport of lime. The remains of the old lime kilns set in the cliffs can still be seen and are well worth the visit. In the early days workers at the lime kilns tried their luck panning for gold – a small amount was found in the area.

Cape Liptrap Lighthouse

Situated in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park 25 km from Venus Bay, this lighthouse, which is still in operation, is 300 ft above sea level and was established in 1913 to improve the safety of coastal shipping. Take a short walk from the car park and enjoy the low native shrubs and heaths, steep cliffs and rock formations. Take your camera or binoculars to capture the magnificent views across Bass Strait.

Wonthaggi

Wonthaggi is a 20 minutes drive from Venus Bay and offers a large selection of stores. We recommend a visit to the State Coal Mine where you can journey back in time to discover what life working in a coal mine was like in the 1900s. Venture underground through the dark network of tunnels to get hands-on at the coal face and learn how Victoria’s hard working men extracted the black gold. Offering interactive fun and interest for the whole family both above and below ground. Free entry to all above ground facilities includes the new State Coal Mine Visitor Centre with cafe, theatrette and shop, the museum, heritage trail, historic buildings and sheltered BBQ area. Open 10am – 4.30pm daily. Book online for your underground mine tour which run daily at 11.30am and 2.00pm with additional tours run during holiday periods. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and ANZAC Day.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is known for it‘s iconic wildlife, lovely beaches and hi-octane motor sports. At Phillip Island Nature Park, spectators gather nightly to watch the Penguin Parade, when fairy penguins make their return to burrows on the beach. The Nobbies outcropping is the viewing site for Seal Rocks, an offshore basking place for fur seals.

Wilsons Promontory

Affectionately known as ‘The Prom’, it is one of the state’s best loved parks – and with good reason. This 50,000 hectare reserve is threaded with a labyrinth of walking tracks that showcase all manner of magical realms sheltering abundant wildlife.