10 incredible experiences in Gippsland

Home to pristine beaches, lush rainforest, soothing hot springs, epic mountains and immense inland lakes, Gippsland is as diverse as it is vast. The possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless in this expansive region of southeast Victoria, whether out on the water or up in the alps. To help you plan the ultimate Gippsland getaway, we’ve rounded up the best experiences across the region.

1. Explore The Prom

No visit to Gippsland would be complete without experiencing the sheer beauty of Wilsons Promontory National Park. With a dizzying array of things to see and do, you can easily spend a few days exploring The Prom. Camp under the stars, hike epic coastal tracks, encounter native wildlife, swim at stunning beaches or head out on a cruise to see the imposing Skull Rock.

2. Soak in soothing hot springs

If you’re after a mind-numbingly relaxing Gippsland getaway, basking in geothermal bliss at the incredible Metung Hot Springs is a must-do experience. This award-winning spa destination is set across 25 acres in the Gippsland Lakes region, with luxe on-site accommodation and serene lake views to boot.

3. Wander through ancient caves

Head to Buchan Caves Reserve in East Gippsland to explore Victoria’s largest cave system, home to a plethora of striking limestone formations. The best way to experience this natural spectacle is on a guided tour of the 400-million-year-old labyrinthine cave network. Go underground and marvel in awe at epic stalactite and stalagmite forms, vast caverns, rim pools and ancient flowing streams.

4. Discover unspoiled beaches

Another East Gippsland gem is the immaculate Ninety Mile Beach, a 90-mile-long stretch of glorious golden sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. This vast length of untouched beaches stretches from the shallow inlets near Port Albert to the wide-open waterways of Lakes Entrance. 

5. Feast at hatted restaurants

With its rich fertile soils and high rainfall, it comes as no surprise that Gippsland is a region renowned for its fine produce. From fresh seafood and delicious dairy to organic produce and free-range meats, local chefs are truly spoilt when designing paddock-to-plate menus. Reserve your table at hatted eateries like SARDINE in Paynesville and Hogget Kitchen near Warragul to indulge in a memorable destination dining experience.

6. Visit Tarra Bulga National Park

For a soul-stirring experience that will make you feel at one with nature, spend a day exploring the lush surroundings of Tarra Bulga National Park. This serene pocket of South Gippsland is one of the last remaining cool temperate rainforests in the state, home to unique wildlife, cascading waterfalls and an epic suspension bridge that takes you through the rainforest canopy. 

7. Get amongst the festival fun

Embrace the chilly season in East Gippsland as the region comes alive during a month-long festival of light, food, music, art and culture. The unmissable East Gippsland Winter Festival celebrates the long dark nights with dazzling fire and light displays, live music, handmade lanterns, cosy winter feasts, hands-on workshops and rejuvenating wellness experiences.

8. Follow the Bataluk Cultural Trail

Connect with Country and immerse yourself in 30,000 years of Indigenous Gunaikurnai history and culture along the Bataluk Cultural Trail. Weave through sites of Aboriginal significance and hear dreamtime stories as you learn about the traditional lifestyles of the first inhabitants of the Gippsland region.

9. Soar over Gippsland in a helicopter

Tick off a major bucket list experience and take to the skies on a helicopter flight to see East Gippsland’s spectacular landscapes from above. The legends over at Lakes Entrance Helicopters run a whole bunch of scenic flights, ranging from a quick 12-minute jaunt to an epic 45-minute heli ride over the vast Gippsland Lakes region.

10. Alpine adventures at Baw Baw

Keen for a snowy escape not too far from Melbourne? Well then, you’re in luck. Gippsland is home to Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – Melbourne's closest downhill ski resort, ideally situated just two and a half hours from the city centre. Head to Baw Baw for endless winter fun, with alpine activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tobogganing and snow shoeing.