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Things to do
When you arrive at Venus Bay Eco Retreat and settle into the cabin, you may not want to go anywhere else. Surrounded by native gardens and coastal bushland, the hammock on the veranda is about as far as many visitors will want to go. From the cabin veranda wildlife can be seen grazing throughout the day, while the sounds of the ocean, the birds, and the breeze in the tree tops soothe the senses.
Reading, listening to music, conversation and preparing healthy delicious food are enjoyable and relaxing things to do. At Venus Bay Eco Retreat you are encouraged to leave the car safely parked and walk or cycle. The retreat is 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. Venus Bay Eco Retreat is home to kangaroos, wombats, many species of birds, echidnas, blue tongue lizards, wallabies and ring tail possums, along with more unusual native creatures such as micro bats, native bees and pygmy possums.
Self guided maps are available for long bush or beach walks, and a basket and drinks cooler are provided for picnics. Venus Bay Eco Retreat is conveniently located for day trips 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.
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 on these beautiful uncrowded beaches. 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. The diversity and beauty of the marine environment is astonishing. 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 at Venus Bay Eco Retreat. Popular subjects for photography include native flowers, fungi, wildlife, sunsets, beaches, Anderson Inlet, cloud formations, people, tracks and traces, native orchids, bush textures, wetlands, birds, land and seascapes. Bring your macro and telephoto lenses.
Drawing, painting, writing
Two easels are provided at the retreat for painting and drawing. The easels can be used in the undercover outdoor studio at the retreat, or taken with you to any nearby location. Please bring your own art materials. The retreat is quiet and private for writers needing to concentrate on finishing that book, thesis or manuscript.
Yoga, meditation, massage, fitness
Two yoga mats are provided at the retreat and there is plenty of floor space for yoga practice. Many yoga practitioners like to meditate on the beach or in the bush to enhance the experience of contact with nature.
Shambhala Health and Healing is five minutes drive from Venus Bay Eco Retreat and offers yoga classes, fitness classes, remedial and relaxation massage. Phone: 03 5663 7923 to make a booking.
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 at Venus Bay Eco Retreat 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 volunteers
Volunteering is a great way to meet local people and to learn about the south Victoria coast during your visit.
Venus Bay Eco Retreat participates in monitoring of the threatened Hooded Plover nesting sites on Venus Bay beaches over summer, and bush regeneration programs throughout the year. Volunteer activities are posted daily at Venus Bay Eco Retreat reception.
Venus Bay Eco Retreat opened in late 2008 as the first Advanced Ecotourism certified business in South Gippsland.
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The retreat is committed to wildlife conservation, ethical business practices and supporting sustainable communities. |
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Venus Bay Eco Retreat may offer the following additional services in future years:
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Art workshops taught by established, practising artists.
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Guided nature walks with qualified Ecotourism guides.
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Indigenous cultural heritage tours and workshops with Indigenous guides.
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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
Caulerpa (green), Plocamium (red) and Ecklonia (brown) seaweeds, Bunurong Marine National Park
Silky Guinea - flower Hibbertia sericea
Hooded Plovers on Venus Bay beach
Wetlands and saltmarsh, Venus Bay Eco Retreat
 Blue Tongue Lizard
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