242km | 4 hours | Latrobe Valley - Mirboo North - Tarra Bulga.
drA scenic drive through the Latrobe Valley taking in villages, lush farmland and forests.
Route 94 marks the scenic drive through the Latrobe Valley into the Strzelecki Ranges, taking in villages, lush farmland and magnificent forests.
With two distinct loops, following Route 94 will take you past Loy Yang power station and open cut mine, to the splendour of Tarra Bulga National Park, famous for its dense mountain gullies, suspension bridge and Cyathea Falls.
Route 94 will lead you through Churchill and on to Morwell National Park, the villages of Yinnar and Boolarra, the ‘mural town’ of Mirboo North and along the green rolling hills to Thorpdale.
Loop 1
Traralgon - Tarra Bulga National Park
120km | 2:10 hours
From Traralgon, follow the C482 road to Loy Yang to catch a glimpse of the area’s rich connection to the power industry. A few kilometres along on the left side is the Jack Vines Lookout with views of Australia’s largest open cut mine, Loy Yang. Next, you’ll pass George Bates Lookout, open daily from 9am – 5pm with toilets, BBQs, picnic tables.
Continue along the Hyland Highway to the small township of Gormandale, nestled in the fertile Merrimans Creek Valley.
Here, you’ll enter the Grand Ridge Road, one of Victoria’s most spectacular drives. This partially unsealed road snakes its way along the Strzelecki Ranges for 132km, at times opening up to striking views of farmlands to the north and coastline to the south. The road passes through a forest of ferns and towering trees, rolling green hills and villages.
Visit the lush fern-filled gullies and cool temperate rainforest of Tarra Bulga National Park, for walks beneath giant mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech, and over swing bridges. The tranquil place is perfect for picnics (complete with barbeques, shelters and toilets) amongst waterfalls and rainforest brimming with wildlife.
A short drive from the park are the Cyathea Falls, a 10m waterfall tumbling in the lush Gippsland rainforest. A pleasant 35 minute loop walk takes in this waterfall as well as other rainforest features.
Head towards Traralgon South on the C483, where you can stop for a leg-stretch on the Duff Sawmill Walk and the Mt Tassie Lookout.
Loop 1 Highlights
Loop 2
Morwell, Churchill, Mirboo North, Traralgon
122km | 1:48 hours
Start your journey in vibrant Morwell, where you can visit the Latrobe Regional Gallery for exhibitions and contemporary art. Soak up the green spaces at Gippsland Immigration Park, which celebrates the town’s multicultural identity, from Gurnaikurnai history to today's rich multiculturalism. Then, enjoy a walk through the perfumed oasis of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden.
Venture south on the C456 to Churchill, Gippsland’s University town, home to Federation University. Nearby Lake Hyland is a lovely spot for family fun, fishing and picnics. Keep an eye out for The Big Cigar landmark, celebrating Winston Churchill’s iconic cigar, or enjoy the open parklands of Mathison Park.
Hit the C456 and keep heading south to Morwell National Park. The park has several picnic areas and walking tracks weaving through beautiful forest and is best known for its species of native orchids.
Your next stop is the eclectic arts community of Yinnar. The old butter factory has been restored as the Art Resource Collective (the ARC) which features numerous local artists and exhibitions. Pop in to the Yinnar General Store for jewellery and gifts and round out your visit with a pub lunch at Yinnar Hotel.
From the forested town of Boolarra, you can grab a meal from the pub then set off on a cycling adventure through the hilly countryside on the 13km Grand Ridge Rail Trail to Mirboo North. Just outside the town, the Morwell River Falls Reserve sits alongside a series of stunning cascades of the Morwell River in this oasis of native bush.
Continue to Mirboo North, a picturesque heritage town situated midway along the scenic Grand Ridge Road in the Strzelecki Ranges. Decorating the main street of the town are many beautiful murals honouring the local history. Enjoy a meal and a tasting at the Grand Ridge Brewery or go for a short stroll through the Baromi Park. A quick dash out of town will have you at the Lyrebird Forest Walk for a beautiful walk through native bushland.
Passing through lush countryside you’ll reach Thorpdale, the heart of potato country. Be sure to grab a pie from the Thorpdale Bakery, or a visit to the pub where vodka is distilled. Just out of town is Narracan Falls, a scenic picnic area by cascading falls.
To complete the loop, travel back to highway towards Moe and continue on through to Traralgon.
