Melbourne, Victoria: Gippsland a nature-lover’s paradise

IMMERSE IN PRISTINE NATURE 

Be inspired by Gippsland, a region full of glorious scenery, stunning natural attractions, mountain adventures and spectacular coastlines. Explore unspoilt beaches at Wilsons Promontory, wander through lush fern gullies in Tarra-Bulga rainforest and drift away on the vast, tranquil Gippsland Lakes. 

With its finest and freshest produce, Gippsland is also the perfect destination for food and wine lovers. Producing an array of excellent cheeses, fine free-range meats, wonderful locally caught seafood and organic fruits and vegetables, the region is renowned for fine produce. Gippsland’s wineries also have a growing reputation for producing premium, cool climate wines, with full fruit flavours to partner the region’s fresh food. There are more than 30 cellar doors open to the public in Gippsland, so why not get off the beaten track to discover them for yourself?

The Great Outdoors-Heritage and Pristine Nature

Visit the lovingly restored gold-mining town of Walhalla to ride the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, then venture underground through the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine or up to the cliff-top Walhalla Cemetery, then in the evening, brave the ghoulish tales of a Walhalla Ghost Tour.

Making your way south, stop into the picture-perfect town of Loch for a nip of local gin and a stroll through the antique shops.  Then, follow the dramatic coastline of the Bunurong Coastal Drive. Kilcunda is an epic destination for a leg stretch on either the George Bass Coastal Walk and the Bass Coast Rail Trail. 

Gippsland is renowned for its cycling experiences, one of the best being the Great Southern Rail Trail connecting foodie hotspots Koonwarra, Meeniyan and artsy Fish Creek.

Camp at Wilsons Promontory National Park to hike the trails and beaches or book a boat cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys out to Skull Rock to see the local seals, dolphins and migrating whales (during winter and spring). Yes, they like to visit Gippsland too!

In central Gippsalnd, Tarra Bulga National Park is one of Victoria’s last remaining pockets of cool temperate rainforest. Walk beneath giant tree ferns and towering mountain ash, chase waterfalls and cross the Corrigan Suspension Bridge above the fern canopy. 

It’s not every day you find 90 miles of uninterrupted golden beach, but here it is–the 90 Mile Beach starts near the historic fishing village of Port Albert and stretches all the way to Australia’s largest inland waterway, the Gippsland Lakes. Base yourself in one of the lakeside villages of Lakes Entrance, Metung or Paynesville to kayak or stand up paddle board (SUP) the lakes, hire a boat, take a fishing charter, or enjoy the many boutique wineries and breweries.  Soak in the mineral hot springs at the new Metung Hot Springs or venture further along the coast to the mouth of the famous Snowy River at Marlo and the Cape Conran National Park.

Nearby, the Buchan Caves’ network of limestone caves reveal quiet underground pools and sparkling stalagmites. Camp in the peaceful Buchan Caves Reserve, or at The Stockmans Camp, where you’ll gain insight into the life of Australian stockmen at their Bush Heritage Show.

Snuggled right up next to the NSW border, Mallacoota may well be Victoria’s best kept secret. This serene coastal village is part of the Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO-listed World Biosphere Reserve. The town has a laid-back holiday vibe, attracting recreational fishers, boating enthusiasts, and those who just want to spend their days beachside.