The Bass Coast region provides an abundance of things to do and see all year round, much of which is right on the doorstep of The Cape, from stunning natural wonders to renowned local produce and destinations to eat.
DINING OUT
The Local in Inverloch is located in the heart of town and has a cozy and vibrant feel. Renown for serving exceptional 'Allpress Espresso' coffee, they also have food available to take away or eat in. As they say, 'a great day starts at The Local'.
Another destination in the seaside town of Inverloch for breakfast and lunch is Vaughans Café Deli, a family owned and operated business not only serving great food but also has a brimming deli of some of the finest local and imported products.
If you’re looking to treat the kids, Gusto Gelateria & Pastry in Inverloch is home to the best Italian gelati in pretty well the whole of Victoria. Made from all natural ingredients, the team at Gusto bring a little slice of Italy to Inverloch. They also stock other delicious gourmets treats, you won’t be disappointed we can assure you.
The Cape Tavern situated in the heart of the Cape Paterson township is a destination for classic local pub meals, with a variety of choices to suit everyone’s taste buds. You will also be able to catch live music from time to time. To see upcoming acts, click here.
When The Cape team are in the area, we have a tendency to pay a visit to The Coffee Collective almost every time we are passing through Wonthaggi. With a delicious menu to suit everyone's taste buds, it's hard to go past this eclectic eatery.
The Cape Kitchen offers a menu of carefully sourced foods and thoughtfully made dishes, and unsurpassed views as you dine of Cape Woolami through to Pyramid Rock and out onto Southern Ocean and Bass Strait. The Cape Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as offers pop up dinners monthly.
If you are in the Phillip Island vicinity, we particularly enjoy visiting Madcowes, Island Whole Foods and Cafe Lugano. Each have a delicious menu and fantastic service which leave you more than satisfied when you leave.
Another destination in the seaside town of Inverloch for breakfast and lunch is Vaughans Café Deli, a family owned and operated business not only serving great food but also has a brimming deli of some of the finest local and imported products.
If you’re looking to treat the kids, Gusto Gelateria & Pastry in Inverloch is home to the best Italian gelati in pretty well the whole of Victoria. Made from all natural ingredients, the team at Gusto bring a little slice of Italy to Inverloch. They also stock other delicious gourmets treats, you won’t be disappointed we can assure you.
The Cape Tavern situated in the heart of the Cape Paterson township is a destination for classic local pub meals, with a variety of choices to suit everyone’s taste buds. You will also be able to catch live music from time to time. To see upcoming acts, click here.
When The Cape team are in the area, we have a tendency to pay a visit to The Coffee Collective almost every time we are passing through Wonthaggi. With a delicious menu to suit everyone's taste buds, it's hard to go past this eclectic eatery.
The Cape Kitchen offers a menu of carefully sourced foods and thoughtfully made dishes, and unsurpassed views as you dine of Cape Woolami through to Pyramid Rock and out onto Southern Ocean and Bass Strait. The Cape Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as offers pop up dinners monthly.
If you are in the Phillip Island vicinity, we particularly enjoy visiting Madcowes, Island Whole Foods and Cafe Lugano. Each have a delicious menu and fantastic service which leave you more than satisfied when you leave.
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WINERIES
It’s no secret that South Gippsland and the Bass Coast are home to an abundance of exquisite food and wine destinations, from the ones set amongst the rolling lush hills to those overlooking the picturesque coastline, we have taken a handful of our favourites to give you the run down on.
Dirty Three Wines, an absolute winner in our eyes stocks Pinot Noir and Riesling wine and you can find their recently opened tasting room here in Inverloch. The ever so friendly and helpful husband and wife duo, Marcus and Lisa are the creators behind this absolute gem, so do yourself a favour and pay a visit the pair in their rustic and vibrant new space.
The Phillip Island region is known for its optimum growing conditions, so it’s no wonder the area is producing wines worthy of awards. Purple Hen winery at Rhyll and Silverwaters vineyard at San Remo are a must. Pino lovers take note, Purple Hen makes an eye-popping Pino – and yes, it is an award winner. Purple Hen allows you to enjoy views of Westernport Bay whilst you enjoy a drop.
Family owned and run Harman Wines, situated approximately 6 mins north of Inverloch welcomes you to their Winery and Cellar Door to enjoy wine tastings or to just relax to the sound of live music (jump on their website to see when the next musician will be playing) and delicious wood fired pizzas on a Sunday. Harman wines hand crafts several different cooler climate wines on site, which you can read all about, here on their website.
Dirty Three Wines, an absolute winner in our eyes stocks Pinot Noir and Riesling wine and you can find their recently opened tasting room here in Inverloch. The ever so friendly and helpful husband and wife duo, Marcus and Lisa are the creators behind this absolute gem, so do yourself a favour and pay a visit the pair in their rustic and vibrant new space.
The Phillip Island region is known for its optimum growing conditions, so it’s no wonder the area is producing wines worthy of awards. Purple Hen winery at Rhyll and Silverwaters vineyard at San Remo are a must. Pino lovers take note, Purple Hen makes an eye-popping Pino – and yes, it is an award winner. Purple Hen allows you to enjoy views of Westernport Bay whilst you enjoy a drop.
Family owned and run Harman Wines, situated approximately 6 mins north of Inverloch welcomes you to their Winery and Cellar Door to enjoy wine tastings or to just relax to the sound of live music (jump on their website to see when the next musician will be playing) and delicious wood fired pizzas on a Sunday. Harman wines hand crafts several different cooler climate wines on site, which you can read all about, here on their website.
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MARKETS
There are more markets happening in the region than you can poke a stick at. They’re running most weekends in and around Bass Coast, whether you are looking for fresh local produce, plants, clothing or hand made goods, you are bound to find a market that suits you. Click here to view the Bass Coast market calendar.
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SURFING, SNORKELLING AND STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Living in Victoria, we are pretty spoilt with the range of destinations to surf and a handful of the top 10 Victorian surf beaches are on the doorstep of The Cape. Sure, you can sit on the beach and have a swim but if you’re looking for something more adventurous pop into Offshore Surf School in Inverloch. They offer surfing and snorkelling lessons as well as stand up paddle boarding lessons and tours. Who knows, you may find your new favourite watersport.
BUNURONG MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Located south-east on the edge of Cape Paterson is the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, a destination that can be explored by on foot, by boat or sea kayak. The park is home to rock formations, sandstone cliffs, picturesque sandy beaches and a diverse array of plants and animals. If you get the opportunity, it is well worth going beneath the water’s surface to see the breathtaking world below. Though if this isn’t for you, stick to the land and stroll George Bass Coastal Walk.
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BASS COAST RAIL TRAIL
If you have a bike and a yearning for beautiful scenery, then the Bass Coast Rail Trail beckons. A short 10 minutes drive from The Cape, the trail starts in the heart of Wonthaggi, the heads in a westerly direction past the historic coal fields, before crossing rural country with a view towards the coast. After a few kilometres the trail crosses the picturesque Powlett River before taking in wetlands and other beautiful watercourses. The Kilcunda General Store or Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel make for a good stop before the return ride.
PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE
See wild penguins at the world famous Penguin Parade in Phillip Island, which is located 45 minutes drive from Cape Paterson. Each night at sunset you will be able to view from stands or the boardwalk, the magic little penguins returning home after a day of fishing. You can even stop along the way and check out the well known Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit which is a destination for many motorsport events throughout the year, including the Australian GP and V8 Supercars.
