Traralgon - Tarra Bulga - Port Albert - Woodside - Sale 175km | 2 hours 35 mins
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.
Getting Started
Traralgon is an easy 2 hour drive east of Melbourne, along the Princes Hwy (M1). The road trip ends at Sale, where you can return to Melbourne in 2.5 hours.
LEG 1: Traralgon - Yarram94km | 1:40 hours
Starting in Traralgon, you’ll find that the charm extends well beyond being a power-industry heavyweight, boasting a vibrant arts and culture scene, bursting with humming cafes, knockout dining and pulsing nightlife. Once you’ve had your fill of gorgeous heritage buildings, head for the breezy green parks like the manicured Victory Park or the sumptuous bushland retreat of the Traralgon Railway Reserve.
From Traralgon you can drive the scenic route to Tarra Bulga. We recommend seeing some country calm at the award-winning, Carrajung Estate, where rolling vine clad hills are best enjoyed from the comfort of the restaurant.
Onwards to the heavenly Tarra Bulga National Park. This oasis of calm is quite unlike anywhere else. The cool temperate rainforest floor is blanketed with ferns, and twisty creeks run playfully through the lush valleys. The park is best explored on one of the many walks and a highlight is crossing Corrigan Suspension Bridge, which affords amazing views over the fern gullies.
Once you’ve had your soul recharged by the glorious Tarra Bulga, head to Yarram, once a quaint country dairy town, now a thriving arts hub. You’ll find a myriad of murals throughout the town, all completed by the talented Mongolian-born street artist, Heesco. The addition of the murals has put Yarram on the map as a premier street art destination. While in town find your perfect coffee at one of the amazing cafes along the main street.
Leg 1 Highlights
Leg 2: Yarram - Port Albert
12km | 11 mins
If you are feeling energetic, try the Tarra Trail which extends from Yarram to Port Albert following the original railway line. The Trail extends 12.5km and is an ideal for families as it is generally flat.
For those that prefer to travel by car, it is just a short 10-minute drive to get you to the splendid seaside town of Port Albert. The calm waters provide an amazing backdrop to a town filled with history or grab the freshest fish from Fish and Chip Co next to the wharf. Visit the Port Albert Maritime Museum to check out how the town was founded and the history behind this beautiful town.
If you like to cast a line or put the boat in, Port Albert is the place for you. Anglers have long enjoyed the peaceful calm from the wharf and while we won’t guarantee you a bite, no doubt you’ll have fun trying to land a fish. The serene waters are also great for boaters with the bay offering protection as you cruise around.
Leg 2 Highlights
Leg 3: Port Albert - Sale (via Woodside)
78km | 55 mins
Continue on your trek, leaving behind the history of Port Albert. Stop in at Woodside and let your toes feel the golden sands of the Ninety Mile Beach. With stunning vistas as far as the eye can see, Woodside Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day by the water. Enjoy a meal and quiet drink at the recently refurbished Woodside Hotel as well.
Detour via Won Wron State Forest to see White Woman’s Waterhole, one of the sites of significance on the Bataluk Cultural Trail. It commemorates the tragedies of massacres of Aboriginal people following rumours of a white woman who was held captive by GunaiKurnai people in the mid 1800s.
Roll on south along the A440 and you’ll come to Sale, a waterside overachiever. Between lakeside walks, abundant green spaces, humming cafes and a smattering of heritage buildings, Sale is worthy of an overnight stay to soak up the sites.
Stroll around the Port of Sale, the Sale Botanic Gardens or marvel at 19th century technology at Sale’s Swing Bridge. Check out the bird life at the Sale Wetlands, catch the RAAF Roulettes practicing or see the Armed Forces Museum. You won’t be left wanting with some exceptional pubs and cafes dishing up mouth-watering meals.
