The holiday season is upon us and the Bass Coast is buzzing with activity

Now that New Year’s Eve is over, there’s a sense of ease despite an influx of holiday makers as they converge upon the area. There is plenty to enjoy and explore on the Bass Coast, whether it be relaxing with friends, reading a book or more adventurous activities. 

Congestion, especially access onto the Island, escalates as vehicles towing caravans and boats increase, and learner drivers cautiously navigate the roads.

Bicycles, gifted at Christmas and ridden by excited children, overtake pedestrians on shared footpaths. Beach houses accommodate family, friends or vacationers as yards overflow with additional cars.

Colourful beach towels flap in the breeze and sandy shoes are kicked off outside front doors.

Cafes offer tempting treats with the aroma of coffee drifting outdoors, queues form outside ice-cream parlours and tourists explore the shops eager for post-Christmas bargains. 

Scattered along family friendly beaches, bright sun shelters provide shade from the searing heat and despite every attempt to wrap sandwiches in foil, the crunch of fine sand still finds a way to infiltrate the most secure container. Children squeal in delight in the cool water and build sandcastles adorned with shells.  

The undeniable smell of salt, seaweed and sunscreen permeates the air as seagulls eagerly seek a tasty morsel of discarded food. Ocean breakers offer a selection of waves from beginners to experienced surfers, whilst smaller bays have calmer waters ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. 

Wooden and concrete jetty’s accommodate social fishing while boat craft venture out to deeper waters in search of snapper and flathead. 

There are picturesque walks along ocean cliffs that challenge and invigorate the soul. The George Bass Coastal Walk, Cape Woolamai and Cape Liptrap Venus Beach are picturesque at any time of the year. 

There is an abundance of live music, art galleries, local markets and tourist attractions throughout the region, and Berninneit at Cowes, offers a kaleidoscope of artistic talent and culture. 

Locals brace themselves for a month of busier supermarkets, fewer carparking spaces, celebratory parties at Air B and B’s, overflowing household bins and an upsurge in litter. The introduction of the 10-cent bottle recycling program has been a welcome incentive to keep spaces cleaner. 

And it goes without saying, it’s imperative to be extra vigilant driving during the holiday season with additional vehicles, speed cameras, random drug testing units, and roadkill highlighted. Please be mindful of the local and often unpredictable wildlife that scurry, hop, waddle, meander and slither across busy throughfares and nature paths. Many of the animals have had they habitat demolished in order for humans to build their own homes. On that note, Wildlife Victoria do an incredible job rescuing, removing and rehabilitating injured birds and animals that have been hit by vehicles or attacked by dogs off leash. 

Enjoy the summer break and remember, we all need to play our part in maintaining this beautiful paradise by respecting the environment, taking our rubbish home, creating wonderful memories and leaving only footprints.

[Wildlife Victoria phone 8400 7302]

Clare Chitty