Visit East Gippsland
Home to the iconic Gippsland Lakes, Croajingolong National Park, and the Snowy River, the region offers endless outdoor adventures, from boating and fishing to hiking and wildlife spotting. Rich in Indigenous culture and history, East Gippsland is also known for its charming towns, fresh local produce, and laid-back lifestyle, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
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Buchan Caves, Snowy River Country
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Don't miss these events
East Gippsland’s event calendar is packed with markets, festivals, live music gigs and foodie feasts on the weekends, family friendly events, and school holiday activities. Local gatherings, food celebrations, and vibrant community happenings fill every season—discover what’s on and experience East Gippsland’s energy all year round.
- Bairnsdale, Gippsland Lakes
Michael Beazer Works on Paper Prize 2026
Jan 30 2026 - Mar 14 2026
- Bairnsdale, Gippsland Lakes
Loquii, Freudenfreude. Love Is an Act of Resistance
Jan 30 2026 - Mar 14 2026
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All kinds of wonder
Home to the iconic Gippsland Lakes, Croajingolong National Park, and the Snowy River, the region offers endless outdoor adventures, from boating and fishing to hiking and wildlife spotting. Rich in Indigenous culture and history, East Gippsland is also known for its charming towns, fresh local produce, and laid-back lifestyle, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
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East Gippsland Fishing Report
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Escape the Ordinary in East Gippsland
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The Travelling Tail
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Explore the Deeply Rugged Mitchell River National Park
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All kinds of inspiration
Home to the iconic Gippsland Lakes, Croajingolong National Park, and the Snowy River, the region offers endless outdoor adventures, from boating and fishing to hiking and wildlife spotting. Rich in Indigenous culture and history, East Gippsland is also known for its charming towns, fresh local produce, and laid-back lifestyle, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
discover more discover more discover more discover more discover more discover more
All kinds of inspiration
Home to the iconic Gippsland Lakes, Croajingolong National Park, and the Snowy River, the region offers endless outdoor adventures, from boating and fishing to hiking and wildlife spotting. Rich in Indigenous culture and history, East Gippsland is also known for its charming towns, fresh local produce, and laid-back lifestyle, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
discover more discover more discover more discover more discover more discover more
East Gippsland Fishing Report
Escape the Ordinary in East Gippsland
Eat & Drink
Eat East Gippsland
Keep pace with East Gippsland’s food and drink scene with this go-to guide. From farm gates and festivals to top restaurants and cosy cafes, plan your foodie adventure. Pair it with our Drink Trail—wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries across coast, valleys and towns.
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Venture into Mitchell River National Park 🍃, just north of Bairnsdale, where razorback ridgelines, deep gorges 🏞 and dramatic rock formations carve out a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
The Den of Nargun Loop Walk 🚶➡️ is the best way to explore its character. This 3.4km (1.5 hour) circuit leads you through cool rainforest pockets 🌿, past sheer red cliffs and alongside the flowing Mitchell River. It’s no wonder this is a sacred Aboriginal place... the spiritual connection to this ancient land is undeniable.
The track reveals a mix of dense rainforest, rugged escarpments and sweeping views as you climb toward the riverside bluff. Starting at the Den of Nargun Picnic Area 🧺, you descend into a world reminiscent of Jurassic Park 🦕 - ancient ferns, moss-covered trunks and towering trees 🌳 stretching for the canopy’s light.
📍 Mitchell River National Park
🚙 3:15 hours` drive from Melbourne
Image description: a mother and child stand among mossy rocks in a dense, green forest, gazing up at a massive, arching tree towering overhead
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #MitchellRiverNationalPark
Discover the charm of Buchan, a peaceful East Gippsland town nestled beside the Buchan River🌿. Wander through the ancient Buchan Caves on a guided tour that unveils dramatic stalactites and sparkling calcite formations deep underground 🪨. Enjoy riverside walks 🏞, picnic spots and scenic lookouts that showcase the surrounding valley’s beauty 🏞️.
Beyond the caves, explore tranquil walking trails 🚶➡️, spotting native birds 🐦 and wildlife. Soak up the calm rhythm of country life 🍃 that makes this place feel like a true retreat from the everyday.
With rugged bushland 🌳, peaceful river bends and warm local hospitality, Buchan is one of Gippsland’s most rewarding small-town escapes.
📍 Buchan
🚙 4:20 hours’ drive east of Melbourne
Image description: Limestone cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites inside Buchan Caves, people walking into a cave entrance, three woman standing at a wooden table drinking beer, people walking along a bush trail surrounded by trees
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitBuchan #BuchanCaves
Where the Mitchell River meets Lake King, the remarkable Mitchell River Silt Jetties stretch 8km into the Gippsland Lakes 💦 - the largest naturally formed silt jetties in the southern hemisphere and a striking reminder of nature’s quiet craftsmanship ✨.
📍 Eagle Point
🚙 3:20 hours` drive east of Melbourne
📷 @hangingpixels_photo_art
Image description: aerial view of two long, narrow strips of land stretching into calm blue water, with a beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds above
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitEaglePoint #MitchellRiverSiltJetties
Do you like chasing waterfalls?
Not far from Buchan, Basin Creek Falls is a delightful single span waterfall 💦 plunging into a shallow pool below - just perfect for cooling your toes after the short but steep walk down to the falls (2.6km return). 🚶
The walk itself is divine, giving up dreamy vistas 🏞 of the Snowy River far below. Be sure to pack your snacks 🥪, there’s a flat, grassy clearing with picnic tables near the base of the falls with waterfall views to the north, and Snowy River views to the south.
📍 Buchan
🚙 4:20 hours east of Melbourne
📸 @photographylaurenanderson
Image description: A woman steps across wet rocks beside a cascading waterfall, reflected in a still pool surrounded by forest.
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitBuchan #BasinCreekFalls
Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife 🐨.
The five minute ferry 🚤 to Raymond Island departs Paynesville regularly and is free for pedestrians or those arriving by bike 🚲.
Koalas on Raymond Island are like retirees are to Miami. They live a good life 🍃, and they know it. The massive koala population thrives here thanks to the safety of the island.
Take the 1.2km Koala Walk 🚶♀️ departing from the Ferry Park. Follow the signs, and don’t forget to look up 👆. Pedal and scan the trees with @ridethekoalas.
The island also supports an abundance of kangaroos 🦘, echidnas and oodles of native birds. If you’re lucky you may also spot dolphins at play 🐬, jumping from the waters of the lake.
📍 Raymond Island
🚙 4:20 hours` from Melbourne
🎥 @the_goldentravellers
Image description: series of videos of a family taking a ferry and spotting koalas
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitRaymondIsland
The coast of Mallacoota is lined with unique rock formations 🪨, and sparkles with turquoise water 💦. Pick a sunny day ☀️ to go beach hopping, and you`re likely to have a patch of sand all to yourself. More than 100km of pristine coastline also provides excellent opportunities for surfing 🏄♂️.
The gravel Betka Road connects a number of beaches worth exploring, including Betka Beach ⛱️, Quarry Beach, Secret Beach and Pebbly Beach.
Quarry Beach, parading its stunning ribbons of colour along the rocks formed by sandstone sediment, making for excellent photo opportunities 📸. Don`t miss the hidden sea cave 👀 at Secret Beach.
Get out on the water with a boat 🚤 or kayak hire, explore calm lakes and rivers, throw in a line 🎣 or find the perfect spot for a BBQ or picnic 🧺. On foot, the 6km Betka Creek to Secret Beach Walk has stunning views of the coastline.
📍 Mallacoota
🚙 6 hours` drive from Melbourne
Image description: a man standing in front of a rock formation, a boat on the water, looking through a cave to see a woman walking on the beach with waves behind her, a woman walking on the sand surrounded by sandstone rock formations
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitMallacoota
The picture-perfect town of Paynesville is surrounded by azure-blue waterways 🌊 and makes a fabulous base for exploring the famed Gippsland Lakes. We`ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do in this seaside village 🎣.
Catch the ferry to Raymond Island, where you can expect to find all your favourite furry, feathered and spiky friends. Koalas 🐨 are everywhere, so bring your camera 📷.
Book a table at the award-winning @sardinedining 🍽️, where you can indulge in an ever-changing menu of seasonal sea produce 🍤, paired with a delectable local wine.
Every fourth Saturday there`s the Paynesville Farmers & Makers Market, where you can browse for 🍯 local jams, handmade jewellery and unique souvenirs.
The spectacular silt jetties are worth a special visit, ideally at sunrise or sunset 🌅, when you can watch the sky catch fire over the water.
📍Paynesville
🚙 3:40 hours` drive east of Melbourne
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitPaynesville #SardineDining
Discover the wild beauty of Salmon Rocks at Cape Conran Coastal Park 🌊.
Follow the Cape Conran Nature Trail 🚶♂️ a 6.4 km walk (return) from East Cape Beach to Salmon Rocks and explore a stunning mix of wide sandy beaches, rock pools 💦, boardwalks, banksia woodlands and scenic lookouts 🌿.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, echidnas, wallabies 🦘 and kangaroos are regular visitors. Dogs on lead are welcome too 🐾.
On returning to East Cape carpark, stop into @sailors_grave_dunetown for a refreshing drink 🍻. With 16 artisanal beers on tap to choose from and delicious tacos, this is a place not to be missed.
📍 Cape Conran
🚙 1 hour east of Lakes Entrance, 4 hours east of Melbourne
📷 @helens.travels
Image description: winding boardwalk steps lead toward the beach and red coloured rocks on the sand
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitCapeConran #SailorsGrave #Dunetown
Heading to the beautiful Gippsland Lakes or Buchan Caves this summer? Drop in for a yarn and a feed at Bush Café & Aboriginal Art Gallery 🎨, 10 minutes from Lakes Entrance.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee or a slice of cake 🍰, then wander through the Aboriginal Art Gallery showcasing powerful works 🖼️ by talented Aboriginal artists living, working and practising culture across the region.
Set among quiet bushland 🌿, this welcoming space invites you to slow down, connect and experience the deep relationship Traditional Owners have with Country 🏞 and culture.
📍 Near Lakes Entrance
🚙 3:40 hours` drive east of Melbourne
📷 @glawac
Image description: exterior of an art gallery surrounded by trees, a plate of food with a jar of chutney
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitLakesEntrance
Looking for a water-lovers playground 💦? Check out Corringle Slips and Mots Beach, on the Lower Snowy River estuary 🌿, East Gippsland.
It’s just across the river from Marlo 🏞, but 30-minute drive by car, Corringle Slips is a local`s favourite for water activities such as boating, kayaking 🛶 and fishing. Mots Beach (Mouth of the Snowy Beach) has beautiful soft white sand and epic coastal views 🏖️.
Swimming at the beach is not advised due to strong rips and currents - but be sure to pack your boogie board all the same, as the sand dunes offer up hours of hectic sliding fun.
Camp among banksia woodlands between the sea ⛺ and the lake at Parks Victoria Corringle Beach Campground.
Dogs are welcome (on a lead) 🐕 and you can book via the Parks Vic website.
📍 Corringle Slips
🚗 4:40 hours east of Melbourne
📷 @everyday_nicky
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitCorringleSlips
A landscape shaped by time, story and spirit, from a majestic river to rainforest gullies and striking red cliffs 🏞️.
The Den of Nargun Loop Walk winds beneath dreamy forest canopies before lifting you onto a bluff with gasp-worthy views.
This 3.4km circuit sits in the rugged heart of Mitchell River National Park in East Gippsland, it usually takes about 1.5 hours to complete 🌿.
The Den of Nargun holds profound cultural meaning as one of the most important Aboriginal sites for the Gunaikurnai people, a place to tread thoughtfully and with respect.
📍 Mitchell River National Park
🚗 3:15 hours` drive from Melbourne
🎥 @nickandlaura_
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #MitchellRiverNationalPark
Marlo is where the mighty Snowy River meets the sea 🌊, just minutes from Cape Conran Coastal Park 🌿.
Follow the 5km (one way) Snowy River Estuary Walk 🚶 through the stunning Marlo Coastal Reserve, tracing the lower reaches of the Snowy River estuary 💦 all the way to the windswept sands of Mots Beach.
A twitcher’s haven, the boardwalk sections are ideal to watch birdlife 🐦 and other inhabitants of the backwards and wetlands.
Stock up on local produce at @thelocalatmarlo or sit down to grab a bite to eat.
10 minutes down the road is @sailors_grave_dunetown, a farmhouse-style brewery 🍺 experience. You’ll find 16 beers on lavishly adorned taps, pouring anything and everything from their core offerings though to more adventurous brews 🍻. With a beer in hand, feast on their Mexican leaning 🌮 menu.
📍 Marlo
🚙 4:30 hours` drive from Melbourne
Image description: boardwalk view looking over the estuary, a woman sitting at a table with a meal in front of her, people sitting around a table of Mexican food and beer, someone standing by the water looking up at the sky at dusk
#VisitGippsland #VisitVictoria #VisitEastGippsland #VisitMarlo #SailorsGrave #Dunetown #TheLocalAtMarlo
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