Walkerville & Waratah Bay

Walkerville and Waratah Bay, tucked along the pristine coastline of South Gippsland, offer a serene escape into rugged beauty and quiet seaside charm. This is a place where the wild Southern Ocean meets ancient dunes and windswept heathlands, perfect for travellers seeking uncrowded beaches, fossil hunting, and a genuine taste of coastal Victoria. The twin settlements—Walkerville with its historic lime kilns and Waratah Bay with its sweeping sandy arc—are ideal for a slow-paced self-drive detour between Wilson Promontory and the Bass Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Walkerville Lime Kilns: Explore the haunting ruins of 19th-century lime kilns set against dramatic cliffs and turquoise water—a photographer’s dream at sunset.
• Waratah Bay Beach: Stroll along kilometres of quiet, white sand backed by low dunes; perfect for beachcombing, swimming (patrolled in summer), and watching the waves roll in.
• Fossil Hunting at The Caves: At low tide, search for ancient marine fossils embedded in the rocky platforms near Walkerville—look for shells, corals, and even whale bones.
• Cape Liptrap Coastal Park: Hike the windswept trails of this rugged park, where heathland meets cliff-top lookouts over Bass Strait. Keep an eye out for migrating whales (June–October).
• Walkerville Foreshore Reserve: A peaceful picnic spot with sheltered barbecue areas, a small playground, and direct access to the rock pools and kilns.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find one full day sufficient to soak up the highlights—spend the morning exploring the lime kilns and fossicking at The Caves, then head to Waratah Bay for a relaxed afternoon swim and beach walk. If you have a campervan or are staying in holiday rentals, an overnight stay allows you to catch a stunning sunrise over the bay and explore the Cape Liptrap trails at a leisurely pace. For those on a longer Gippsland road trip, half a day makes a worthwhile stop before continuing to Wilson Promontory (about 40 minutes south).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wilson Promontory National Park: Just a 40-minute drive south, this iconic park offers world-class hikes, wild beaches, and abundant wildlife—combine with Walkerville for a full coastal adventure.
• Inverloch: A lively seaside town 30 minutes north, known for its safe swimming beach, excellent coffee, and the nearby Bunurong Marine National Park with its dinosaur fossils.
• Venus Bay: A laid-back surf-and-fishing village 20 minutes west, with long sandy beaches, estuary walks, and a great fish-and-chip shop.
• Fish Creek: A charming hinterland town 25 minutes inland, home to art galleries, the famous Fish Creek Hotel, and access to the Great Southern Rail Trail for cycling.
• Tarwin Lower: A tiny hamlet at the mouth of the Tarwin River, offering canoeing, birdwatching, and a peaceful pub with river views.

Please check official sources for current details.