History and Overview
Explore the serenity of Inverloch, a coastal town in Victoria, Australia. Inverloch boasts a blend of natural beauty, spiritual allure and cultural heritage. From its dinosaur fossils to its indigenous roots to its modern landscapes, it invites visitors on a journey through time and tradition.
Inverloch is renowned for its beaches, abundant wildlife, and coastal landscapes. It has a rich tapestry of history, and a vibrant local culture through artisan crafts, shell museums and dinosaur fossils, lively festivals and markets, and traditional Bunurong culture and cultural performances.
Inverloch offers a variety of attractions and activities including:
- Bunurong Coastal Drive: A scenic route, showcasing rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and beautiful beaches and views.
- Screw Creek Nature Walk: Beautiful native bushland and wetlands, traverse diverse flora and fauna along the way.
- Rainbow Park: A popular spot near the centre of town, featuring playgrounds, BBQ facilities and scenic picnic spots overlooking Anderson Inlet.
- Inverloch Farmers Market: Indulge in farm-fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local specialities.
- Bunurong Marine National Park: Embark on coastal adventures with opportunities to snorkel and dive amidst colourful coral reefs and marine life.
Inverloch is a lovely area to explore coastal trails, surf, jet ski and boat. The landscapes are tranquil, and the community spirit is friendly and welcoming. Awaken your senses to the harmonious blend of nature, culture, and rejuvenation that defines Inverloch.
My Journey – Grief and Love
I watched the world move past in a blur of dark colours. It was cloudy and cold and the car was silent. My siblings sat next to me subtly elbowing each other in obvious annoyance, as 16 and 12 year olds do. The world probably seemed darker than it was, my head felt heavy, filled with a cloud of misery, of anger and loneliness; as 17 year olds do. But I wasn’t the only one, the whole car felt heavy, the silence filled with the imaginary echo of a ticking clock. My mother shuffled in frustration, she was out of cigarettes.
“Let’s go for a walk on the beach,” My dad suggested. We were close to the RACV resort, just a moment away, but my mum loved the beach and dad knew she would be too tired soon. The tension of the car broke, the previous argument between mum and I seemed to float away like a puff of smoke.
As we walked the beach, the clouds started to move away from the sun and warmth touched our skin. Like a curtain opening on stage, we began to emerge from our state of silence. We took photos of our mother, actual photos! Of her with us! And of her! An utter amazing achievement that hadn’t been accomplished in years.
And we walked and walked, up and down the sandy beaches. My siblings and I chatted and laughed as kids do, the sand sinking between our toes, the waves lapping ashore, reflecting the newly found blue skies.
And then the sun disappeared behind grey clouds and we jumped in the car and headed towards the resort paid for by mum’s palliative nurses, her cancer extraordinaires.
We stayed in a three bedroom villa at the RACV Resort, it was a beautiful resort, a very natural area filled with bushland, tracks and wildlife. The resort had a playground (jumping pillow and large swing) which the kids played on for hours, as well as a swimming pool and sauna where I spent a lot of my time. We spent time as a family going to the restaurant which had a beautiful view of the overlooking sea – during one lucky afternoon we were able to see whales swimming in the distance – that’s not an offensive joke. The food was fantastic and the restaurant a very comfortable place to eat daily.
From the resort, Eagles nest was a 5 minute drive away and it was a spot we went to a few times. Mum cherished that spot for the views and the beauty of the beach. She grew up a very beachy girl – enjoyed her sports and physical fitness. She loved the warmth and Queensland beaches in particular, but Inverloch was a part of her home, and she cherished her memories with her kids more than anything. Every sunny day that she had enough money for petrol, she’d take us down to the beach for a day of fun and warmth, year after year. There was never a time where she didn’t love the beach and if she would have afforded it, would have lived in Inverloch at a moment’s notice.
Eagles nest is a beautiful spot with a lookout overseeing the Bass Strait; and down the lengthy set of steps is a quaint little beach. It’s a great place for surfers, swimmers and adventurers alike. It includes a cove to explore and fossils along the rocky ground – a great place for dinosaur enthusiasts. Mum enjoyed the lookout most of all, and with a place for seating and cooking it was a place we’ve always thought would be nice for her memorial, when things are more about celebration then they are about grief.
A lot of the time mum was in too much pain to leave the resort, so we spent most of our time enjoying the beautiful grounds, playing on the playgrounds, and swimming. One night in particular we convinced our mum into bathers and she joined us. She couldn’t swim far or for too long, but it eased the pressure on her broken spine. The starlit dinner afterwards at the beautiful restaurant made a night of close family chatter, as if things had been as they always were. The villa was quite comfortable for five, set with a loungeroom and full kitchen. Mum loved the deck in particular, surrounded by serene trees and wildlife, it was the perfect spot for her to relax. Though it was a cold time of year, I’d watch her sit serenely on the deck, puffs of smoke from dimly lit cigarettes floating away, the trees rustling, unaware of time or grief.
The local restaurants were some of our favourite parts of the trip, my mother had a fondness of eating out although she couldn’t afford it much. With fresh seafood – her absolute favourite meal, the local pub in particular was a staple spot in town. From there the ice cream shop across the road and the local fish and chips are awesome places to go on your sunny days. Though mum couldn’t walk much, we still adventured some of the local walking tracks, around Screw Creek and the local beach. We walked along the soft sands, the sun barely breaking through the overcast clouds, the wind a little cold, but in the warmth of the company of mum.
Many months later I walked alone in stronger winds, the clouds dark and dreary, following the presence of an orange butterfly in the absence of her presence. Around me my younger self jumped along dragging my mother’s hand along the shore towards the water, my brother silently focused on showing the youngest sister how to build sandcastles and how to say ‘sandcastle.’ The butterfly fluttered forward, how lucky I am to have a place filled with such memories, such grief and such love.
Read more about her story here.
Places to Eat & Things to do
Inverloch offers a treasure trove of treks and adventure, here are some must visit spots and things to do to make the most of your time:
- Indulge in local food: Inverloch Boasts a diverse culinary scene with fresh and delicious coastal flavours.
- Explore the local charm: There are beautiful local shops, markets and plenty of beaches and treks to explore along the coastline – catch a wave, sunbake or go shopping for local delights.
- Discover nature’s wonders: Take a hike along tracks of the beach or a bike ride along the scenic coastal trails. Explore hiddens coves, ancient rock formations and the rich diversity of the sea.
- Unwind in spa: Treat yourself to a pampering session with a soothing massage or relaxing spa treatment.
- Dive into adventure: Inverloch offers a variety of water sports and outdoor activities. Paddleboard, kayak, go surfing and explore the variety of fun expeditions along the coastline.
- Immerse yourself in cultural experience: Visit local galleries, artisan workshops and historical sites. Every corner of Inverloch tells a story.
- Marvel at coastal views: Visit Eagles Nest and Screw Creek Lookout. Watch the sun reflect beautiful colours along the water below.
- Connect with the local community: Engage in cultural experiences, lively festivals and friendly encounters with the locals.
- Experience wildlife encounters: See Inverloch’s wildlife through guided nature walks, wildlife cruises or birdwatching tours. From playful dolphins to seabirds.
- Relax and recharge: A perfect place to enjoy the ocean serenity in whatever you do.
Top 5 Places to Eat;
- The Inlet Hotel: The Inlet Hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious food and drinks.
- The Salty Dog Fish & Chippery: Delicious local fish and chips, a popular choice for a hearty lunch by the sea.
- The Black Sheep Cafe & Wine Bar: Delicious dishes crafted from seasonal produce, accompanied by an extensive wine list and fantastic service.
- Tomos Japanese Inverloch: Delicious, authentic Japanese food for a fantastic fine dining experience.
- The Gippy Goat Cafe: Experience a gem nestled in rolling hills and lush pastures with delicious artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread and gourmet delights.
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Inverloch Beach: Inverloch is home to beautiful beaches, a great place for sun, sand and surf. The shorelines are a fantastic place for fun and relaxation, from sports on the sand or water, picnics, sunbaking and more. The lovely sunsets are also a beautiful sight, the hues of orange and pink, casting a glow over the sparkling waters.
- Inverloch Esplanade Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Esplanade Market, where artisans, crafters and food vendors come together to showcase their talent. There’s a diverse range of handmade goods, delicious foods, unique souvenirs and a lively atmosphere.
- Screw Creek Nature Walk: Take a popular walk through beautiful bushland. The walk offers tranquil creeks, scenic lookouts and a glimpse at the diverse flora and fauna.
- Inverloch Shell Museum: Delve into the world of marine life at the Inverloch Shell Museum, home to an extensive collection of seashells from around the world. Learn about their unique characteristics and the rich biodiversity of our oceans.
- Bunurong Coastal Reserve & Eagles Nest: Discover the beauty of the Bunurong Coastal Reserve, where there are beautiful dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and ancient rock formations. Take in views of the coastline and keep an eye out for native wildlife such as kangaroos, echidnas and seabirds. Eagles Nest offers panoramic views of the coastline and Bass Strait, making it a beautiful spot to visit.
Accommodation
Inverloch has a variety of accommodation to choose from to suit your budget needs, here are my top two:
RACV Inverloch Resort:
A lovely oceanside resort set between wetlands and overlooking the beach and Bass Strait. It’s a comfortable place to stay, though the rooms look a bit dated, it’s perfect for a holiday and trip. There’s a range of accommodation to choose from, from a three-bed villa with ocean views, a hotel room in the main building or a caravan with access to facilities. The Resort also has a pool, sauna, tennis courts, playground, and lovely walking tracks. It features its own restaurant and bar, which has delicious food. The bathrooms and kitchens are comfortable, as well as the balconies and the beds. The Resort itself is beautiful, on land overlooking an ocean view and a wetlands area. The wetlands is a peaceful area and has paths surrounding it from the park which winds through trees and natural areas. Native animals are common in the area, and you’ll likely see a kangaroo, wallaby, or echidna.
BIG 4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch:
A well-situated holiday park on Anderson’s Inlet, close to the beach and a 10-minute walk from town. The park has a range of accommodation from cabins to caravan and campsites. It includes an indoor heated pool, indoor splash park, playground and bbq facilities. BIG 4 Holiday Park offers a wonderful retreat for a memorable stay in Inverloch. It’s located just moments away from the town’s bustling cafes and shops and is set close to the beach and the Screw Creek Nature Walk. The cabins are quite cosy and great for families to stay.
Memoirs of Inverloch
Inverloch is a close-knit community, where the stories of its residents and visitors come alive in both past and present. Inverloch holds a special place in the hearts of those who have called it home or have visited and been touched by its beauty and its stories. Mary-anne Miller was one of them, who had a story of toughness and growth in the adversity of trauma, and who visited Inverloch for a week in 2019 with her children while she battled cancer. In cherished memories, read about the memoirs honouring loved ones and their adventures here.
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