Be a Conscious Traveller in East Gippsland
Welcome to East Gippsland! As you explore our beautiful region, we encourage you to travel consciously to protect and respect our wildlife, nature, and local communities. Here are some tips to help you make a positive impact:
• Wildlife & Nature: Respect wildlife by observing animals from a distance and never feeding them. Stick to designated trails to protect habitats, always take your rubbish with you, and use recycling bins whenever available. Be mindful of water usage and participate in water activities responsibly to avoid disturbing aquatic life. Only use biodegradable products, avoid polluting waterways, check and adhere to fire bans, and only light campfires in designated areas. If fishing or hunting, ensure you have the appropriate permits and follow sustainability guidelines.
• Culture: Honor local traditions and respect Indigenous customs. Support local businesses by buying produce, arts, and crafts, and engage with communities to learn about the region’s heritage.
• Waste: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste, and always dispose responsibly—especially in natural areas.
• Transportation: Choose eco-friendly travel options, including public transport, carpooling, cycling, or walking wherever possible. Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint.
Thank you for helping keep East Gippsland beautiful and sustainable. Enjoy your visit!
With these conscious travel practices in mind, discover how you can immerse yourself even more deeply in East Gippsland—through eco-friendly adventures, responsible choices, and authentic local experiences that leave a positive mark.
Victoria's first Eco Accredited Destination
We’re thrilled to share that East Gippsland is the first destination in Victoria to earn globally certified Eco Destination status through Eco Tourism Australia. This exciting achievement highlights our commitment to keeping our beautiful region sustainable and welcoming for all.
Here in East Gippsland, we’re dedicated to protecting our stunning landscapes, wildlife, and local culture. But we know that being eco-friendly is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. We’re constantly working to improve and innovate, making sure that every visit supports our shared goal of a greener, cleaner future.
As you explore, you’ll find plenty of ways to travel consciously and help us in our mission. Whether you’re staying in ecofriendly accommodation, participating in local conservation efforts, or simply enjoying our pristine natural beauty, every little choice you make contributes to preserving East Gippsland for the future.
So, come and experience the wonders of East Gippsland while joining us on our journey towards sustainability. Your visit helps make a difference, and we’re excited to have you as part of our eco-friendly adventure! Welcome to East Gippsland—where every step you take supports a brighter, greener tomorrow.
Eco-Friendly and Slow Travel: Exploring East Gippsland Together
Embrace the spirit of exploration in East Gippsland by travelling with friends or family—carpooling or choosing group transport means everyone enjoys bushwalks, kayaking, and cycling trails together, while helping to minimise environmental impact. With most parks and nature trails accessible only by car, sharing the ride makes the experience more sociable and budget-friendly, allowing your group to truly immerse in the region’s natural wonders side by side.
Slow travel is also ideal here: journey at a relaxed pace and savour every moment, whether walking one of the area’s idyllic park trails, paddling the serene Gippsland Lakes, or lingering at a country café. Take time to connect with East Gippsland’s wild landscapes and welcoming communities—travel gently and stay longer for a deeper, more fulfilling adventure.
Pick eco-friendly ways to explore when possible. Wander scenic walks like the McKenzie River Rainforest Walk or Drummer Rainforest Walk near Cann River, Cape Conran’s beachside trail, and the Hummocks loop in Lakes Entrance. Get out on the water on a kayak or SUP board, tours and rentals are available in Lakes Entrance, Metung, and Paynesville—or try the East Gippsland Rail Trail for a stunning cycling journey from Bairnsdale to Orbost through farmland and bushland beauty.
Mountain biking enthusiasts should not miss the world-class Omeo MTB Tracks—an exciting new trail network designed for all skill levels, surrounded by the alpine beauty of East Gippsland.
Sharing the adventure, slowing down, and choosing greener activities ensures every East Gippsland trip leaves a positive mark.
Explore East Gippsland by Electric Vehicle
East Gippsland is committed to being an accessible and sustainable destination for electric vehicle travellers. With more than 30 EV charging stations conveniently located across the region—including town centres, public carparks, hotels, resorts, supermarkets, and popular attractions—charging your vehicle is easier than ever.
Major hubs like Bairnsdale, Buchan, Cann River, Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, and Lakes Entrance all offer fast DC charging, with options from Council and leading networks like Tesla, NRMA, and Evie Networks. You’ll even find superfast chargers arriving in more places soon, making it simple to explore the entire region using your EV.
To find a charging location that suits your travel plans, visit our dedicated EV Charging Stations page for the latest Plug-Share map and real-time updates.
Sustainable Travel Tips: Reusable Bottles, Cups, and Local Shopping
Choose reusable options to help protect East Gippsland’s environment and save money—bring a refillable water bottle to fill up at free filtered water stations located across the shire, making it easy to stay hydrated while reducing single-use plastics. Be sure to bring a reusable cup to enjoy a takeaway coffee from one of our excellent local cafes. You can take your reusable cup to Benjamin House or Mr D’s in Bairnsdale, or in Lakes Entrance, The Cove or Off the Wharf, in order to get a zero waste takeaway hot drink. Bring a reusable tote bag to enjoy our local markets, produce and shops, or purchase a locally made one through one our galleries or artists’ co-ops.
East Gippsland’s Gourmet Food, Wine, and Dining Experiences
Discover the best of East Gippsland by filling your esky with gourmet delights from the region’s specialty producers. Stop in at David Lucke’s Fresh Food Market in Bairnsdale for local meats, poultry, in-house smoked sausages, pork products, cheeses, dairy, and a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables. For even more variety, visit local farmers’ markets held across the region on weekends and enjoy artisanal baked treats, honey, preserves and much more—all crafted locally for a true taste of East Gippsland.
Elevate your East Gippsland experience by dining at restaurants that proudly showcase the region’s incredible local produce. In Paynesville, Sardine Eatery is renowned for its innovative seafood dishes crafted from the freshest regional ingredients. The EAST Handy Store in Bairnsdale offers a unique degustation experience with a changing menu that highlights local, seasonal fare, while Soda Fish in Lakes Entrance serves up wild-caught seafood directly from the lakes, paired with local wines and produce. Complement your gourmet journey with a visit to some of the area’s standout wineries—enjoy cool-climate varietals at Tambo Wine, Ensay Winery, Nicholson River Winery, Wyanga Park Winery, and Lightfoot & Sons. For lovers of craft beer, Sailors Grave Dunetown in Marlo delivers inventive brews inspired by coastal Gippsland, often featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Savor East Gippsland’s bounty at every meal, from paddock to plate and vineyard to glass. For even more incredible dining experiences, visit the Eat & Drink page to discover the full range of East Gippsland’s restaurants, wineries, and breweries.
Responsible Fishing in East Gippsland: Licence, Guidelines, and Sustainable Practices
East Gippsland’s lakes, rivers and beaches are renowned for exceptional fishing, but preserving these beautiful environments means fishing responsibly and respecting local guidelines. Please always collect your litter and ensure anyone in your group aged 18–70 holds a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (with exemptions); these licenses can be purchased online or at local Visitor Information Centres. Protect Victoria’s waterways and future fishing adventures by following the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Recreational Fishing Guide and practising sustainable angling across our region.

Snap send solve
Travellers visiting East Gippsland can play a vital role in protecting local environments by using the free Snap Send Solve app to report any issues they notice on their journey. Simply snap a photo, pinpoint the location, and submit details via the app, instantly notifying East Gippsland Shire Council so action can be taken to solve problems quick.
Quick reporting with the Snap Send Solve app will ensure our wonderful region is protected for future generations.