20 Greatest things to Do in Wonthaggi – best attractions

The bustling town of Wonthaggi lies within the Bass Coast Region of South Gippsland. Though this is the commercial hub of the region, there is a lot of great attractions to experience. The township and surrounds offer plenty to keep the whole family occupied throughout any season. Be sure to discover the historic side, as well as scenic parklands and much more. With so many things to do in Wonthaggi, it undeniably has something for everyone.

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Featured article: 42 Ultimate Things to do in South Gippsland

Things to do in WONTHAGGI

Most of this list involves free things to do in Wonthaggi, and includes outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family.

1. wonthaggi Wetlands reserve

We start this list of Wonthaggi things to do with my favourite spot of all to visit. It’s the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve.

This scenic location takes the visitor around a trail system within beautiful open parkland. The pathway moves in an outward circular motion with shorter trails crisscrossing within. You’ll discover two small fresh water lakes that are home to an array of birdlife including ducks and geese.

This incredibly scenic and tranquil location is set right within town limits and is easily reachable on foot from the main street. You’ll be so pleasantly surprised how special this place really is.

Why visit: A wonderfully peaceful reserve with an abundance of birds to view. Perfect place to picnic.

Location: Silvereye Cct, Wonthaggi.

You might also like: Leongatha Wetland – A beautiful bird sanctuary

2. Guide Park

Come and enjoy one of Wonthaggi’s most pleasant playgrounds.

Featuring an array of children’s play equipment, as well as grassy green space and open or under cover BBQ facilities. The park is modern and well kept with public toilets and plenty of parking.

Young ones will love the playing here with flying fox, swings, climbing apparatus, a huge sand box, slide, tunnels and so much more.

Why visit: A playground the kids are sure to love.

Location: G238 Bushland Reserve, Wonthaggi. (off Graham St)

3. Wonthaggi State Coal Mine

Step back in time with a visit to the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine. This free to enter attraction is a family favourite with many interesting displays to be seen.

The outdoor village is a educative experience of the once operating coal mine dating back over a century ago. Get on board the old locomotive train and wander through the Blacksmith Shop, Museum and Post Office. You’ll also see a traditional heritage home with full displays of yesteryear.

Also be sure to head up to the Winder House for a great overview of the park as well as more interesting things to see.

Note: While the mine tours are not currently running, you’re sure to enjoy this family friendly Gippsland attraction.

Korumburra’s Coal Creek is also a great family day out. Check it out in 12 Best Things to do in Korumburra, South Gippsland

Why visit: an educational and fascinating step back in time to the coal mining days

Location: Garden St, Wonthaggi

4. Wonthaggi Centennial Centre

The Wonthaggi Centennial Centre is where you will find the Visitor Centre as well as Artspace Gallery.

The visitor Centre has a range of local and surrounding area attractions. Drop by to discover the best things of the day to do, see, including where to eat or stay.

You’ll also find some amazing local art works on display including glass work, jewellery, sculptures, trinkets and art work.

Why visit: discover what’s wonderful in our local area

Opening days and times: Open 7 days a week- 11 am to 3 pm.

Location: 1 Bent St, Wonthaggi. (off McKenzie St)

5. Cutlers beach Walk

For more Wonthaggi attractions, the dramatic shores of Cutlers Beach is a worthwhile visit.

The short drive from town toward the beach comes to a finish, with a final walk taking around 20 minutes through coastal shrub. You’ll walk along a sandy stretch of inaccessible road, then turn off the official trail to your right, though either track will lead to the beach.

The seas are often wild, but equally impressive as they crash onto the rocky shoreline. This is definitely not a place to swim, but instead it’s the perfect place to find solitude as you walk along the sand or find a quiet spot to sit up on the di=nes and watch the world go by.

Dogs are allowed on leash.

Why visit: A dramatic and often secluded piece of paradise.

Location: Turn right at Chisolm Rd till you reach the carpark.

You might also like to read: Best Inverloch Beaches- Guide to the top spots

6. baxters Wetland bird Hide

The Baxters Wetland Bird Hide is a haven for many types of birds. It is easy to access and only requires a short walk from the car parking area. As you head down a grassy trail, look for the turn off on your right where you’ll find the bird hide. This should only take you a couple of minutes.

The bird hide has a bench seat with viewing area looking out toward the low land waterway. There are a few nesting boxes and I see small birds darting in and out. I do spot several ducks and a couple of purple swamp hens cruising the waterway. One unidentified lonesome bird sits atop the nest peering off aimlessly into the distance. If only I was a bird expert I’m thinking. Is that an egret?

Why visit: the place for avid bird watchers and wildlife photography

Location: follow the turn off from Campbell St, Wonthaggi.

7. The Funky Pickers Shed

Spend some time hunting for hidden treasures and rare finds at Funky Pickers in Wonthaggi.

This quirky and interesting store is full of old wares, antiques and collectables. The sheer scale of items is tremendous and needs some time to browse throughout. You’ll find a decent record collection here, as well as furnishings, clothing, garden ornaments, gifts and just about everything in between.

Why visit: a large amount of vintage, antiques and collectables

Location:  134 McKenzie St, Wonthaggi (near Bunnings)

Opening days and times: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

8. bass Coast Rail Trail

The Bass Coast Rail Trail is another great thing to do in Wonthaggi.

The trail extends for 21 km from the former Wonthaggi Railway Station and ends at the former Anderson station. It is considered relatively easy due to it being flat, which is great for families or for those on two wheels.

The well formed gravel trail passes through farm land, open woodland and coastal scrub, and offers incredible coastal scenery along the Kilcunda portion.

The town of Kilcunda is a great place to explore, with the Kilcunda Pub or General Store a nice rest stop for coffee and a bite to eat. Be sure to check out all the cool things to do in Kilcunda.

Why visit: a family friendly bike trail with rewarding coastal views along the way.

Location: located behind the old Wonthaggi Railway Station (now the Wonthaggi Railway Museum)

9. Bunarong Coastal Drive

Jump in the car and explore the scenic Bunarong Coastal Drive from Cape Paterson to Inverloch.

This drive of around 14 km is filled with sweeping coastal scenery, and is not to be missed. From high above the waters of Bass Straight, the cliff top road provides dramatic moments with several beaches and rocky bays accessible for further exploring. Some of these include the Oaks, Shack bay andBalways popular Eagles Nest.

Once you start descending the coastal road, you’ll find the turnoff for The Caves which is best seen at low tide, and includes the famous Dinosaur Dreaming Fossil Site.

This incredible drive can include a full day of exploring for those wanting to make a day of it.

To find out more , head over to 14 Awesome Things to do in Inverloch you’ll love.

Why visit: Dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of worthwhile stops.

Location: Cape Paterson – Inverloch Road (approx 8 km out of town)

10. Hicksborough General Store & Cafe

Still wondering what to do in Wonthaggi?

The little gem known as the Hicksborough Store is located along White Road as you are heading out of town toward Dalyston.

The store is a fan favourite for good reason. They have a delightful array of dishes as well as mouth watering cakes and slices to try. Drop by for breakfast or lunch, or simply stay for coffee and cake in either the indoor or outdoor garden setting.

Seating can at times be limited, so to avoid disappointment book a table. You can see more via their facebook page here.

Why visit: a popular local cafe with outdoor garden setting

Location: 184 White Rd, North Wonthaggi

Opening days & times: Tuesday to Friday 7 am – 3 pm / Sat & Sun 8.30 am – 3 pm / Closed Monday

11. Wonthaggi Community Arts Centre

The Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre is the place for live entertainment and includes a calendar of great line ups throughout the year.

The centre hosts regular acts including live bands, stand up comics, theatre shows and dance performances. To find out what’s on, go to the website.

Cinema screening also reside here with additional screenings during the school holiday period. Visit the page here for what’s playing.

The area is best visited at low tide when the rocky coastline is exposed. You may even discover a dinosaur footprint.

Why visit: live entertainment with local, national and international acts

Location: 96 Graham St, Wonthaggi

12. Williamsons Beach

The next three best things to do in Wonthaggi can all be visited as a trio, as all are relatively close to each other.

Looking for an isolated and often secluded beach? A visit to Williamsons Beach is a must in that case.

While this particular spot is not the place to bring the family for a swim, it is the place for long peaceful walk along the beach. Set up a picnic, lounge on the sand or read a book without any disturbances.

Sometimes windy, and often wild, the beach is actually at its best when conditions are are not at there best.

13. Mouth of Powlett River

Further along the Bass Highway and just past the tiny town of Dalyston is the Mouth of Powlett River. This amazing location is where fisherman regularly come to catch salmon, bream and mullet. The tranquil location is also a wonderful spot for SUPS and kayaks.

Walk along the sand toward the surf which is only a couple of hundred metres away. During low tide young kids happily play in the small pools left by the outgoing tide, with others take on the sand dunes on the other side of the river.

The surf is a great spot for sitting back and watching the waves thunder toward the shoreline. Time it just right at high tide and you’ll get an awesome view of the water rushing into the river system.

Bring your dog for a great day out also, but be sure to keep them on a leash.

Why visit: an beautiful spot of river meets Bass Straight. A popular fishing spot.

Location: Mouth of Powlett Rd, Dalyston

14. Victorian Desal Plant Ecological Reserve

The Victorian Desal Plant Ecological Reserve is a leisurely loop walk that encompasses the Water Desalination Plant.

The plant itself was completed in December 2012 and became an additional source of water for the Melbourne area after a lengthy run of drought in the region some years earlier.

Much of the coastal vegetation is a product of seed replantation that began after construction of the plant was concluded.

Why visit: a leisurely walk with the chance to see wildlife and an overview of the desal plant.

Location: Inverloch – Cape Paterson road (around 8 km out of Inverloch)

15. Wonthaggi Skate park

The Wonthaggi Skate Park is located within the local Recreation Reserve. It also includes the football oval, netball courts and Leisure and Aquatic Centre.

The 7ft kidney shaped bowl incorporates rails, ledges and boxes and is sure to pass some fun times for the avid skater.

MEDIA RELEASE: The Bass Coast Shire released a statement in May ’23 that plans for a new reimagined skate park would begin. An emphasis on providing a skate park that caters to the more competent skater will surely be a welcome prospect for the community.

16. Bass Coast Paintball

Get ready for an adrenaline fueled day of adventure at Bass Coast Paintball.

Thrill seekers of all ages are catered for through both the original paintball scenarios, and also through a more low impact experience of SplatMaster.

Paintball takes groups through different scenarios such as fort siege or bridge assault, firing rounds at 300ft per second.

SplatMaster is low impact and non bruising, so is perfect for younger ones (9 and over) and families to enjoy.

The 20 acre attraction includes BBQ facilities where guests can stay for lunch and make a great day of it.

Visit the website for more information.

Why visit: a thrilling and adrenaline charged day of fun

Location: West Creek Road, Wonthaggi

17. Railway Station museum

The once operating Wonthaggi Railway Station is now an historic museum right in the heart of town.

The station was built in 1912 and was in operation right up until 1978. The local Historical Society also resides here with documents, maps and photographs all on display.

An interesting piece is the former State Coal Mine Whistle. Once powered by super heated steam, the whistle is now powered by compressor and goes off every day at 12 noon.

Why visit: an historical and educational place

Entry Cost: Gold Coin

Opening days and times: Saturday only – 10 am to 2 pm ( 11 am to 1 pm winter)

Location: within Apex Park / Murray St, Wonthaggi

18. Visit the Popular Sea Side Town of Inverloch

A short 10 minute drive from Wonthaggi is the popular seaside town of Inverloch.

Packed with stunning beaches, scenic walks and plenty of summer time water sports, the town is well worth visiting. Visit Dirty Three Wines, explore the Dinosaur Dreaming Fossil Site or simply grab some fish n chips and sit in the park or by the water.

Be sure to check out 14 Awesome Things to do in Inverloch you’ll love

Why visit: a popular beach side destination only a short 10 minute drive out of town.

Location: via Bass HWY.

19. Discover Cape Paterson

Cape Paterson is a great spot for a day out.

Cruise the Bunurong Coast toward Inverloch searching for secluded bays. For families, the Cape Paterson Rock Pool off Surf Beach Road is a man made pool perfect for young and old.

Drop by the Cape Tavern for a hearty meal, and during the summer season you can enjoy live music over the weekends.

Parking can be hectic during peak times but with a bit of patience you can easily find a park near by.

Why visit: patrolled beach throughout summer / perfect for families

Location: 210 Surf Parade, Inverloch

20. Check out Kilcunda

You simply have to stop by the dramatic coastal village of Kilcunda.

Enjoy the amazing ocean cliff top views and be sure to take a walk along the Bourne trestle bridge for more incredible scenery. For those up for a challenge, this ultimate guide to the george bass coastal walk gives you an insight to the 7 km coastal walk with non stop epic views.

Finish off with a visit to the Kilcunda General Store or Kilcunda Pub for something to eat and drink while soaking up the outdoor atmosphere in one of Gippsland most treasured locations.

More reading: Kilcunda Beach – 7 amazing things to do

Amazing places to stay around Wonthaggi

Why not stay a little longer and explore the township of Wonthaggi and near by beaches.