Snuggling into the base of the Great Dividing Range, these idyllic rural townships - in true village style - are brimming with welcoming communities who love their beautiful surrounds. With the Avon Wilderness Area on the doorstep, the towns are a base for venturing into the high country, 4x4 adventure, camping and fishing.

Heyfield

Sitting on the banks of the dreamy Thomson River, Heyfield is a handsome country town, laced with quality cafes and classic pubs. The Heyfield Wetlands is a twitcher’s paradise with more than 4km of walking paths and boardwalks. The wetlands also get top billing if you’re feeling stroll-ready or fancy a spot of fishing.

Heyfield Food & Wine Festival (held annually in October) offers a delicious day out to sip, sample and savour a variety of food and wine, live music and art.

Heyfield’s cafes will warm the cockles of your heart. Start at Quick Cuppa & More, where locals gather over comforting favourites, homemade slices and friendly banter. Stag & Doe for the warming fireplace in winter and rustic cakes year-round, and Cafe 3858 for its cosy décor, excellent coffee and generously portioned lunches.

The Railway Hotel Heyfield, dating back to 1878, offers a traditional country pub feel and a focus on hearty country food with a warm welcome to make you feel at home. Cowwarr is the ideal stopover on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. Slow down and enjoy lunch in the glorious garden setting of Amarti - be sure to call ahead as they are popular with weddings and events.

Anytime of year, you can embark on the Central Gippsland Wine Trail. Blue Gables Vineyard is situated high on a hill, the vineyard experiences temperature extremities that create elegant wines, best paired with their wood fired pizzas. Ten minutes down the line is Glenmaggie Wines. Sample their premium, award-winning wines at the beautiful cellar door restaurant and learn of their hands-on philosophy to winemaking.

Cowwarr

This bite-sized picturesque country town is home to unique heritage buildings and is famed for the series of metal cow sculptures around the town centre, a nod to Cowwarr’s rich dairying history.

Cowwarr is the ideal stopover on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. Slow down and enjoy lunch in the glorious garden setting of Amarti - be sure to call ahead as they are popular with weddings and events.

Nearby, the impressive Cowwarr Weir is a tranquil location for swimming, fishing or enjoying a picnic.