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Things To Do
Relax
When you arrive at Venus Bay Eco Retreat and settle into the cabin, you may not want to go anywhere else. From the cabin veranda wildlife can be seen throughout the day, while the sounds of the ocean, the birds and the breeze in the tree tops soothe the senses.
At Venus Bay Eco Retreat you are encouraged to leave the car safely parked and walk or cycle, it’s a great place to simply take time out to refresh mind, body and spirit.
Nature walks
When you are ready for a bit more activity, maps for self guided walks will help you discover the unique beauty of the Australian bush and perhaps meet some of the local residents. The eco retreat is a protected home to kangaroos, wombats, many species of birds, echidnas, blue tongue lizards, wallabies and ringtail possums, along with more unusual native creatures such as micro bats, native bees and pygmy possums.
Short trips
The retreat is conveniently located for short trips along the coast to Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Tarra Bulga National Park, Bunurong Marine National Park, Bald Hills Wetlands, Shallow Inlet Coastal Park, Walkerville and Waratah Bay. Visitor maps and information are complimentary.
Beautiful beaches
Cape Liptrap Coastal Park’s stunning sandy beaches are only a few minutes from the retreat. You can walk, cycle or drive to the beaches and watch the sun set on the Southern Ocean. Swimming, board riding, fishing, surfing and beach walks are popular throughout the year. Beaches are numbered 1 to 5; Beach 5 is closest to the Eco Retreat.
Diving and snorkelling
Less well known are the amazing underwater treasures of the south coast. Venus Bay Eco Retreat is 20 mins drive from Bunurong Marine National Park and 40 mins drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park. Both parks offer magnificent diving and snorkelling. The local marine environment is unique with over 80% of marine species occurring nowhere else in the world. If you enjoy diving or snorkelling then don’t miss seeing what lives under the water along the South Victoria coast.
Photography
Amateur and professional photographers will find plenty of inspiration. Popular subjects include native flowers, fungi, wildlife, sunsets, beaches, Anderson Inlet, cloud formations, people, tracks and traces, native orchids, bush textures, wetlands, birds, land and seascapes. Don’t forget to bring your macro and telephoto lenses.
Yoga, massage, fitness
Two yoga mats are provided at the retreat and there is plenty of floor space.
Walking, running and cycling trails lead from the retreat and suit a variety of fitness levels, from the most challenging to slow and easy. The trails are safe for children.
Remedial and relaxation massage, organic hair and beauty treatments are available nearby, please ask the eco retreat to book these services for you in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visit local wineries, galleries, cafes, produce markets and historic sites
Maps and information on the many visitor attractions of the South Gippsland region are provided to help you make the most of your visit to this diverse region. South Gippsland is well known for its high quality slow food, art and craft galleries, produce markets, wineries, scenic landscapes and small country towns.
Environmental volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet local people and to learn about the south Victoria coast during your visit.
Venus Bay Eco Retreat supports Birds Australia’s monitoring of the threatened Hooded Plover nesting sites on Venus Bay beaches over summer, and bush regeneration programs throughout the year. Guests are welcome to participate in these activities.
Venus Bay Eco Retreat opened in early 2009 as the first Advanced Ecotourism certified business in South Gippsland.
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The retreat supports wildlife conservation, ethical business, organic food production and sustainable communities. |
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Correa Cabin Hammock
Superb Blue Wren
Ring Tail Possum
Body Boarding
Beach 4, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Old Wives are common reef fish at Bunurong Marine National Park
Horseshoe Leatherjacket, Bunurong Marine National Park
Silky Guinea - flower Hibbertia sericea
Wetlands and saltmarsh, Venus Bay Eco Retreat
 Blue Tongue Lizard
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