Gippsland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gippsland
Lakes Entrance Lookout which includes a bay or harbour
Gippsland showing a bay or harbour, a sunset and boating
Lakes Entrance which includes food
Lakes Entrance showing a bridge, a bay or harbour and a sunset

Victoria’s expansive eastern region is renowned for its diverse geography and natural beauty, as well as its enchanting towns and award-winning local produce.

Experience some of the extremes of the Southeast Australian landscape in Gippsland, which stretches across mountain ranges, lush pastures, pristine forests, lakes and beaches. From the edge of Melbourne to the far-eastern state border with New South Wales, there’s plenty to explore in Gippsland’s scenic rural villages, unspoiled national parks and picturesque beach towns.

Discover the gently sloping meadows of West Gippsland, which is home to some of the state’s major dairies and farms. Visit farmsteads and local markets to pick up delicious seasonal and local produce, or embark on a vineyard trail to taste some of the region’s wines. Historic Traralgon in the Latrobe Valley has been a hub for the Gippsland farming region since the late 1800s. The mountain skyline of the Great Dividing Range lies to the north. In winter, you can ski at Gippsland’s snow resort on Mount Baw Baw.

The region’s most pristine natural landscapes can be found in East Gippsland. Make your way along the scenic Great Alpine Drive and reach the largest inland waterway system in Australia, Gippsland Lakes, which stretches between Sale and Lakes Entrance. Boating, fishing and kayaking are popular recreational activities in this lush lake district. Stroll along sandy beaches, such as the vast sweep of Ninety Mile Beach or go on a waterway cruise. Follow the Bataluk Cultural Trail to learn about the cultural heritage of the Gunai and Monaro Aboriginal people.

Don’t miss a trip to Wilson’s Promontory National Park, the southernmost region of mainland Australia. Go on a short walk or overnight trek to check out some of this pristine park’s rugged beaches, sheltered bays, native wildlife and beautiful forests. Further east, you’ll find more protected wilderness in Croajingolong National Park.

Gippsland is best explored by car, but many of its major towns can be reached via regional trains or buses from MelbourneOpens in a new window. Make the most of Gippsland’s winery trails, coast roads and the Great Alpine Drive by embarking on a road trip through the region.

Where to stay in Gippsland

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Tankerton

The pristine beaches and luxurious spas are top of the list for many visitors to Tankerton. A stop by French Island G230 Bushland Reserve or French Island National Park might round out your trip.

Tankerton
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Broadlands

If you're spending some time in Broadlands, Jones Bay Gippsland Lakes Reserve and Lake King are top sights worth seeing.

Broadlands
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Lucknow

Lucknow is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like East Gippsland Rail Trail and St Mary's Catholic Church if you have time to explore the area.

Lucknow
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Blackwood Forest

While visiting Blackwood Forest, you might make a stop by sights like Shelley Beach and Inlet Beach.

Blackwood Forest
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Wy Yung

Travellers like the parks in Wy Yung, and East Gippsland Rail Trail is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Wy Yung
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Eastwood

While there might not be top attractions in Eastwood, you can explore the larger area and discover places like East Gippsland Rail Trail and Nicholson St. Gallery.

Eastwood
Seahorse Motel
Seahorse Motel
3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is NZ$153 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$153
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (912 reviews)
"I liked the cleanliness, closeness to the beach and the shops, very comfortable bed, lots of channels on TV, all free of charge, lovely receptionist, clean bathroom and great water pressure in the shower!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Seahorse Motel
North Pier Hotel
North Pier Hotel
3 out of 5
5 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
The price is NZ$111 per night from 18 July to 19 July
NZ$111
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved the beautiful views, clean room"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

North Pier Hotel
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
4 out of 5
2128 Phillip Island Road, Cowes, VIC
The price is NZ$295 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$295
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff were friendly, helpful and professional. We stayed in a 2 bedroom villa and it was spacious, clean and had everything we needed including a kitchen, lounge room, toilet separate to the bathroom, washer and dryer. It was perfect for my partner and I, and our two kids. There was plenty of ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Silverwater Resort
Silverwater Resort
4.5 out of 5
17 Potters Hill Road, San Remo, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in San Remo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,251 reviews)
"Close to everything we have been going there for 15years the property has a lot to offer for us."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Silverwater Resort
The Waves Apartments
The Waves Apartments
4.5 out of 5
1 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island ...
9/10 Wonderful! (686 reviews)
"Very easy to check in and check out. Apartment was clean, bed comfy, amenities great."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

The Waves Apartments
Seascape Escape
Seascape Escape
Cowes
Stay at this vacation home in Cowes. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Penguin Parade and Cowes Beach are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (24 reviews)
Cosy small house
"The house was nice and cosy and a great location, however the mattresses were quiet poor and should be upgraded and the outside was abit of a mess and their was a dead cat right near the verandah"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Seascape Escape
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Gippsland