Tooradin, South Gippsland - Victoria

Tooradin is a town that I have always found interesting for the reason that it resides on a tidal inlet and thus it is constantly changing depending on the time of day. Despite it's visual appeal, I must admit I rarely bother to stop here, typically just to use the public loo!

Often we'd stop at the fruit stand just past Tooradin (heading to Phillip Island) and buy some supplies and sometimes a bag of donuts... depending on the weather of course. There is a viewing tower at this stopping point where you can view the wetlands and Western Port Bay.

Today we stopped in Tooradin's main shopping strip because I felt the need to explore the town a little more thoroughly and take some photos. I was quite surprised how much Tooradin has to offer and how pretty the location is.

Tooradin is around 10 minutes out of Cranbourne and give or take around 1 hour from Melbourne. Having walked along the inlet, I was pleased to find fantastic picnic and bbq facilities right on the water, historic buildings and shaded play equipment for the kids.

The boat launching facilities looked first class and appeared (though readers may correct me) to be accessible despite the tide?

I sat a while and watched some locals fishing from the jetty and concluded that Tooradin was one of those little gems that you could easily miss if remaining too focused on driving to your end destination - as I have a habit of doing.

My conclusion was cemented when we chose to have lunch at the bakery which was top notch.