Six Turbine Wind Farm

Wonthaggi Vic 3995 (Pop 6 500)
Pic: by Takver

Wonthaggi is a former historic coal mining settlement and today Gippsland’s largest town. Located 137 km s-e of Melbourne, it was established in early 1900s due to the demand for coal eventually becoming the main supplier to the Victorian Railways. The advent of diesel locomotives caused operations to cease (1968) and Wonthaggi re-invented itself as an important service centre for the district’s rich beef and dairy industries. Italian Fest (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Wonthaggi includes Taberners Hotel (1914), while the western and eastern sides of town feature a number of coalmining buildings and relics.

Nearby:
Harmers Haven (5 km south) popular beach for fishing, snorkeling and surfing, but not swimming. Evidence of Aboriginal middens and old tram rails can be seen nearby. Wreck Beach (6 km south) named after the Artisan remnants that sank in 1901. This is also the area where coal was first discovered. Cape Paterson (8 km south) offshore waters are protected by the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park with Safety Beach ideal for swimming, fishing and snorkeling and Surf Beach for great surfing conditions. Powlett River (12 km west) a salt marsh wetland with prolific birdlife, fishing, swimming, canoeing and picnicking.

Accommodation:
Wonthaggi has a couple of motels, one hotel and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Watt St. Tel (03) 5671 2444.