Wonthaggi is a historic coal mining town and its history has been preserved at the State Coal Mine Historic Reserve. The facility is open daily and offers above ground mine tours, heritage walks and historic films. Visit the Wonthaggi Historical Society in the old railway station for more information on the history of the area. Wonthaggi is just a short distance from the coast and there are several settlements to explore. Cape Paterson is a tranquil coastal retreat 8 km to the south. It has a surf beach and a quiet beach with a rock pool for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and beach walks. Keen walkers might like to try the five hour walk along the coast from Cape Paterson to Inverloch.

Harmers Haven is a beach area 5 km from Wonthaggi popular for snorkelling and fishing. Another pleasant place to visit is the mouth of the Powlett River, 12 km to the west along the Bass Highway. The estuary is dangerous for swimming but ideal for birdwatching, fishing and canoeing. There is a picnic ground with BBQ facilities.

Location
Wonthaggi is in South Gippsland, about 25 km from Phillip Island.

Activities
Call in to Wonthaggi to learn its coal mining history. Visit the nearby beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, beach walks and bushwalking.