Beyond the vegetated sand dunes of the South Gippsland town of Venus Bar lie wild waters and golden sands – no less than five superb surf beaches as well as sheltered swimming beaches.

Venus Bay has a population of around 500, but can surge into the thousands as anglers, surfers and families converge during holiday periods. Just outside the town are the five surf beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers in the summer months. The state’s longest sand spit at Anderson Inlet is where you can find safe, sheltered beaches ideal for swimming.

The coastline from Venus Bay to Cape Liptrap offers visitors the chance to see an old lighthouse and native Australian plants and wildlife. The Point Smythe Nature Trail traverses thick coastal vegetation, while the Tarwin Lower boardwalk follows the Tarwin River – a good spot for fishing. View abundant bird life and mangroves at Bald Hill wetlands, close to Tarwin Lower and heading towards Walkerville.

The Tarwin Lower to Venus Bay Pathway is a scenic and easy cycle between two towns that follows the banks of the Tarwin River on a gently undulating shared pathway.

Venus Bay is approximately 170 kilometres from Melbourne, or around two hours and 10 minutes by car along the M1 and South Gippsland Highway.