Gippsland, Victoria’s easternmost region, is an idyllic haven of beaches, farmland, mountain ranges and lakes. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful escape or an exhilarating adventure, this region has something to offer everyone.
Take a road trip through Victoria’s stunning rolling hills and charming farming communities, or embark on one of Victoria’s most picturesque drives. Don’t forget to visit South Gippsland for its breathtaking coastline and idyllic beaches!
Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is the ideal starting point to discover East Gippsland’s top attractions. It also provides a tranquil haven where you can unwind and take in the region’s waterways, natural splendor, as well as its idyllic beaches.
319km east of Melbourne, this town provides a range of activities and accommodation options for both families and couples. During summer months, it becomes a popular tourist destination with many visitors booking ahead for an enjoyable holiday.
While in the region, be sure to visit Lakes Entrance’s famous markets on the first Sunday of every month. Here, you can find a wide range of stalls selling local produce and handmade crafts from 9.00am until 2.30pm; perfect for picking up souvenirs or local foods to take home for your trip.
Another way to discover the area is by taking a cruise along the lakes or fishing. Many boat charter companies are available, so make sure you pick one that meets your requirements. Or for an even more unique experience that combines land and water, book a helicopter tour with Lakes Entrance Helicopters!
No matter if you’re an experienced kayaker or just want to gaze upon the picturesque waters of Gippsland Lakes, they will surely delight. Many companies offer hire kayaks so that you can explore the lake at your own pace.
Lakes Entrance is not only one of Victoria’s premier fishing spots, but it’s also a great spot for swimming with Main Beach (part of Ninety Mile Beach) and calmer waters at Lake Tyers Beach. Plus you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants along the foreshore promenade.
If you’re interested in exploring the area by foot, there are plenty of paths to choose from, including a looped trail that takes you all the way to Kalimna Lookout. Additionally, Coulquorn State Forest or Stony Creek Trestle Bridge offer breathtaking views of Gippsland’s landscape.
There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds in the surrounding area, including Tucker’s Mini Golf and Cafe in Loch Sport, Patersons Park in Metung and Sunset Cove in Paynesville. All offer picnic tables, barbecues and playground equipment for visitors to enjoy.
While in East Gippsland, be sure to visit Griffiths Sea Shell Museum for exhibits and displays on local seashells. There’s also a dolphin watching tour which is especially popular during wintertime.
Gippsland Lakes offers the perfect setting for a delicious meal or some relaxing leisure time. Not only are there plenty of hotels, motels, cabins and camping sites here but there is also no shortage of cafes and restaurants serving up some of Victoria’s finest fare – perfect whether you’re after something healthy or simply want some peace and quiet!
Ninety Mile Beach
If you are planning a visit to New Zealand’s far north, Ninety Mile Beach should not be missed. Not only does it boast an incredible beach, but also provides visitors with plenty of activities to choose from. It has become a popular spot among surfers in Gippsland – making it a must-visit when staying there.
Ninety Mile Beach is a popular tourist spot that can be easily accessed from several towns along the East Gippsland coast, such as Kaitaia, Waipapakauri and Ahipara. Booking a day tour from these towns is the most convenient way to get there – though parking may still be an issue!
Ninety Mile Beach offers a wealth of activities for tourists to enjoy as they watch the sun set over the Tasman Sea. There are plenty of places to sit back, relax and take in the views, but you may also dig for pipi (an indigenous shellfish) or take off your shoes and enjoy some fun on the sand.
For an even more thrilling adventure, why not try sandboarding at Te Paki Stream near 90 Mile Beach? This thrilling activity should only be undertaken with supervision as there are risks involved.
At Ninety Mile Beach, surf-casting can be a thrilling activity – but make sure you bring your own equipment! The waves can be huge so be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Furthermore, wearing a headlamp for safety purposes is highly recommended.
If you want to visit this beach but don’t have your own car, consider booking a scenic flight or bus tour from either Bay of Islands or Kaitaia. These excursions will drive along the shoreline with several stops for photos and admiring the scenery.
On a day trip, you’ll have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and learn about the area’s history from your tour guide. While taking in stunning coastal views from New Zealand’s Far North coastline, you can uncover legends and stories from this part of New Zealand.
Ninety Mile Beach can be reached by car, but if you feel uneasy driving on the beach, then opt for a guided day tour with an experienced driver guide. These tours tend to be more affordable than private ones and usually provide various activities along the way.
It is essential to note that rental cars are not allowed on the sand. Instead, you can rent a dune buggy or bodyboard to ride down the dunes. These are the two most popular options for sandboarding at Ninety Mile Beach; however, you could also hire kayaks and canoes and enjoy the beach from another perspective.
Port Albert
Port Albert, Victoria’s first fishing port, is an ideal stopover to explore the local area. It boasts several historic buildings and recently there has been an influx in quality holiday accommodation options. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for both locals and visitors from outside the region to enjoy.
Enjoying a stroll along the waterfront is an ideal way to take in the scenery, with plenty of places for refreshments. Boaters especially will find plenty of activities at their disposal here, from sailing lessons and fuel stops, to exploring hidden coves surrounded by Norfolk pines.
Visit the Maritime Museum to view artifacts from shipwrecks along the Bass Strait coastline. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along Old Port Walking Trail which passes some of town’s more intriguing historic buildings.
Port Albert was established in 1841 and quickly rose to become one of Victoria’s busiest ports during the Victorian Gold Rush. It served as a major hub for livestock transporting, with its 250-metre timber jetty serving as an important link between Gippsland and Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania).
The Maritime Museum, situated at Wharf Street and Bay Street in Port Albert, features an array of exhibits that chronicle Port Albert’s maritime history. Open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Gippsland’s vibrant maritime past.
Many buildings in Gippsland are listed on the National Trust of Australia, including the Post Office (1864), which features a gabled roof, rounded windows and attractive verandas. This was likely the first mail centre in Gippsland and now serves as a private residence.
Within walking distance of Port Albert’s Post Office is what is believed to have been the first hotel. Constructed in 1858, this structure features a painted brick exterior with timber veranda and steep corrugated iron hip roof.
The main jetty and wharf area serves as a hub for commercial fishing fleets in the region. Here, fishermen catch various species such as flathead, snapper, king george whiting and bream from the waters around Port Albert.
Other attractions in Port Albert include the Port Albert Maritime Museum and Old Port Walking Trail. Housed in what used to be Bank of Victoria Building, these museums showcase fascinating memorabilia from Gippsland’s nautical past.
Port Albert is easily reached by road, taking only 3 hours to drive from Melbourne. Buses run regularly between Yarram on the South Gippsland Highway and Port Albert itself.
Port Albert’s population grows during summer as people come to enjoy scenic boat tours, fishing trips and bird watching. The jetty and wharf area are also ideal spots to relax by the sea with a picnic lunch or dinner.