Overview

210 km/130.5 miles, about 3 hours

Journey between two of Victoria's most loved tourist attractions – the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory National Park at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.

There's so much to uncover as you wind your way through south Gippsland on this 200-kilometre drive. Detour along the Bunurong Coastal Drive for sweeping ocean views and unique rocky outcrops, and wander along rugged beaches with barely another soul around. Cast a line for a fish supper, or enjoy a counter meal in a typical country pub before you reach the breathtakingly spectacular Prom.

  • Phillip Island to Inverloch

    46.6 km/29 miles, about 45 minutes

    After witnessing the magical Penguin Parade, bid the little penguins farewell and depart Phillip Island. Stop off in the pretty fishing village of San Remo on the Melbourne side of the bridge to the island, timing your visit to catch the 12pm (noon) daily pelican feeding at the San Remo pier.

    From San Remo, take the B420 to the Anderson roundabout. Turn right onto the B460 and follow the road past Kilcunda and its tempting general store until you reach Wanthaggi. Pause for long enough in Wonthaggi to tour the State Coal Mine and discover what life was like underground in the 1900s.

    From Wonthaggi the route takes a scenic detour along the C435 to Cape Paterson and the start of the Bunurong Coastal Drive, a unique stretch of coastal road featuring sweeping ocean views and dramatic rocky outcrops. The road stretches 14 kilometres between Cape Paterson and Inverloch, your destination.

  • Tarwin Lower to Fish Creek

    71.5 km/45 miles, about 1 hour

    Hit the water at the coastal resort of Inverloch. Swim, snorkel, paddle or ramble through rock pools in Anderson Inlet, often described as the most popular estuary in Victoria. Afterwards, sate your appetite at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the town's main street.

    Indulge in a spot of 'Dinosaur Dreaming' in Inverloch, where you can pop in to the Bunurong Coast Education Centre and take a tour of the rocky coastline of the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park. You can see evidence of ancient rivers that once flowed in this area around 115 to 120 million years ago.

    Head out of Inverloch on the C442 towards Tarwin Lower, a popular fishing township on the bank of the Tarwin River. Take a detour into Venus Bay (just 3 kilometres from Tarwin Lower) to explore the sweeping surf beaches and coastal walks.

    From Tarwin Lower take the Tarwin Lower–Walkerville Road to Walkerville, home of the Cape Liptrap lighthouse and the historic limekilns – giant brick buttresses that protrude from the cliffs above the beach at Walkerville. These are all that remain of Walkerville's booming quicklime industry of the 1890s.

    From Walkerville take the Fish Creek–Walkerville Road to Fish Creek. You'll know you've arrived when you see the giant mullet sitting atop the Fishy Pub.

  • Fish Creek to Wilsons Promontory

    61 km/38 miles, about 1 hour

    Follow the C444 out of Fish Creek. Leave yourself plenty of time for detours to the beautiful hamlets of Sandy Point and Waratah Bay via the C445. The two coastal townships feature sweeping beaches with stunning views to Wilsons Promontory National Park, and are particularly popular during the warmer months.

    Continue along the C444 until you reach Wilsons Promontory National Park. Wilsons Prom, or the Prom as it is affectionately known, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and regularly attracts nature enthusiasts from around Australia and worldwide. There are more than 30 established walks of varying duration and more than 30 species of native mammals to be spotted. Secluded beaches, cool fern gullies and spectacular rock formations make the Prom perfect for walking, birdwatching and, of course, exploring. Pitch a tent at one of the campsites, or cosy up in a contemporary cabin to get the most out of your visit.

    Take a wildlife cruise on a custom-built amphibious vessel with Wilsons Promontory Cruises to spot fur seals, unique birdlife, common and bottlenose dolphins, and migrating whales (from September to December and May to July).