Things to do in the Snowy River Country
Orbost – Marlo – Buchan – Errinundra to Snowy River
Discover the best things to do in Snowy River Country with this curated list of top attractions and experiences.
From exploring the famous Buchan Caves and hiking to dramatic gorges, to cycling the iconic East Gippsland Rail Trail, fishing in the Snowy River, or camping in pristine national parks, Snowy River Country offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re searching for adventure activities, scenic drives, historical sites, or peaceful nature escapes, these top 20 Snowy River Country attractions showcase why this region is a must-visit destination in East Gippsland.
1. The Slab Hut
Not your usual Information Centre, Orbost’s iconic Slab Hut Visitor Information Centre is a destination in itself.
Originally built in 1872, this authentic early settler’s hut was relocated from near the Snowy River. The Slab Hut is home to a wealth of information and historical memorabilia from Orbost and the surrounding area as well as a gift shop. Learn the history of the timber and transport wealth on which Orbost was built.
2. Take it off road
The Snowy River Country Trail is one of the most popular AWD drives in Victoria.
Begin in Orbost and make your way through Bonang and Tubbut to the deepest and most pristine Gorge in the State as you head towards stunning McKillops Bridge. McKillops Bridge is one of the iconic destinations in Victoria.
Stand atop this vast structure to glimpse some of the most captivating scenery in the state. It truly is a breath-taking sight.
Alternatively, you can head off-road on one of the 4WD Back Road Tours.
Pick up a brochure at the Visitor Information Centre, and be sure to check road conditions before travelling.
3. Head underground
One of the most famous attractions in Australia, the iconic Buchan Caves are right here in Snowy River Country.
Dating back over 300 million years, the Caves are an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites.
The splendour of the Caves will hold you enchanted for hours. Fully lit, with walkways, guided tours are conducted daily. Tours to ‘wild’ caves can also be arranged for small groups.
Camp at the Caves Reserve or in town at one of Buchan’s great accommodation options.
4. Fishing paradise
Fishing in the Snowy River and up in the higher reaches of Snowy River Country offers you the chance to bag the elusive brown or rainbow trout.
The Snowy River estuary in Marlo is a fishing dream, with plenty of activity where the Snowy meets the sea.
Check out our latest fishing blog to see what’s biting now. For information on tides and local navigation please visit Gippsland Port’s website.
5. Around Town
Known for its beautiful civic gardens, the Orbost township showcases these via its informative walking tracks.
Start with the Snowy Riverside Walking and Cycling Trail; take your time and enjoy a relaxing walk along the Snowy either upstream or downstream.
Bring a picnic and relax in stunning surrounds at one of the many spots around town including in the tranquil Sensory Gardens.
Take a look at the sculptural Flood Marker along the mosaic path in Forest Park and the old pump shed.
6. On your bike
Some say that on-two-wheels is the only way to truly enjoy Snowy River Country.
Whether a beginner or a professional in the saddle there is a ride to suit every level.
Ride the iconic East Gippsland Rail Trail that takes you on a meandering journey from Bairnsdale to Orbost or take an extended tour with Snowy River Cycling.
7. Falling water
1.5 hours from Buchan, on the Snowy River Country Trail, Little River Falls is a beautiful waterfall plunging 20 metres into a deep, clear pool.
A short walk takes you to the viewing platform where you will experience dramatic views of the Snowy River National Park.
A little further downstream is Little River Gorge, Victoria’s deepest gorge, with a cliff-top viewing platform so you can take it all in.
8. Man from Snowy River
Take to the saddle and become part of the legend that encapsulates the spirit of the Snowy River.
Snowy Mountain Rider Tours at Karoonda Park offer a range of rides from one hour to multi-day for beginners to advanced.
9. Snowy Rail Bridge
Pause to admire the impressive Snowy Rail Bridge at Orbost, a striking relic of Gippsland’s rail history.
Spanning almost 770m across the floodplain of the Snowy River, this timber trestle bridge was completed in 1916 and is one of the longest of its kind in Victoria.
Sitting at the eastern end of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, it serves as a remarkable reminder of the region’s engineering heritage and connection to the timber and farming industries.
10. Walking adventure
Snowy River Country is abound with walking adventures for those who like to explore on foot.
Try these walks, from the remote and spectacular Tulloch Ard Gorge Lookout Walk (1.6km, 1.5 hours return) to the adventurous Little River Gorge Walk (4km return), as well as the short Snowy River Nature Trail which leaves from McKillops Bridge.
11. Naturally magic
The stunning Errinundra National Park is home to Victoria’s largest remaining cool temperate rainforest and precious stands of ancient eucalypts.
The Errinundra Plateau is marked by three granite outcrops that attract sufficient rainfall to supply the seven local rivers.
Visit the Errinundra saddle boardwalk and marvel at the old growth rainforest, with some trees over 400 years old.
12. Where the Snowy meets the sea
Marlo is the gateway to the Coastal Wilderness of East Gippsland and is always worth a visit.
Take in the view near where the famous Snowy River meets the sea from the Marlo Hotel.
Pack a feast and enjoy it at one of the picturesque picnicking spots dotted around town.
13. Escape to the cape
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Cape Conran Coastal Park is a seriously beautiful part of Australia.
With heathlands and wild ocean brimming with wildlife, Cape Conran is a must-see destination on your East Gippsland journey.
Accommodation and camp sites that complement the natural environment are available at various places along the Marlo-Cape Conran Road.
14. Happy campers
From the coast to the mountains, there are an abundance of free, accessible campsites in breathtaking, pristine wilderness.
Snowy River National Park offers several scenic camping spots nestled along the river and amongst forested landscapes, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
15. Step back in time
The Bendoc Historic Loop Drive is a 73km four-wheel drive route showcasing relics from Bendoc’s gold rush era, including mine sites and early settlement features.
Key stops: Victoria Star Historic Mine area (once the highest-yielding mine in East Gippsland), Delegate River Diversion Tunnel, and Tea Tree Flat Picnic Area.
16. Art and gardens
Enjoy vibrant exhibitions, wood design, and live performances at Orbost Arts Centre, then stroll Forest Park’s shady gums, picnic areas and adventure playground—art and relaxation side by side, right by the Snowy River in Orbost’s welcoming heart.
17. Choose your own adventure
Snowy River Country is home to some wild and rugged landscapes, perfect for the adventurer!
Choose from caving, horse riding, water adventure and exploring the wilderness, or combine them all into one action-packed adventure!
Snowy River Expeditions offer 1, 2 and 4 day trips that can encompass horse riding, rafting, caving and abseiling for beginners to advanced adventurers.
Bring your bike and ride the iconic Rail Trail from Orbost. For water sports of all manner you can’t go past the coastal town of Marlo.
The Snowy River Estuary is the ideal venue for waterskiing, fishing, and boating.
18. All hands on deck
At Sailors Grave Dunetown, sip innovative beers made with farmed and wild ingredients, surrounded by dunes and rural landscapes. Savor Tumba Taco’s seasonal local menu and hand-pressed tortillas—every visit is a taste of Gippsland’s food and beer spirit.
19. Walk on the wild side
Starting in Marlo, the Snowy River Estuary Walk takes you along the lower reaches of the Snowy River estuary and links to the ocean beach opposite Frenches Narrows.
There are elevated views of the estuary, river mouth and coastline to Point Ricardo, and boardwalk sections to watch birdlife and other inhabitants of the backwaters and wetlands.
20. River deep
The Yeerung Gorge near Cape Conran, will take your breath away.
Cut deep into the coastline, the Gorge is an unusual landform that contains several deep, dark rock pools fed by the stunning East Yeerung River.
More to explore
The 20 Reasons to explore Snowy River Country are just the start of what you’ll find in East Gippsland.
Visit the Mitchell River National Park or take a scenic drive up the iconic Great Alpine Road to East Gippsland’s High Country.
Find a beach to yourself in the spectacularly rugged Croajingolong National Park in the Coastal Wilderness or take a stroll along the famous 90-Mile Beach.
Catch a bite to eat in the vast waters of the Gippsland Lakes and boast about “the one that got away” in the Mallacoota Hotel. These adventures and more await you in East Gippsland.
