Peterborough is different depending on the season. In order to get the best out of your time here, come prepared to spend some quiet time enjoying the natural scenery. If it's hot, bring the bathers to dip into the cool waters. In winter, rug up cosy and warm. Wear walking shoes for the great cliff walk. Bring a book to read with the sound of the sea as company. A picnic lunch on the beach is delightful, especially in summer. Celebrate the setting of the sun, seated at the waters edge when the tide is low in summer, is idyllic. Bring the binoculars to look at the birds. Explore rock pools in low tide. Be prepared to enjoy yourself.
Here are some general hints for anyone visiting for the first time:
Check the Weather forecast:
Main Beach, Peterborough
Storm clouds gather over Peterborough
If you are visiting to get the best out of your visit requires planning. What is the weather like? Peterborough weather is different to other places in Victoria, for example, it experiences winds coming direct across the Southern Ocean from the Antarctic in winter.
Check the tides:
Rocks and Pools in Wild Dog Cove
Low tide is a time for contemplative exploring
If you want to swim in the sea, explore the rock pools, reefs, and beaches, then low tide is the best time. The lowest tides on the year are in February and that’s when it is nice and hot – a great time for swimming in the bracing waters of the ocean.
Check out how the Curdies River is:
The Estuary
The Curdies Inlet looking towards the bridge.
If the inlet is open, the perfect spot for kiddies to frolic is in the estuary where the waters are shallow and warmer. However, in the colder months from about March/April, till May/June, an outbreak of blue green algae can be expected in the estuary. This makes the water toxic and unsafe for river recreation, until it opens again to the sea.
The classic sunset photo:
Sunset at Bay of Islands
As evening falls the sky becomes dramatic
There a few spots to take a magnificent sunset photo and experience the glory of the end of the day. Check where you want to be: Bay of Islands, Worm Bay, Crofts Beach. Use google to check the time the sun sets and get there ahead of time to get the best spot and set up – this is especially important in summer.
The classic sunrise photo:
Sunrise over the inlet
The sun rises every morning reflecting in the still waters over the inlet.
The sun rises over the Curdies inlet. Every season feels different, for example, in autumn when the weather is stiller, the waters of the Curdies can be a wonderful still reflection for the sky. Use google to check the time for sunrise. Possibly the best spot to take a sunrise photo is from the side of the road in Halladale St. Or from the boat ramp in Dorey St - see photo opposite.
Driving a distance:
- Petrol is available at the take-away food shop and Post Office.
- Electric vehicles can recharge at the Peterborough Motel (costs involved).
- Remember to drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Do not stop in the road to take a photo, always park carefully.
- Drive carefully and be prepared to stop for wildlife. You don't want to be the one to kill a koala, echidna or wallaby.
Wear comfortable clothes:
Sitting inside a car lulls you into a cosy sense of security. Dress according to the weather with clothes you can put on out of the car. Wear walking shoes, so you can take advantage of the many different walks.
Take your litter home with you:
There are some public bins at the shops and the foreshore BBQ, but not elsewhere. Be prepared to take your little home with you. Please do not leave you rubbish for us to pick up.