Destinations > Victoria > Gippsland

Gippsland

This region in eastern Victoria includes a beautiful coastline that features the solitude of Ninety Mile Beach, the inland waterways of Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes and the rugged coastline of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Foster

This small town is the closest real town to Wilsons Promontory National Park, which is 30km south of here. Many travellers stay here before and after visiting the park and some people visit as a day trip from Foster.

Practical Information

Foster Visitor Information Centre

Stockyard Gallery, Main Street, Foster

Tel (03) 5682 1125

Open Thu-Sun 10am-4pm

Accommodation

Foster Backpackers

17 Pioneer Street, Foster

Tel (03) 5682 2614

Prom Coast Backpackers YHA

40 Station Road, Foster

Tel (03) 5682 2171

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory is a large national park at the southern most point of the Australian mainland. It is an excellent place to tackle some rewarding hiking trails.

Tidal River has the best infrastructure in the park with a big campsite, service station, post office, café and during busy periods, an outdoor cinema.

Practical Information

Tidal River Information Centre

Wilsons Promontory Road, Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tel (03) 5680 9555

Open Nov-Easter Sat-Thu 8am-7.30pm, Fri 8am-9.30pm; Easter-Oct 8am-5pm daily

Coming & Going

It is easiest to visit Wilsons Prom in your own car. If you are relying on public transport you will need to catch a V/line bus from Melbourne to Foster, and then hitchhike or get a lift with someone staying at Foster Backpackers.

Accommodation

The closest backpackers accommodation to the park is in nearby Foster, but there are plenty of campsites scattered throughout the park with the main one at Tidal River.

Camping at Tidal River costs $19 for up to three people in summer and $15.50 at other times of the year. Demand is high during Christmas and Easter holidays and long weekends when you will need to book well in advance by a ballot system. Contact the information centre at Tidal River for more information.

Hiking

Wilsons Prom has over 100km of hiking trails, which range from short nature walks to demanding overnight hikes.

Short Walks

Short walks include Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk (5km, 2hrs), which takes you through eucalyptus and paperbark forest and Miller's Landing Nature Walk (5km, 1½hr), which goes to mangrove swamp at Corner Inlet.

Mount Oberon Nature Walk (7km, 2-3hrs) is a popular early morning walk to the summit of Mount Oberon, which is a great spot to watch the sunrise.

One of the most popular short walks is the Squeaky Bay Nature Walk (5km, 1½hr), which takes you past sand dunes and tea-tree scrub to the dazzling Squeaky Beach.

Day Walks

There are several longer day walks in the park including Oberon Bay Track (12.5km, 5hrs), which passes Norman Bay Beach and follows the coast to Oberon Bay; Sealers Cove Track (20.5km, 5-6hrs), which goes to Sealers Cove on the other side of the Peninsula and Tongue Point Track (5.5km, 2½hrs), which goes past two lookouts offering spectacular coastal views.

Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale doesn't have a lot to offer apart from being the largest town near the Gippsland Lakes. Bairnsdale makes a good base for exploring the lakes and it is big enough to have good supermarkets and camping supplies stores.

Practical Information

Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre

240 Main Street, Bairnsdale

Website www.lakesandwilderness.com.au

Tel (03) 5152 3444 or 1800 637 060

Open 9am-5pm daily

Lakes Entrance

This small resort town is the most popular destination in the Gippsland Lakes and can get very busy in the middle of summer. Lakes Entrance has a fantastic location on the lakes within easy access to ocean beaches.

Practical Information

Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre

Corner Marine Parade & Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Tel (03) 5155 1966 or 1800 637 060

Website www.lakesandwilderness.com.au

Open 9am-5pm daily

Coming & Going

Premier Motor Service and V/line buses depart from the Esplanade near the post office.

Accommodation

Lakes Main Caravan Park and Hostel

7 Willis Street, Lakes Entrance

Tel (03) 5155 2365

Riviera Backpackers YHA Hostel

669 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Tel (03) 5155 2444