VIC - Superb South Gippsland Scenic Cruise

TOCA Victoria invites members to register for this first Springtime short cruise through the glorious scenery of South Gippsland.

This will be a family-friendly and dog-friendly cruise that will also appeal to foodies, as we sample some of the best food and produce the district has to offer.

1. We start with breakfast at 8.30am at one of Carrum Down's most popular foodie spots, Frankie's on Ballarto Road, easily accessible via the M11 Peninsular Link Freeway. Plentiful parking, and inside and outside dining options.

2. After a briefing around 9.30am, we start our cruise heading south then passing through Pearcedale, on our way to our first stop at the Tooradin foreshore, at the top of Western Port Bay, famous for its fishing and pelicans. We pause here so members can briefly explore the area, perhaps grab an icecream and take a stroll taking in the glorious sights.

This YouTube video offers a preview of what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NftJHYSwrE

3. We leave Tooradin and enter the M420 South Gippsland Highway for a brief high speed run, then leave via McDonald's Track to take a scenic backroads tour, and enter the Loch township area via the Loch-Poowong Road for our second stop! This will be at the Loch Memorial caravan park. After parking, we walk over the famous Loch Suspension Bridge (it sways!).

It's a ten minute walk into the township, for you to check out the local offerings, and perhaps enjoy another coffee or cake.

4. From Loch, we make our way to Meeniyan, taking in more glorious country scenic roads and townships like Outtrim and Leongatha (a brief stop here weather permitting for an exciting surpise) with a small time spent on the high speed A440 South Gippsland Highway, before entering the quaint township of Meeniyan. Here, we'll park together in a large area, equipped with two ChargeFox 65KW CCS2 chargers (45c/kwh).

You can then stroll to the main road and explore the township before or after our organised lunch at the famous Trulli Pizza restaurant, with its pizzas, fine food and wine, and local produce - under cover and dog friendly!

For more information about Meeniyan and things to see and do, see: 

https://visitsouthgippsland.com.au/place/meeniyan/

5. We estimate this cruise could be done without a recharge, depending on your starting point. There are many medium and high speed chargers on the way back to Melbourne for those with limited range. There are two chargers about nine minutes from breakfast.

6. A detailed point by point what3words route plan will be emailed to all registrants in the week before the cruise, and you will be able to enter waypoints into your navigation system to help guide you on the day in the unlikely event you become separated from the cruise. UHF radios will be made available to stay in touch or bring your own (Channel 27).

7. The TOCA Victoria committee looks forward to meeting you all, and you are especially welcomed to invite new Tesla owners to join TOCA and come along to experience this fun and enjoyable cruise.