Wonthaggi

Step back to Victoria's mining past at Wonthaggi, home to Victoria's only winnable underground black coal, and soak up the great outdoors and sweeping coastal views. A town built on black coal reserves, Wonthaggi was used by the Victorian Government in response to the disastrous New South Wales coal strikes at the turn of the century. Discover more about the tough nature of mining history by following the heritage walk around the mine site, exploring historic buildings housing photographs from the past and mining remnants. Tours and interpretation points show a town that was controlled by the mine whistle, which is still heard at noon every day. Wonthaggi is also the starting point for the amazing 16 kilometre Bass Coast Rail Trail, Victoria's only coastal rail trail. This trail is best known for the trestle bridge at Kilcunda, which has a surf beach as its backdrop. Keep your walking shoes on and explore the Wonthaggi Wetlands, the North School Wild Flowers Reserve, the Old Rescue Station and the State Coal Mine Above Ground Walk and all easy short walks with wheelchair access. Discover the trails of Cape Paterson and the boardwalks and at nearby Kilcunda, home to the Old Kilcunda Rail Bridge, take in the spectacular views with a walk along the cliff tops on the George Bass Coastal Walk to San Remo. Wonthaggi is less than two hours' drive from Melbourne. Travel along the South Gippsland Highway from Melbourne, turning onto the Bass Highway. Then follow the road through Grantville, Bass and Kilcunda before reaching Wonthaggi.