Bunurong Country

Stretching along the stunning coastline of Victoria’s Bass Coast, Bunurong Country is a land of dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient forests, deeply rooted in the culture and stories of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. This is a place where the raw power of the Southern Ocean meets the serenity of coastal heathlands, offering travellers a chance to connect with both nature and millennia of Indigenous heritage. Whether you’re fossicking for fossils, whale-watching from the clifftops, or simply soaking up the salty air, Bunurong Country rewards those who slow down and explore.

Highlights & What to See

• Bunurong Marine National Park – A protected stretch of rocky reefs, seagrass beds and sandy beaches, perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and spotting dolphins, seals and migrating whales (June–September).
• Fossil Beach (near San Remo) – Search for 25-million-year-old marine fossils among the eroding cliffs; a guided tour with a Bunurong ranger brings the ancient stories to life.
• Cape Paterson – Home to the famous ‘Bunurong Coastal Walk’, a 7 km clifftop trail with sweeping ocean views, wildflowers in spring and the chance to see eagles and peregrine falcons.
• Eagles Nest – A dramatic rock platform and blowhole at low tide, where waves thunder into a sea cave; best visited with caution and respect for the powerful surf.
• Bunurong Cultural Tours – Join local Aboriginal guides for a walk along the coast, learning about bush tucker, traditional fishing techniques and Dreamtime stories tied to the land and sea.
• Phillip Island Nature Parks (adjacent) – While technically separate, the penguin parade, koalas and seal cruises are a natural extension of a Bunurong visit.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Bunurong Country, plan at least two days – one for the coastal walks and fossil beaches, another for a cultural tour and a visit to the marine national park. If you’re combining with Phillip Island, three days gives you a relaxed pace, with mornings for hiking and afternoons for wildlife. The area is compact enough that you can base yourself in San Remo or Cape Paterson and explore by car.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island – Just over the bridge, famous for its little penguin parade, koala sanctuary and surf beaches.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park – A 90-minute drive east, offering epic granite peaks, rainforest walks and pristine beaches.
• Koo Wee Rup & the Bass Coast Rail Trail – Cycle or walk through farmland and wetlands along a former railway line.
• Churchill Island – A heritage farm and wetland bird hide, accessible from Phillip Island.
• Gippsland Lakes – A vast network of lakes and lagoons, ideal for boating, fishing and birdwatching, about an hour’s drive east.

Please check official sources for current details.