Rugged shorelines, moody skies, and wine by the fire.
Need a weekend that feels like a breath of fresh (salty) air? South Gippsland’s coast offers a quiet kind of beauty — where cliff-backed beaches, windswept walks, and vineyard views replace crowds and chaos. This itinerary focuses on Inverloch, Cape Liptrap, and Walkerville — ideal for a laid-back coastal escape with a touch of winter wildness.
Day One: Coastal Welcome in Inverloch 🌅🍽️
Start your journey in Inverloch, a charming seaside town with a mix of surf vibes and coastal calm. Check into a beachside cabin or cosy stay with a fireplace — you’ll want a home base that feels warm and inviting.
Grab a late breakfast or brunch at The Bayside Lady, a local favourite known for its brunch classics and friendly feel. If the sun’s shining, take your coffee to go and enjoy a walk along the Inverloch Foreshore Track — a flat and scenic path with views across Anderson Inlet.
Explore the Caves & Cape 🌊🪨
Drive west along the coast to the Eagles Nest Lookout, one of the best viewpoints on the Bass Coast. Just beyond, if the tide is right, explore the rock formations and mini-caves near the shoreline — they look especially dramatic under grey skies and shifting light.
Keep going to Cape Liptrap Lighthouse, perched high above the cliffs with panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. It’s remote, windswept, and the kind of place that makes you feel wonderfully small.
Afternoon Sips in the Hills 🍷🌾
Head inland for a warming wine tasting at Waratah Hills Vineyard or Dirty Three Wines — two standout options in the region. These cellar doors are low-key, welcoming, and perfect for a glass by the fire as the light begins to fade.
You’ll find local cheese, olives, and chutneys on hand — consider grabbing a few supplies for a self-catered dinner or tomorrow’s picnic.
Evening by the Fire or Sea 🌌🔥
For dinner, return to Inverloch and settle in at Tomos Japanese Inverloch for a unique and delicious twist — or opt for classic coastal pub fare at the Inverloch Esplanade Hotel.
Prefer quiet? Bring a gourmet picnic back to your stay and enjoy it fireside, accompanied by a board game, a good book, or the sound of crashing waves.
Day Two: Walkerville Wanderings & Fossil Fun 🦴🧭
After breakfast, make your way towards Walkerville, a peaceful and photogenic stretch of coastline once home to a thriving lime industry. The Walkerville Limeburners Walk is a must — scenic, historical, and surprisingly atmospheric in cooler weather.
For a dose of natural history, stop at The Caves near Flat Rocks, or visit the Dinosaur Dreaming fossil site (best viewed from the lookout if not part of a tour). There’s something powerful about seeing ancient history revealed at the edge of the sea.
Backroads & Bites on the Way Home 🧺🚗
Take the long way back through Meeniyan or Fish Creek, two small towns big on character. Browse the galleries, pick up local produce, and enjoy a final coffee stop before the drive home.
Coastal Wisdom: Local Tips for Winter Wandering 🗺️
Bring layers – coastal wind can turn quickly even on a sunny day.
Check tide times before visiting the caves and fossil sites.
Be flexible – this area rewards slow, unhurried exploration.
Look for local signs – roadside stalls and pop-up events are common in the cooler months.
Where the Coast Slows You Down
The South Gippsland coast is a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the quiet ones. From wind-carved cliffs to peaceful wineries and hidden coves, this stretch between Inverloch and Walkerville is all about taking your time.
Whether you’re storm-watching by the fire, wandering fossil-studded shores, or soaking up the silence of an off-season beach, you’ll find that calm comes naturally here — and stays with you long after you’ve left.
Links for the Drift-Seeking Traveller
Plan your slow coastal weekend with these handpicked resources: