South Gippsland Highway

Winding through rolling green hills, dairy pastures, and pockets of ancient rainforest, the South Gippsland Highway is the classic road-trip route through Victoria's rural deep south. It connects the Bass Coast to the Gippsland Lakes, passing historic farming towns, national parks, and the gateway to Wilsons Promontory. This is a drive for those who love wide-open landscapes, farm-gate produce, and unhurried exploration.

Highlights & What to See

• Koonwarra – A tiny village with a big reputation for its farmers' market (Sundays) and the Koonwarra Store café, famed for wood-fired pizzas and local wines.
• Meeniyan – Stop at the Meeniyan Art Gallery and the charming old-school milk bar for a classic vanilla slice.
• Foster – A historic gold-mining town with a leafy main street, antique shops, and the Great Southern Rail Trail for cycling and walking.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park – The highway ends at the park entrance; explore pristine beaches, granite mountains, and abundant wildlife like wombats and emus.
• Yarram – A heritage town with impressive 19th-century buildings and the Yarram Yarram Landcare Nursery for native plants.
• Port Albert – A sleepy historic port with a jetty, seafood co-op, and the fascinating Port Albert Maritime Museum.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to drive the highway from end to end (Koo Wee Rup to Sale, about 200 km) with stops. Better yet, budget three days to explore side trips to Wilsons Promontory and the Ninety Mile Beach. The road is easily driven in a standard car, and there are ample B&Bs and farm stays for overnighting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island – Famous for the Penguin Parade and dramatic coastal scenery, a short detour from the highway's start.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park – Victoria's premier wilderness area, with multi-day hikes and secluded coves.
• Gippsland Lakes – A vast system of lakes and lagoons perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and houseboat hire.
• Tarwin Lower & Venus Bay – Quiet beach towns with surf breaks and the mouth of the Tarwin River.
• Bunyip State Park – A lesser-known forest reserve with walking trails and picnic spots, off the highway's northern end.

Please check official sources for current details.