Just 4.5 hours drive from Melbourne’s CBD and you find the region of Gippsland. Extending from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border, Gippsland encompasses the iconic Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland Lakes and Ninety Mile Beach. The region has spectacular scenery across beaches, farmland, mountains and lakes. As you travel through Gippsland, you will discover quaint villages like Metung, Walhalla, Meeniyan, Loch, Bruthen and Yarragon.
Finding a place to stay along the way is easy and the choices are endless, from cosy B&Bs and cottages, to luxury retreats, rustic farmstays and some beautiful caravan parks.
Who goes to Gippsland
With so much on offer, Gippsland is perfect for any traveller. History buffs will enjoy the old quaint towns like Walhalla, rich in gold mining history. Adventurous travellers can enjoy the great outdoors in both summer and winter when it becomes an alpine wonderland. Families will find kid-friendly experiences throughout the region and couples will enjoy escaping to the countryside for a bit of romance and seclusion.
How to get to Gippsland
The quickest way to get to Gippsland from Melbourne by car is to travel south-east along the Monash Freeway and then take the M1 (Princes Freeway) through many of central Gippsland’s cities and townships, including Warragul, Traralgon and Sale and on to Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Cann River. Turn-offs for Mt Baw Baw and the alpine area are near Drouin, Warragul and Moe. Alternatively, take the South Gippsland Highway which runs closer to the coast through Korumburra, Leongatha and Foster before joining the Princes Highway at Sale.
The region is accessible by public transport from Melbourne via the V/Line train service, which operates every day as far as Bairnsdale, with connecting buses to Lakes Entrance.
Top 10 things to do in Gippsland
A visit to the Gippsland region can be done for a day trip, or take little longer to really explore the area. Here are the top 10 things to do for all types of travellers.
Step back in time at Walhalla
Walhalla is a reconstructed Colonial Era Gold Mining town set in the hills of Gippsland. It was once heralded as one of the richest towns in Victoria. Today, Walhalla is known for its Gold Fields Railway, Long Mine Tour and quaint town history. It also has a unique cemetery perched high on the hill, and a walk around reading the headstones will give insight into just how hard colonial times could be on families. The shops appear today to look like a colonial town of the past and the old post office has some unique history. A must stop is at the old fashion lolly which sells the old fashioned boiled lollies like humbugs and rock candy. Walhalla is a great place for a day trip, but if you stay a little longer – check into the Walhalla Star Hotel and do the night ghost walk.
Walk with Alpine Dingos at Mt Baw Baw
When visiting Mt Baw Baw, you can engage in a unique Alpine Dingo experience while helping their conservation. The Walk Away Extinction experience allows you to walk and learn about the plight of this misunderstood native animal. Join resident dingos Rowdy and Warragul on a 1hr-1.5hr walk along with one of their keepers. You’ll learn about the plight of dingoes in Australia and their role in our ecosystem as native animals and top-order predators. Best of all, the proceeds are used to support dingo education programs on the mountain through the summer and winter seasons. There is even an experience on offer to have cuddles with the gorgeous dingos. Even if you don’t partake in a dingo experience, you can still visit Rowdy, Warragul and the other dingos at the Dingo Resource Centre year-round.
Summer or winter in alpine country
Mt Baw Baw offers both summer and winter activities. In winter you can hit the slopes and enjoy all the snow activities in an alpine village environment. During summer (the green season) Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort has mountain biking trails for all levels of competency, from DH1’s thrilling double black diamond descent to family-friendly Latrobe and Beech Trails. With regular MTB Gravity Shuttles now operating and eMTB and bike hire available, riders can also save those quad muscles for the fun parts. There is also hiking galore, so pack those comfy boots.
Stroll along the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool
The Long Jetty is located at Port Welshpool in South Gippsland and has a checkered history dating back to the 1930s when it was constructed as the main port for good in Gippsland. The Long Jetty was used by boats in the Second World war that patrolled the waters for sea mines and boats taking supplies to oil rigs in Bass Strait in its later life. The jetty was partially burnt down in the early 2000s and closed to the public until late 2018 when it re-opened. Today the refurbished Long Jetty is 850 meters long, with dedicated fishing spots near the end and an onsite open-air museum that talks about its history.
Stony Creek Trestle Bridge at Lakes Entrance
A relic of Victoria’s historic past, the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is located in the Colquhoun State Forest between Lakes Entrance and Nowa Nowa. The huge trestle bridge that the now long-defunct train from Bairnsdale to Orbost used to pass over still stands mighty in the bush that surrounds it. It stretches some 247m long and 20m high, making it the largest standing trestle bridge of its kind in Victoria. Today the East Gippsland rail trail between Bruthern and Nowa Nowa passes by the bridge.
Visit Gippsland Museums
As you drive through Gippsland you will notice museums seem to pop up in every town. A stroll through these museums will uncover all types of topics. In Port Albert you will find a maritime museum, Sale has a history museum, in Morwell, you will find a power museum, Noojee has a heritage centre and Wonthaggi has the state coal mine. The Gippsland Vehicle Collection Motor Museum can be found in Maffra. On display are more than 160 special cars, motorbikes, machinery, historic vehicles and auto memorabilia for the car lover. The cars and machines that feature change every four months. This helps ensure the displays are on offer for new or for returning visitors.
Lakes Entrance Aqua Park
A great one for family fun is the newest attraction in Gippsland, the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park. The Aqua Park is adjacent to the footbridge near the car park in the centre of town and features a 2000-square metre ninja-like obstacle course that will be fun for the whole family.
Wilson’s Promontory Wilderness Cruise
Step on board the Wilson’s Promontory Wilderness Cruise with Pennicott Journeys for a 2.5-hour cruise on the waters around Wilson’s Promontory. The cruise leaves Norman Beach onboard an amphibious boat. The experience takes you to South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia where you will see The Glennies, Anderson Islets, Anser Island and the iconic Skull Rock. The cruise allows close access to Australian fur seals, unique birdlife and dolphins.
Discover Yarram’s street art
Take a day trip to Yarram to see amazing street art spread across the town. There are 10 street art murals in total put together by renowned street artist Heesco. You will find it in alleyways, on the side of the local golf course and larger than life on some businesses in town. Why not stay in Yarram as it is a great base for travels around Gippsland.
Road-trip along the Central Gippsland Drink Trail
Enjoy a glass or pint passing through ever-changing scenery, from fern glades to grassy plains, ending in the foothills of Victoria’s high country. Starting near the lush cool temperate rainforest of Tarra Valley, passing through the Gippsland plains and ending in the foothills of Victoria’s high country, this wine trail passes through spectacular country scenery. Just remember to assign a designated driver.
The best time to travel to Gippsland
The Gippsland region has mild to warm summers with average maximum temperatures currently around 21 to 25°C. Winters are mild near the coast with average maximum temperatures of 12 to 15°C. Further inland, it is cooler in the foothills and cold in the mountains where there are frequent frosts and some snow. Time your visit to coincide with migrating whales (May to November) when Gippsland’s coastline provides plenty of prime vantage points for spotting these. A visit to alpine regions like Mount Baw Baw in winter will offer the chance to explore a snowy winter wonderland.
How to book Gippsland
Bookings for Gippsland can be made directly with the operator or hotel. Alternatively, you can access Gippsland products through your preferred wholesaler or booking agent.
How to learn more about Gippsland
To discover more about Gippsland, visit visitgippsland.com.au. Here you can get information on where to stay, things to do and updates on the region. There are downloadable brochures available here. There is a dedicated trade website and website for business and events in the region. For more, contact admin@destinationgippsland.com.au
