Highly recommended

Discover Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, now departing from Wilsons Promontory National Park and easily accessible from Venus Bay Eco Retreat. This unique venture opened in September 2019 and offers visitors 2 hours on a purpose built boat with close up views of the magnificent Bass Strait islands; you may see dolphins, seals, whales, sea birds and more in the pristine waters of Bass Strait and the wild Southern Ocean. Book online at www.pennicottjourneys.com.au or by phone 0428 400 155. Located 80km from Venus Bay Eco Retreat.

Wildlife

Venus Bay Eco Retreat is a private wildlife sanctuary. Guests enjoy viewing wildlife from the cabin veranda and from the picture windows. Kangaroos, wallaby, echidna, wombat, micro bats, possums and other wildlife are commonly seen. Diverse birdlife is a special feature of this location which is nestled in a pristine Coast Banksia woodland.

Bushland and beaches

Walk 20 mins or drive 5 mins to nearby Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Venus Bay with 26kms of stunning sandy beaches. Beach picnics, swimming, fishing, surfing, body boarding and nature walks are popular. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset on the Southern Ocean.

Anderson Inlet walk adjoins Pt Smythe Nature Reserve in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.  Here sheltered trails lead you to pristine wetlands, ocean views and picturesque sandy coves. Anderson Inlet is approx. 10 mins walk or 5 mins drive from Venus Bay Eco Retreat.  There are short or long walks suitable for all fitness levels.

Gourmet slow food trail

South Gippsland is a well known food producing region and you may enjoy exploring the local food trails. Boutique wineries, slow food restaurants and casual cafes are nearby in small rural towns and villages.  Information and maps are available at Venus Bay Eco Retreat.

Twitchers or bird lovers

Bird lovers have lots of choices with several bird hides within walking distance. The Venus Bay Peninsula is an internationally recognised migratory bird site with species travelling from Siberia, Tasmania, Japan and more to rest and feed on the Anderson Inlet wetlands. Bushland birds, raptors, owls, sea birds and water birds all live in and visit the diverse habitats of the Venus Bay peninsula.

Visit nearby national parks

Wilsons Promontory National Park is 80km along the coast. Take a picnic to pristine beaches and for those who love a physical challenge you can climb Mt Oberon to see 360° views from the southernmost point of mainland Australia.  The Bunurong Marine National Park is 26 km away and boasts exceptional marine life; it’s a great location for snorkelling and scuba diving (BYO equipment).