Drives and road trips

Occupying a massive patch of southeast Victoria, Gippsland is a region of incredible diversity and beauty.

Glorious beaches and lakes and much-loved national parks contrast with snow-capped mountains; old-gold towns sit side by side with thriving regional centres. And that’s just the beginning…

Navigate Gippsland’s huge boundaries with this handy cheat sheet.

Best beaches in Gippsland

With its humungous stretch of coastline, you can expect to find plenty of amazing beaches in the region. Here’s a helpful rundown:

Ninety Mile Beach

One of Victoria’s most pristine patches of golden sand lives up to its name and has various access points. Encompassed within this huge stretch of East Gippsland are pretty, smaller beaches that include Lakes Entrance Main Beach and nearby Lake Tyers Beach.

Inverloch beaches

This town evokes an instantly relaxing vibe and its protected stretch that is Anderson Inlet enhances this feeling. It suits paddleboarding and windsurfing and is great for families. Nearby Inverloch Surf Beach attracts those with board in hand.

Mallacoota beaches

This far-east town has a series of beaches that demand attention. Betka Beach appeals to surfers, as well as families, and has several funky rock formations. Quarry Beach has its own spectacular colourful rocks and Tip Beach is another popular stretch for surfers, backed by sand dunes that keep kids entertained.

Wilsons Promontory National Park beaches

This popular park has several enticing strips of sand that include Waratah Bay, Norman Bay, and well-named Squeaky Beach. We’ll get to more of Wilsons Prom shortly.

Elsewhere, the South Gippsland beaches of Port Welshpool and Venus Bay are people magnets. The latter is renowned for its waves, although caution is required when surfing and swimming.

Gippsland Lakes

This region boasts Australia’s largest network of inland waterways, conveniently called Gippsland Lakes.

Predictably, aquatic leisure abounds, including boating, swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. 

Aptly named Lakes Entrance is the key destination to enjoy it all. It has a prime position on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. 

Uncover more of Lakes Entrance here.

Gippsland national parks 

Considering Gippsland gobbles up so much terrain, it shouldn’t surprise that the region’s national parks are full of variety. Take note of this trio:

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Where: 105km southeast of Inverloch.

What: This much-loved park bursts with breathtaking landscapes. Sparkling, secluded beaches and dramatic coastline, rivers, rainforest, and rock formations can be viewed on ample walking tracks, along with wildflowers and wildlife like wombats and kangaroos.

Tarra-Bulga National Park 

Where: 35km south of Traralgon.

What: Tarra-Bulga is an enchanting sea of green as fabulous fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches dominate, coupled with towering mountain ash trees. Soak up sensational views on the Corrigan Suspension Bridge and spot abundant wildlife and bird species.

Croajingolong National Park

Where: 125km east of Orbost.

What: Enjoy a mix of extensive coastline and sprawling forest and rainforest. Witness prime views from Genoa Peak, spot a rich selection of bird life, or dabble in various water sports.

Gippsland waterfalls

For more spectacular scenery, check out the various falls that flow freely in these parts. Top picks include:

  • Agnes Falls: 75km east of Inverloch.
  • Toorongo Falls: 50km north of Warragul and Moe. 
  • Morwell River Falls: 50km south of Moe.
  • Tarra Falls and Cyathea Falls: Tarra-Bulga National Park.
  • Genoa Falls: 25km northwest of Mallacoota.

More photo ops

There is plenty already mentioned that would give the phone or camera a good workout. For more, the following are highlights among much else:

Bunurong Coastal Drive: This 14km stretch leads from Cape Paterson to Inverloch and explodes with dramatic sandstone cliffs, sandy coves, sparkling Bass Strait views, and funky formations highlighted by Eagles Nest.

Buchan Caves: 55km north of Lakes Entrance, these crazy creations teem with stunning limestone formations that can be viewed on guided tours.

Morwell Centenary Rose Garden: Filled with colour, the gardens boast 3000-plus roses in sprawling surrounds.

Traralgon: The city is home to a cluster of beautiful heritage buildings, led by its post office, as well as attractive gardens.

The region is home to a few historical trestle bridges that make excellent photo subjects, too.

A couple of notable examples are the Noojee Trestle Bridge located about 35km north of Warragul and the Bourne Creek Trestle Bridge in Kilcunda.

Snow play in Gippsland

In winter, Baw Baw National Park at the northern tip of the region is reliably cloaked in snow. While it doesn’t earn the attention afforded to other Victorian ski fields, the park suits skiing and snowboarding and even has tobogganing and sled dog tours.

Outside winter, the park is perfect for exploration with canoeing, rock climbing, and fishing among popular activities. And walking tracks reveal breathtaking views, with colourful wildflowers to spot in early summer.

Historical Gippsland

From a rich Indigenous past to a profound mining heritage, Gippsland has an engrossing past to relive. Here are some highlights:

Aboriginal culture

Soak up the rich indigenous history and culture of the Gunaikurnai people along the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which is dotted with sites of interest all the way from Sale to Cape Conran. Learn more at the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place museum in Bairnsdale.

Coal-mining history

One of the world's largest coal deposits was discovered in the Latrobe Valley, leading to a sustained period of prosperity. The 'black gold' days can be retraced during a fascinating underground tour of the State Coal Mine Heritage Area in Wonthaggi.

Another great find is Coal Creek Community Park and Museum at Korumburra. Here, a recreated coal-mining village will transport you back a century ago and beyond.

Similarly, Old Gippstown in Moe retraces this past and more and teems with striking heritage buildings from yesteryear.

Gold-mining heritage

These parts have a strong association with the precious metal, most notably at the charm-soaked township of Walhalla. Once a bustling mountainside gold-mining town, today it's home to just a handful of residents. The evocative past is best retraced via mine tours or along the Walhalla Tramline Walk or the scenic Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

The small town of Omeo was once a hive of activity following the discovery of gold, too. This fascinating past is best absorbed at the Oriental Claims Historic Area or the local museum.

Koala spotting

Just off the coast is a little gem called Raymond Island. Better yet, it’s a koala hotspot with a dedicated trail for gazing at these cute creatures. You can reach the island with ease via a regular ferry service that departs from Paynesville.

Indoor attractions in Gippsland

Whether it's too hot or too cold or you just want to embrace Gippsland’s cultural and artistic side, check out these first-rate attractions:

  • Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale: Arguably the region’s premier cultural attraction. Located within the picturesque Port of Sale precinct.
  • Latrobe Regional Gallery, Morwell: Contemporary and spacious with plenty to see.
  • Stratford Courthouse complex: Historical building home to regular films and live performances.
  • Orbost Exhibition Centre: Houses the National Collection of Wood Design.
  • Gippsland Vehicle Collection, Maffra: View cars, motorbikes, machinery, memorabilia, and much more.
  • Trafalgar Holden Museum: Fascinating attraction focussing on an iconic brand.
  • Paynesville Maritime Museum: Extensively explores the region’s rich association with the sea.
  • Sale Historical Museum: Impressive and diverse collection of local history items.

Gippsland wineries

This turf-munching region boasts plenty of fertile land, and so dozens of wineries are dotted throughout. Find cellar doors within easy reach of Inverloch to the west and Lakes Entrance to the east, and everywhere in between. Pinot noir and chardonnay lead the way.

Among top picks are:

  • Lightfoot and Sons Wines, Bairnsdale: Oh those views.
  • Tambo Wine, near Metung: Inviting boutique setup complete with a friendly cat!
  • Dirty Three Wines, Inverloch: Rustic and welcoming.
  • Waratah Hills Vineyard, Fish Creek: Gorgeous surrounds near Wilsons Prom.
  • Wyanga Park Winery, Lakes Entrance: Try the signature frozen Muscat.
  • Narkoojee, Glengarry North: Outstanding on all fronts.
  • Lucinda Estate, Leongatha: Vistas and vino on point.

Breweries in Gippsland

If you fancy a glass of liquid gold, you’re in luck. Check out one of the following:

  • Bandolier Brewing, Warragul: Family owned with something for all tastes.
  • Burra Brewing Co, Korumburra: Includes an inviting beer garden to enjoy its tasty brews.
  • Grand Ridge Brewery, Mirboo North: Regional stalwarts occupying space in an old butter factory. 
  • Howler Brewing Company, Lang Lang: Tasty small-batch brews are served in a comfy space.
  • Loch Brewery & Distillery, Loch: Housed in a delightful historical building, boasting English-style ales and various spirits.

Gippsland accommodation

Several enticing BIG4 parks are dotted throughout the Gippsland region. Check them out here or below.

Check out a full list of short breaks and weekend getaways from Melbourne.

Related Parks