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 Historical Kilcunda and the Bass Coast region has a remarkable range of events and activities to choose from - and Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat is the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy all that Bass Coast and Phillip Island has to offer.
From the sandy beaches in the south to the rolling northern hills, there's no shortage of enjoyable and fun activities for the whole family, and when the day finally comes to an end you can return to the peace and tranquility of the Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat!
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Kilcunda is situated 117 kilometres south east of Melbourne, and today is a small coastal township with a permanent population of around three hundred residents. It is known for its beautiful open beaches and is a popular spot for fishing. It is also popular with hang-gliders, who can often be seen being lifted above the cliffs along the coast.
The origin of the name Kilcunda, is believed to be from the Aboriginal term for 'an exclamation', and is reported by one authority to mean, 'Oh dear, the sticks!'
In 1840, Captain Cole mined a few tons of coal at Kilcunda, and sent it by boat to Melbourne, and in 1858, the Victorian Coal Company commenced the first active coal mining in Victoria, approximately a kilometre west of Cape Paterson. Bullock teams carried the coal to Cape Paterson where whaleboats carried it to anchored larger vessels waiting over a kilometre out in the deep unsheltered water off the Cape.
The Victorian Coal Company ceased operations in 1864, and in 1865, Mr James Carew discovered a seam of coal at Kilcunda, which the Western Port Coal Mining Company was formed to mine.
In 1870, the Victorian Government offered five thousand pounds for the delivery of five thousand tons of Victorian black coal. This prompted the Western Port Coal Mining Company to lay a three foot six inch gauge tramway from Kilcunda to Griffith's Point (San Remo) where a wharf was built for loading the coal.
In 1883, the Western Port Coal Mining Company ceased operations after sending fifteen thousand tons of coal, which sold at sixteen shillings and three pence a ton.
 After 1883, the mine at Kilcunda was opened to visitors, as shown in this wood engraving (right) of 1895. The visitors, in this instance, appear to be only men, who are attired in clothing designed to keep out the cold - in overcoats and hats, and a number of them carry umbrellas.
In 1895, the steamer 'Williams' would drop visitors off at the wharf at Griffith's Point. The visitors would then make their way to the mine on a 'trawley made of long planks nailed to a couple of wagon frames that was hauled along the tramway by a number of horses'.
Coal mining in nearby Wonthaggi continued with the opening of the State Coal Mine in November 1909, however even this very productive mine closed on 20 December 1968.
Much of the history of this part of the Victorian coastline has its roots in the coal industry, and coastal towns, and their associated railways, harbours and wharves, developed in close proximity to the coal mines.
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There are numerous events occurring around KIlcunda throughout the whole year.
 The Kilcunda Lobster festival - Australia Day Weekend
Come along to the Annual Kilcunda Lobster Festival with plenty of fun for all ages. There will be helicopter rides, carnival rides, market stalls, an animal nursery, CFA and SES displays, live band and ‘Pockets’ the clown as well as food and beverages available all day. Lobsters are the highlight of the festival with over 300 kilos to win on the spinning wheel, purchased whole or as a delicious luncheon with salad. The festival will commence at 9am at the Kilcunda Foreshore car park, Bass Highway Kilcunda with entrance free. Inquiries: (03) 5678 7297
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix & Superbike championship
The 2008 GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place at Phillip Island from 3 – 5 October. The 2009 Phillip Island Round of the Superbike World Championship will be held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 27 Feb - 1 March 2009.
State Coal Mine
Just a short drive east of Kilcunda is the township of Wonthaggi - home of the State Coal mine. A visit to the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi is a journey back to the difficult working conditions of mining days past. Preserved by Parks Victoria for future generations, this original mine site gives visitors an understanding of the life of a miner seventy years ago.
 Things to Do - There's plenty to do above ground!
- Relax in the theatrette as historic film brings Wonthaggi’s mining heritage to life.
- Follow the heritage walk around the mine site, exploring historic buildings housing , photographs of mining days past and mining remnants.
- Climb aboard the K192 steam locomotive which utilised Wonthaggi’s coal to operate.
- Meet Cobber the Pit Pony.
Facilities
- Ample car and bus parking.
- Sheltered picnic area and free barbecues.
- Souvenir shop with light refreshments available.
- Access for visitors with limited mobility.
- Entry is via a gold coin donation.
 Penguin Parade and Seal Rock
Our park is an ideal base from which to visit the world famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Australia’s most popular natural wildlife attraction.
Each night at sunset, the world’s smallest penguins, the Little Penguins, emerge from the sea and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows.
This is a truly memorable natural wildlife experience.
Experience the wonder of Little Penguins coming ashore after a day’s fishing at sea.
The elevated boardwalks and viewing stands allow you to enjoy all the ‘penguin action’ without disturbing them or their burrow homes.
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Nature hikes.
If you enjoy the simple pleasure of taking a leisurely stroll through some of Gippsland's most spectacular coastal scenery, then we have a treat for you! The coastal area around the park offers stunning views, and you will feel at one with nature as you stroll the picturesque beaches and hills.
 Fishing
For the anglers, Kilcunda offers excellent surf and rock fishing, with boat ramp facilities located nearby at San Remo, Inverloch and Cape Paterson. Fish species sought in the area include Salmon, Flathead, Gummy shark, Mulloway, Snapper, Trevally and Bream. Fishing charter tours are available at nearby San Remo.
Surfing
The gentle sweeping coastline at Kilcunda offers Surfers a convenient location for their sport! The breakers are practically right on your doorstep when you stay at the park - so just grab your board and head down to the water!
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
If taking in the view of the water from underneath is your thing, then grab your flippers! There are numerous rock pools to explore around the park itself, and Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat makes an ideal base for divers looking to explore further afield.
Wining & Dining
The Bass Coast area has many fine restaurants and fine food outlets for the discerning diner, as well as local wineries for connoisseurs of the grape. The Kilcunda Hotel offers delicious meals, and is a few minutes walk from the Retreat- so you can enjoy a refreshing ale or two without the need to worry about driving.
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