Top things to do in Gippsland

Things to do in Gippsland, Victoria, range from Wilsons Promontory National Park and the Gippsland Lakes to the old gold mining town of Walhalla. The region starts about 120 km east of Melbourne and covers beaches, lakes, mountains and national parks. One way to see the coast is on a Gippsland cruise, such as a Wilsons Promontory cruise.

What Gippsland is known for

Gippsland is known for Wilsons Promontory, the Gippsland Lakes, the Baw Baw Plateau, the Strzelecki Ranges and Walhalla, where deep underground gold mines operated between 1863 and 1913. Phillip Island is also counted among the region's main tourist destinations.

Thirteen national parks are listed across Gippsland, including Wilsons Promontory, Croajingolong, Snowy River, Tarra-Bulga and Baw Baw, which gives the region plenty of walking, camping and wildlife watching beyond the coast.

Gippsland by sub-region

Gippsland is traditionally split into four or five sub-regions: West Gippsland, South Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland and sometimes Central Gippsland. The Gippsland Lakes' tributaries help divide them, and it pays to pick one or two to explore rather than drive the whole region in a weekend.

East Gippsland, South Gippsland and West Gippsland each get searched on their own, which is a sign that visitors plan by sub-region. Wilsons Promontory and the Gippsland Lakes pull in different directions, so deciding between coast, lakes and mountains first makes the rest of the trip easier to plan.

Seeing Wilsons Promontory from the water

The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise leaves from the Wilsons Promontory Cruises Booking Centre at Tidal River and is a 2.5-hour trip along the granite coastline of the national park. The route passes Skull Rock, South Point and islands including The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island, with expert guides on the history of the area.

A waterproof and windproof jacket and marine park fees are included. An 11am cruise runs all year, and a 2pm cruise is added over the warmer months. Browse more on the Gippsland cruises page.

Planning a Gippsland trip

A guided tour is an easy way to cover Gippsland's distances without driving, and a cruise suits a half-day. Dress in layers for the coast, because the weather on the water can be colder than on land.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gippsland famous for?

Gippsland is famous for Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Gippsland Lakes, Walhalla's gold mining history and a long run of national parks and coastline east of Melbourne.

How far is Gippsland from Melbourne?

Gippsland begins about 120 km east of Melbourne and stretches along the state's south-east coast.

What are the sub-regions of Gippsland?

Gippsland is traditionally divided into West Gippsland, South Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland, with Central Gippsland sometimes added as a fifth.

Where does the Wilsons Promontory cruise depart from?

The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise departs from the Wilsons Promontory Cruises Booking Centre at Tidal River, Victoria. Check-in for the 11am cruise is at 10.30am.

Can kids go on the Wilsons Promontory cruise?

Yes. The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise lists adult, child (3-16 years) and infant (0-2 years) ticket types.

Gippsland packs coast, lakes and gold rush history into one region east of Melbourne. See Wilsons Promontory from the water on a Gippsland cruise and book online with Experience Oz.