Venture east for a weekend of rural respite packed with natural adventures and fire-lit evenings. In partnership with Destination Gippsland, here’s our guide for where to eat, drink and stay in Central Gippsland.
Central Gippsland in Victoria’s east is a vast expanse. Commencing at Newborough and Traralgon, it stretches east into the hidden bushland gorge of Briagolong. There the Great Dividing Range looms over broad stretches of flat pastoral terrain that form the Latrobe Valley floor, making for a striking silhouette at every turn.
To the south, the quiet forests of Balook and Tarra Valley lead to the coast and the sleepy maritime town of Port Albert. It’s a huge territory, so there’s plenty to explore.
It’s also easy to find a tranquil corner where you can tap out of civilisation for a few days. That’s helped by recent momentum on the food front, with several new openings joining long-standing favourites. Meals straddle the space between home-style comfort and city-led trends, while the drinks scene is predominantly driven by small-batch makers.
The region is just shy of two hours’ drive to your jumping-off point at Newborough. Take the M1 all the way before darting north or south in search of solitude and adventure.
Welcome to Central Gippsland
EAT
From contemporary pub fare to Korean fried chicken wings, Central Gippsland has all tastes covered.
DRINK
Start your day with a smoky hot chocolate before tasting your way through the region’s cellar doors.
DO
Experience the region’s natural beauty with walks, swims and rides through rainforests, gorges and pastoral plains.
STAY
Catch fog-cloaked sunrises and technicolor sunsets at these secluded country residences.
Itinerary
A Road Trip through Central Gippsland
Enjoy freshly caught fish by the seaside and paddock-to-plate gastropub meals between cool-climate wine tastings and nature walks.