News Sunday Drives for Any Day of the Week
There is a whole world out there, and it’s bigger than your backyard.
We know you are tired of being home-bodies. Here are four Gippsland driving itineraries that offer a taste of life beyond your living room. These drives can all be achieved within a weekend, once you’ve made your way to the starting point.
On your travels, soak up the vastness of Gippsland's countryside, drink in 360 degree horizons and roam under endless skies as you drive between welcoming villages.
Penguins to Prom Drive
Phillip Island - Wilsons Promontory | 210km | 3 hours
Embark on a star studded journey between two of Victoria's most loved spots. From the huggable little penguins at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, this epic drive hugs the contours of the Bass Coast and winds through hilly South Gippsland countryside to the breathtaking splendour of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Along the journey, embrace sweeping ocean views and discover soulful country towns.
MUST DO:
- See the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge and wander along the dramatic Bass Coast Rail Trail or the George Bass Coastal Walk.
- Inverloch is a coastal resort town, perfect for winter beach walks or rockpool rambling, and full of gastronomic delights.
- Check out Cape Liptrap Coastal Park to see the lighthouse and glorious ocean panoramas or stretch the legs through coastal woodlands on the Walkerville Overlook Walk.
- At Wilsons Promontory you can explore magical beaches and choose from short strolls or a thigh-wearying hikes, with endless opportunities for playing wildlife Spotto.
West Gippsland Hinterland Drive
Melbourne - Walhalla - Mt Baw Baw | 409km | 6 hours
This journey winds you through the handsome green landscapes of West Gippsland. Discover historic villages, throw yourself into outdoor adventure and be dropped tantalisingly close to a thriving foodie and winery scene.
MUST DO:
- Stretch the legs at Yarragon, offering shopaholics all the knick-knacks they could dream of, with antiques, pottery, giftware, toys and galleries.
- Swoon at the picture-perfect gold mining town of Walhalla, set in a deep valley and surrounded by plunging hills.
- At Mt Baw Baw pop on your snowshoes or skis and journey to the summit to take in the serenity of the national park, or indulge in some good old fashioned snow play.
- Admire the graceful Noojee Trestle Bridge, then meander through mountain ash forest along the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail.
- Stroll the absolutely stunning Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk (2.2km) amongst lush forest and lyrebird calls.
Lakes & Coastal Discovery Drive
Paynesville - Marlo | 178km | 2.5 hours
This journey takes in Gippsland’s front cover splash, the Gippsland Lakes, and stretches of rave-worthy coastline. Revel in show-stopping waterside views over glistening lakes and infamous East Gippsland beaches, bristled with waterfront villages with lashings of Indigenous heritage.
MUST DO:
- Marvel at the world’s longest beach, the pristine Ninety Mile Beach, where never-ending ribbons of sand stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Base yourself in Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Metung or Lakes Entrance to explore the famed Gippsland Lakes.
- Discover one of the world's oldest cultures at Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place and the sacred sites of Howitt Park and Lake Tyers.
- Treat your inner foodie along the East Gippsland Drink Trail or at absolute waterfront eateries (tip: there will be seafood on the menu).
FOREST & SEA DRIVE
Sale - Traralgon | 175km | 2 hours 35 minutes
This journey travels through postcard-worthy landscapes of Central Gippsland, from the suspension bridge in Tarra Bulga National Park to the seemingly endless coastline of Ninety Mile Beach. Squeeze in the vibrant regional hubs of Sale and Traralgon and drink in the tranquility of Port Albert and Yarram.
MUST DO:
- Wander past Sale’s bollard-lined boardwalks, lake-fringed cafes and grand heritage architecture or explore the Botanic Gardens, Lake Guthridge and Sale Wetlands.
- Applaud the meeting of land and sea at Ninety Mile Beach and soak up the maritime air in the charming port town of Port Albert.
- Take a tour of the vibrant, king-sized Heescotown murals at Yarram, adorning 12 buildings throughout the town.
- Retrace the area’s history with a visit to Yarram’s Courthouse or the Port Albert Maritime Museum.
- Breathe in rainforest goodness in the emerald wonder that is Tarra Bulga National Park as you stroll through ferny glades and under giant mountain ash.
- Indulge in Traralgon’s enviable food scene or roll out your picnic rug in the oasis of calm that is Victory Park.
Published on under: Nature & Outdoor