There’sa rumbleofcuriositybuildingaround
Gippsland,withweekendwanderersdiscovering
impressivesceneryandwelcominglocals
justbeyondMelbourne’scityfringe.Todiscovermoreaboutthe
greater Gippsland region, visit
visitgippsland.com.auLAKES ENTRANCE
Treasured for its swimming beaches, waterfront
cafes and colourful fishing fleet – many of which sell
the day’s catch to local restaurants – Lakes Entrance
has long been one of Victoria’s premier holiday
destinations. Cross the footbridge to Ninety Mile
Beach and hire a fishing boat, kayak, surfboardor
stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for a chance to see the
playful and curious Burrunan dolphins that thrive
in the sheltered waters of the Gippsland Lakes.Set off fromMelbourneona drivethroughGippsland’s
rollingcountrysidetodiscoverboutiquefood,
award-winningwinesandvintagefindsinpretty villages
and coastaltowns.Whereshouldyoustart,youask?
Thesearethehotspotseveryoneistalkingabout.WALHALLA
Turn back the clock in charming
Walhalla to experience life
as it was in the gold mining
era. Wander through lovingly
restored heritage buildings, ride
the Walhalla Goldfields Railway
and explore the underground
mysteries of the Long Tunnel
Extended Gold Mine. This pocket-
sized mountain town of fewer
than 20 residents is pretty as a
picture in spring in particular,
with blossoms hanging
heavy from the trees.INVERLOCH
TheseasidevillageofInverlochisjusta
stone’sthrowfromMelbourneandfast
becomingthego-toweekendgetaway
whenyouneedtoescapethecityhustle
andbustle.Checkoutthepopularsurf
beach and sheltered foreshore, plus the
string of lively cafes and restaurants
in town. To see more of the scenic
surrounds, take the Bunurong Coastal
Drive to explore a dinosaur dig, spot
a passing whale or simply stroll the
many beaches, caves and rock pools.MALLACOOTA
Over in the east, Mallacoota could quite
possibly be Gippsland’s greatest escape.
Perched on the edge of the UNESCO-listed
World Biosphere Reserve of Croajingolong
National Park, the town boasts one of
the most picturesque camping spots in
all of Australia. Walking, cycling, fishing
and simply slowing down are Mallacoota’s
most popular pastimes.
AT PROMOTION |Gippsland
LOCH
Lovely little Loch is truly
picture-perfect and bursting
with collectibles, antiques
and gifts. The locals are also
strong advocates for having
zero ‘food miles’, with most
cafes and restaurants only
using produce from the
area. Gin is what really put
Loch on the map, however,
so stop in at the Old Bank –
now home to Loch Brewery
& Distillery – to sample their
signature gins, traditional
craft ales and a single malt
whisky that’s so good it’s
snapped up as soon as
it hits the shelf.GR E ATER
GIPPSLAND