Spreading from the farming country around Warragul and the vital coalfields of the Latrobe Valley in the north, to the sweeping sea vistas across Westernport Bay and the lush forests of Wilson's Promontory in the south, Victoria's South East Region is an area full of exciting contrasts. Nineteenth century pioneers faced great challenges in creating access routes through the steep terrain of the Strzelecki Ranges, while Victoria's best known island, Phillip Island, was only accessible by ferries until the arrival of the suspension bridge from San Remo to Newhaven in the 1940s. Perhaps the historic difficulty of getting to the delights of "The Island", the rolling green Strzeleckis and the natural beauty of "The Prom" has protected the region so that visitors can still enjoy its treasures today. There are plenty of pleasant drives with stunning views of rolling hills, sparkling aquamarine waters and contented cattle grazing. Add in the wineries and lush rainforests, and it's clear that the South East region has plenty to offer.

Phillip Island From the moment you catch your first glimpse of Phillip Island across the shining waters of Westernport Bay near San Remo, you are heading towards a little corner of Paradise. San Remo on the mainland is your gateway to Phillip Island, so take the time to discover its pleasures. Drop into the famous San Remo fishing "co-op" and pick up a fresh lobster, brought in as part of today's catch by the town's commercial fishermen, who have plied their trade here since 1909 when a rail link with Melbourne was established. On a pleasant day, order some fish and chips for lunch from the San Remo "co-op" and enjoy them in the rooftop dining area. On most mornings at 11.30, a large flock of pelicans descends on the San Remo wharf for their seafood morning tea, courtesy of the local fishing boats. Across the bridge is the small fishing village of Newhaven, which is home to the St Paul's Discovery Centre, built in 1928 as an orphanage, and Newhaven College, a co-educational independent school serving the south-east region.

Another popular centre for fishing is the quiet village of Rhyll, on the south-east tip of the island. Explorer George Bass landed at Rhyll is 1798 to do a few essential boat repairs, and it became a temporary British settlement in 1826, but permanent settlement had to wait until 1856. The jetty was built in 1868 so fish and chicory could be sent to the mainland. Across from Rhyll is the towering shape of French Island, named for the French scientific expedition which visited in 1902. From 1916 to 1975, it housed a prison farm, but these days is known for its abundant koala population and raw natural beauty. Forty per cent of French Island is a state park, whose inhabitants include potoroos and white breasted sea eagles. Tours of French Island are available from Cowes for visitors who would like to learn about this unusual and interesting island. For anyone interested in Victoria's early history, a visit to Churchill Island is a must. Accessed by a bridge from Newhaven, this is where Lieutenant James Grant planted Victoria's first crops in a brief stopover in 1801. In later years, Churchill Island was privately owned and run as a prosperous farm with a delightful old homestead which visitors can explore. Lush gardens surround the homestead, and a talking point is the cannon and cannonballs from the American ship "Shenandoah", which was a gift from the captain to one of Churchill Island's 19th century owners. Today Churchill Island is a haven for wildlife and there are several fine walking tracks around the island with splendid views across Westernport Bay.

The world famous Penguin Parade is held nightly at the Summerland Beach Visitor Centre, where you can learn plenty about these enchanting little creatures as well as witness their cute waddle up the beach to their burrows and babies. At the south-western tip of the island are the Nobbies, two large outcrops surrounded by boardwalks that allow visitors access to fine ocean scenery, the wild surf of the Blowhole and perhaps a peak at penguins in their hillside burrows. For an in-depth experience of seals and other marine life, spend some time at the Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre and be entertained and informed.

To enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery Victoria has to offer, drive back along the gravel South Coast Road (accessed from the bus parking area) to the Penguin Parade. Take the time to stop at the various lookouts to enjoy the roaring surf and steep cliff top scenery and take a few photos. If surfing is on your agenda, Phillip Island has the challenging Woolamai Surf Beach, as well as Smith's Beach, which is an ideal place for less experienced surfers. Both beaches are patrolled during the summer season. A walk along the Forest Caves beach provides an interesting stroll to the once massive sea caves.

Over the years, Phillip Island has been renowned for its koalas, and the easiest way to see them up close is to drop into the Koala Conservation Centre, but be sure to take your camera to catch these cute furry marsupials on film. Cowes is the main commercial centre on Phillip Island, and has a wealth of charming cafes and upmarket restaurants for visitors to enjoy.

Wilson's Promontory

Known as "The Prom" to generations of bushwalkers, Wilson's Promontory has always held a special place in the hearts of Victorians. It is one of the state's most spectacular national parks, and guarantees magnificent forest and coastal views. The main camping area is at Tidal River, where the area's wonderful walks begin. There is a variety of beaches, from the safe swimming beach at Norman Bay near the camping area, to the wilder surf beaches and the well named Squeaky Beach, where the sand squeaks as you walk on it. Fine views across Bass Strait can be had from Sparkes Lookout, which is off the main road to Tidal River, and there is another lookout at the Mt Oberon car park. There is a huge range of wildlife at "The Prom", including rosellas, kookaburras, emus, kangaroos and wallabies. For the keen walker, there are more than 150 kilometres of walking tracks, starting with short walks like the one to Lilly Pilly Gully which passes through bushland full of eucalypts, to rainforest with streams and massive tree ferns. More energetic walkers may like to trek to Sealers Cove or the to tip of the Prom with its famous 1859 Lighthouse. A visitor information centre and park office at Tidal River will provide all the necessary information for exploring this wonderful part of Victoria.

The Strzeleckis, The Grand Ridge Road and Tarra Bulga National Park

Before 1840, the beauty of the South Gippsland mountain forest was virtually unknown to white men. Polish explorer Paul Edmund 'Count' Strzelecki spent 22 days making his way through the beautiful forest area that now bears his name. Pioneer farmers who tried to settle the land faced awesome difficulties in trying to clear their land of 90 metre trees and thick forest. Consequently, the eastern end of the Strzeleckis returned to natural bush, whereas the more fertile and less wooded western end became an attractive vista of rolling green hills and rich farming country.

The exciting Grand Ridge Road snakes its way through the Strzelecki Ranges from the Mt Worth State Park at the western end finishing just past the Tarra Bulga National Park at the eastern end. The 'capital' of the Grand Ridge Road is Mirboo North, which is the only major town on the road with a population of 1,500 people and a reputation for its boutique brewery and town wall murals. It marks the halfway point of the 132 kilometre Grand Ridge Road. Other small towns are dotted along the route, and at the eastern end is the little hamlet of Balook, which is home to the Tarra Bulga Visitor Centre. Here you can find a tearoom, shop, petrol and information. The Grand Ridge Road promises beautiful views of lush rainforest, and is mostly unsealed but well maintained. Allow plenty of time to enjoy this winding road, and keep your eyes peeled for wombats, wallabies, koalas and lyrebirds.

The Tarra Bulga National Park is the perfect spot for exploring the rainforest gullies, and is an ideal picnic spot for an al fresco lunch. It is a bird watchers' paradise, with lyrebirds, pilot birds, crimson rosellas and yellow robins. There are walking tracks to suit all tastes, from the 400 metre Fern Gully Nature Walk to the longer 2.4 kilometre Lyrebird Ridge track. Many of these walks are suitable for people with disabilities, and the Visitor's Centre can advise you.

Leongatha and beyond

The rich dairying country of Leongatha was cleared in the 1870s and a township was created. The coming of the South Gippsland Railway in 1892 boosted the development of the whole area. Dairying has always been a major feature, as Leongatha has the largest co-operative dairy in the Southern Hemisphere. North-west of Leongatha at Korumburra is the famous Coal Creek historical village, which has recreated life as it was lived in mid-19th century Victoria. Or perhaps you may like to explore underground life in Victoria by taking a tour of the old Coal Mines at Wonthaggi. Visitors with a taste for the good things in life will enjoy the fine wineries around Leongatha. The Bass Phillip Winery is 10 kilometres south of Leongatha, and is known for its fine pinot noir and chardonnay. Next stop should be Lyre Bird Hill Winery which produces riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz in full or half bottles. Enjoy!

Written by Julie Houghton
Photos by Cherryl Houben