Ultimate guide to day trips in Gippsland

Gippsland is home to many picturesque spots, where you can spend a day relaxing in the environment, boutique shopping, dining and checking out native wildlife. With so much to see the Monitor has compiled a list of places to check out when you’ve got a day free.

Wilsons Promontory

Known for its rugged granite mountains and abundant wildlife, the Prom is probably Gippsland’s most famous national park. Spend the day relaxing at Cotters Beach or make the journey up Mount Oberon for a view of the Bass Strait.

Phillip Island

There’s more to do on Phillip Island than you can fit in one day. Most people go to see the penguins, but we recommend heading to Pyramid Rock lookout and taking a stroll along Surf Beach before buying fish and chips at one of Cape Woolamai’s many eateries.

Lakes Entrance

Swim, surf or take a stroll along Ninety Mile Beach. Visitors can hire a boat or kayak, or take a cruise to explore the lakes and see native wildlife. 

Visit Raymond Island and see if you can spot any koalas, echidnas or possums.

Lake Glenmaggie

Near Heyfield, the lake is surrounded by scenic forests and farmland. It’s known for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming.

There’s a 4.3km foreshore walk along the lake at Coongulla and a 30km mountain bike trail at Blores Hill.

Kilcunda

This seaside town in between Phillip Island and Wonthaggi has a main drag of cafes, restaurants and a pub. Sit back with a drink and soak up the ocean views.

Stroll along the rail trail over the historical Kilcunda trestle bridge (circa 1911) or head for a dip or a surf at Kilcunda Beach.

Walhalla

Founded as a gold mining community in 1862, Walhalla is now a tourist destination thanks to its historic village, mine tours and railway rides. 

Take an adventure on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, visit Stringers Creek Gorge and, if you’re up for something spookier, sign up for a ghost tour of the Walhalla Cemetery.

Loch

The small South Gippsland town of Loch is bustling with cafes, gift shops, antiques stores and a brewery/distillery. Spend the day window shopping before heading for a relaxing stroll along the Great Southern Rail Trail.