Gippsland, VIC
Airing Date: Jun 21st, 2008
Take a trip across Prom Country...The state of Victoria is regarded as the RV capital. A rewarding drive, with a few unexpected surprises, is travelling the accessible highways and byways of South Gippsland (also known as Prom Country) in a Winnebago. Located in Victoria's eastern corner, this is a region where rolling hills and green-carpeted farmland meets some scenic coastline near Bass Strait, and provides the ideal base for fun-filled family activities.
Just over 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne via the South Gippsland and Bass highways is Inverloch. This popular seaside holiday locale is at the mouth of the tranquil Anderson Inlet. One of the most visually rewarding ways of getting there is via the Bunurong Coastal Drive - a stunning yet relatively unknown 14-kilometre stretch of road between Cape Paterson and Inverloch.
Inverloch, a Gaelic word meaning 'Entrance to a Lake', is the site where the annual summer dinosaur digs are conducted by Monash University. Since 1994 more than 12,000 fossil bones and teeth have been catalogued. Eagles Nest, which is near Inverloch, was the first place in Australia where dinosaur specimens were discovered. The Cape Paterson Claw was found there in 1903 by William Hamilton Ferguson. In the off-season it is possible to take an insightful guided Dinosaur Dreaming Tour at The Caves (previously known as Flat Rocks) with Mike Cleland. Mike has even had a dinosaur, or more specifically a fossil amphibian, named after him - Koolasuchus cleelandi, which he discovered the remains of in1989 near San Remo at Phillip Island.
An ideal site for retiring with the 'bago' and the family is at the Inverloch Holiday Park. Reputed to have one of the best childrens' adventure playgrounds around, the park is just one minute's walk to the beach.
From Inverloch, the drive can be continued to Koonwarra and then along the South Gippsland Highway to Toora. Here, twelve notable wind turbines high up on the hill form part of the second-largest wind farm in Victoria.
The four-legged urban family member is not forgotten, with the opportunity for handlers and their pooches to learn how to round up sheep and Indian Runner Ducks at a working dog education weekend at Welshpool. Conducted by highly regarded dog trainer and kelpie breeder Paul Macphail, working dog education weekends are two-day courses that allow both typical working and non-working dog breeds (both urban and countrified) to hone their herding instincts and improve their bonds with their handlers. It's a far cry from the regular walkies in the suburban park.
For fishing enthusiasts Port Albert is located around 25 minutes on from Welshpool. Gippsland's first port was established in 1841 by explorer Angus McMillan, and by the 1860s Port Albert rivalled the Port of Melbourne. Set on an inlet within the unique Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, today Port Albert has mellowed somewhat with a population of 300 permanent residents. The area is considered to be a fishermen's paradise offering a protected haven from the vagaries of Bass Strait. One of the most notable features at Port Albert is the 250-metre timber jetty. This makes for a pleasant spot for a walk or to drop a line in. Or you can simply admire some of the traditional crafted wooden boats at the marina that local boat builder Jeff Lipscombe has restored or constructed. And if fishing isn't your bag, eating some of the fresh daily cooked fish and chips at Port Albert Wharf is worth the visit alone.
Further Information:Dinosaur Dreaming Tours
Minimum charge for a 90 minute tour with guide Mike Cleland is $200 per group (Please note there is no minimum number required for groups).
Contact OUTTHERE Outdoor Activities
Call (03) 5956-6450 or visit http://outthere.net.au/index.htm
For further information on the annual six week Dinosaur Digs that are run by Monash University at Inverloch, visit
http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/msc/dinodream/
Or if interested to join the dig crew as a volunteer contact Museum Victoria on (03) 8341 7777.
Big 4 - Inverloch Holiday Park & Foreshore Camping ReservePowered sites start from $35 per night.
Holiday Units start from $115 per night.
(03) 5674-1447
www.inverlochholidaypark.com.au
Cnr Cuttriss Street & The Esplanade
Inverloch, Victoria, 3996
Working Dog Education WeekendsCost $275 incl. GST
Contact Paul Macphail
Beloka Kelpie Stud
Ph: (03) 5688-1250
Mob: 0418-335-306
http://wkgdog.customer.netspace.net.au/
For further information on Port Albert and Gippsland
Call 1800 630 704 or visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au
Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA)www.crva.com.au
Winnebagowww.winnebago.com.au
For more information and tips for planning an RV trip, visit the caravan and motorhomes most comprehensive website:
www.welovethiscountry.com.au.
