South Gippsland Highlights

Stretching from the eastern edge of Western Port Bay to the wild Ninety Mile Beach, South Gippsland is a gorgeous patchwork of rolling green hills, dairy farms, temperate rainforest, and rugged coastline. This is a region that rewards slow travel: winding back roads lead to historic towns, artisan food producers, and spectacular coastal lookouts. The pace of life here is unhurried, and the landscapes feel both intimate and epic. Whether you're self-driving from Melbourne towards the Great Ocean Road or exploring the Gippsland Lakes, South Gippsland is a detour worth making.

Highlights & What to See

• Wilsons Promontory National Park: Victoria's most beloved national park, with granite peaks, pristine beaches like Squeaky Beach, and abundant wildlife—wombats, kangaroos, and emus. Hike to Mount Oberon for panoramic views or explore the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.
• Tarwin Lower & Venus Bay: A laid-back coastal pocket perfect for beachcombing, fishing, and spotting migrating whales (June–September). Venus Bay's long, wild beach is a favourite for surfers and those seeking solitude.
• Koonwarra & Meeniyan: These tiny towns are foodie havens. Koonwarra has a famed general store with excellent coffee and local produce, while Meeniyan boasts a microbrewery and a celebrated pie shop.
• Foster & the Great Southern Rail Trail: The historic town of Foster is the gateway to the Great Southern Rail Trail, a 90-km cycling and walking path from Leongatha to Yarram that winds through farmland and forest.
• Port Welshpool Jetty: An evocative 1.2-km-long wooden jetty stretching into the shallow waters of Corner Inlet. It's a fantastic spot for a walk, fishing, or simply watching the tide roll in.
• Walkerville & the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park: A dramatic stretch of coastline with limestone cliffs, sea caves, and the historic Walkerville lime kilns. The park offers excellent coastal walks and views across Bass Strait.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience South Gippsland, allocate at least three to four days. This gives you time to hike in Wilsons Promontory (overnight if you have a permit), explore the coastal parks, and linger in the food towns. A week-long trip could easily incorporate the Great Southern Rail Trail and a day on the Gippsland Lakes. The region is best explored by car, as public transport is limited. Combine it with a journey to Phillip Island, the Gippsland Lakes, or even the Mornington Peninsula for a longer self-drive itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island: Famous for the Penguin Parade, with stunning coastal scenery and great surf beaches.
• Gippsland Lakes & Ninety Mile Beach: A vast system of lakes and lagoons ideal for boating, kayaking, and birdwatching.
• Baw Baw National Park: Alpine forest and waterfalls, perfect for hiking and winter snowplay.
• Yarram & the Strzelecki Ranges: Charming historic towns and lush rainforest walks, including the popular Toora wind farm lookout.
• Mornington Peninsula: Wine regions, hot springs, and coastal walks, a scenic drive from South Gippsland.

Please check official sources for current details.