Gippsland

Stretching from Melbourne's eastern fringe to the New South Wales border, Gippsland is a sprawling region of raw, untamed beauty that feels a world away from the city. Here, you'll find ancient temperate rainforests, wild surf beaches, and the vast, shimmering Gippsland Lakes — a network of inland waterways that begs to be explored by kayak or houseboat. This is real Australia, where dairy farms roll into eucalypt forests and the locals are as warm as the wood-fired pizzas in the region's excellent farm-to-table restaurants.

Highlights & What to See

• Wilsons Promontory National Park: 'The Prom' is Victoria's most beloved national park, offering granite peaks, secluded coves, and abundant wildlife. Hike to Mount Oberon for panoramic views or walk the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk to spot wombats and lyrebirds.
• Gippsland Lakes: Australia's largest inland network of waterways, perfect for sailing, kayaking, or a serene houseboat holiday. The lakeside towns of Lakes Entrance and Paynesville offer boat hire and fresh seafood.
• Ninety Mile Beach: Exactly as named — a seemingly endless stretch of sand that's ideal for long walks, beach fishing, and watching the Southern Ocean roll in.
• Tarra-Bulga National Park: A magical patch of cool temperate rainforest with towering mountain ash trees, giant tree ferns, and the iconic suspension bridge over a ferny gully.
• Buchan Caves: Limestone caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, offering guided tours through the Royal Cave and Fairy Cave.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Gippsland, allow at least three to five days. Spend one day exploring Wilsons Promontory (arrive early to beat the crowds), one day on the lakes (a houseboat overnight is unforgettable), and another day driving through the lush Strzelecki Ranges to Tarra-Bulga. A fourth day could be dedicated to the Buchan Caves and the surrounding high country. The region is best explored by car, with sealed roads connecting most attractions.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island: Famous for the Penguin Parade, but also offers surf beaches, the Grand Prix circuit, and the Koala Conservation Reserve.
• Yarra Valley: Victoria's premier wine region, just a short detour from Gippsland's western edge, perfect for a day of cellar-door tastings.
• Snowy River National Park: For dramatic gorges, white-water rafting, and remote bushwalking, head north into the high country.
• Metung: A charming lakeside village with excellent restaurants and a relaxed vibe, ideal for a lunch stop.
• Walhalla: A historic gold-mining town nestled in a steep valley, with beautifully preserved buildings and a scenic railway.

Please check official sources for current details.