Fishing and other Things to do at Powlett River and Kilcunda, Victoria Australia

The Powlett River is a half hour drive from Phillip Island which you might like to use as a base and see more of our wonderful Country, or if you are unable to stay on the Island for events like the Moto GP staying about the Powlett River would be bliss.

An easy 100 minute drive out of Melbourne down the Bass Hwy, is all it takes to be in a gorgeous estuary where the river meets the Bass Strait. Take the canoe down for a paddle out in nature.

The Powlett River has been a hive of activity, catering to homemade raft races, tests of endurance climbing the sand dune, kayaking and fishing. There are lots of walking trails as well for those adverse to water. Toilets are located down a non- marked road before the bridge also this road gives you access to the sand dune without getting your feet wet.

From the Powlett River car park, you can walk to the beach alongside the Bass Strait. There can be very big waves, adhere to the signage for your safety. It is a really big stretch of beach with lots of sand - good for the invisible volleyball match or French cricket. Dipping your feet in the ocean or diving straight in.

Places to stay

The Powlett River Caravan Park, boasts of manicured lawns, with nice spacing between caravans for privacy. Located within reach of every little bit that nature has to offer at Powlett River. There is strictly no camping on the foreshore, you will need to book spaces at the caravan park on (03) 5678 7520

There are still signs for the Riversend Cottages - in nice bold blue however they ceased trading in 2008. From what I could find they were eco friendly tourist accommodation.

Be mindful that there are private resident who live down here in this gorgeous little patch of Australia.

Wildlife

There is a possibility to see wildlife, in their natural habitat around the Mouth of the Powlett River. I am not sure if they will still be around at the moment, as there is so much construction happening. However take care on the roads just in case you have an up close and personal encounter with a Kangaroo or Wombat!

Other things of interest

The Bass Coastal Trail follows the old train route through the Powlett River. The train tracks have been replaced with sand, a lot easier to walk on than the slats, metal and rocks, that train uses with such pace.

If you drive past the caravan park continuing down the no-through road. You can see the progress on the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant - if you like modern architecture or just want to show your little men or women some really big cranes doing some work. The Desal is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. While controversy surrounds it, it still is set to be part of the landscape.

Fish readily available at the Powlett River for the catching -

Bream

Estuary Perch

Eel

Fish rumoured to be at the Powlett River

Salmon swimming up stream

A fishing licence can be obtained from most petrol stations that sell bait. In Victoria there are bag limits on how many fish you are allowed to keep. Catching and releasing is OK, providing the fish is looked after. There are also size limits. Please adhere to the bag limits for a fun, friendly, and inexpensive holiday.

Kilcunda is a gorgeous coastal town, in the Bass Coast Shire. Located minutes away from the Powlett River, as you head back towards Melbourne or Philip Island. There is plenty of things to see and do at Kilcunda.

Kilcunda's cemetery, is on the left. This overlooks the ocean, if you wanted to wander around and pay your respects to the people there, or plan out a plot for when you may need it. It is a really nice place to check out.

There are numerous coastal walks available even before you are officially in Kilcunda.

The Kilcunda bridge, that train used to use is now a Wedding Photo hot spot. You can walk through to the beach and the car park isn't too far away. One of the few beaches without a good 'cardio' workout to get to!

The Killy Pub is a great place to visit, good food, good atmosphere, great views!

The hills out the back of Kilcunda on a windy day in the right direction are great for remote control gliders.

Surfing at Kilcunda, rated by Surf Forecast as 3.5/5 - beware of rips, rocks and sharks.

Fishing at Kilcunda - Surf Fishing - Salmon is rumoured to be caught.

In January Kilcunda hosts a Lobster Festival it runs for one day, until all the Lobsters are sold or won. There are plenty of things to see and do, as the town drums up some extra activities.

Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel Bass Hwy, Kilcunda VIC 3995; ph: (03) 5678 7245

Kilcunda Cottage 43 Gruber Street, Kilcunda VIC 3995; 0418 587 362