Known for its quaint coastal towns and scenic touring routes, Gippsland is Victoria's largest region boasting a variety of hidden treasures and quirky villages waiting to be uncovered by travellers. From dinosaur bones in Inverloch to stretches of road winding through Australia's tallest trees and outstanding greenery to the quirky village of Stratford Upon Avon, named after the birthplace of William Shakespeare in the UK. The current Villages Campaign highlights the hidden treasures found throughout the region, from the mountains to the coastline, and the quirky characters who call Gippsland home. Visitors are invited to venture along the famous routes, Country Drive, Explore Latrobe, Inspiring Gippsland Hinterland Drive, Bunurong Coastal Drive or the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive to discover breathtaking views, meet captivating locals and uncover hidden gems for the ultimate Gippsland adventure.

W: www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au/villages & www.gippslandroadtrip.com.au

The hustle and bustle of Melbourne forms a vibrant and diverse launch pad for Gippsland visitors as they embark on a relaxing, regional Victoria escape. Travellers are welcome to discover one of Australia's most popular touring routes, the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive. Key tourist destinations can be found on each touring route with a myriad of activities for travellers of all ages and interests to explore; from the pristine wilderness of Wilsons Promontory and the charm of the historic village of Walhalla to the picturesque Gippsland Lakes and its surrounding villages.    

West Gippsland is home to one of Victoria's most beloved national parks, Wilsons Promontory. Boasting stunning nature walks along untouched beaches and through granite-studded headlands, visitors are not only treated to spectacular views but an abundance of native Australian wildlife. South of West Gippsland lies the historic Port Albert, Victoria's oldest port with buildings dating back to the 1850s. Historians, walkers, diners and those with an interest in maritime history will relish in Port Albert's offerings on display at the Maritime Museum. Further toward central Gippsland, visitors can discover the bird life at the Sale Wetlands with migratory birds flying from as far away as Japan.

Renowned for its family friendly atmosphere, Mount Baw Baw is a winter wonderland of child friendly activities including the entertaining Kids Club and Snow Sports School, a stress-free way to learning how to ski. When the weather heats up, Mount Baw Baw transforms into a magnificent alpine landscape with an abundance of adorning wildflowers to admire through 10km walking trails, cycling tracks to the Baw Baw Village and cross-country mountain bike riding through the rugged terrain. For an e-tox escape, visitors can venture to the historic town of Walhalla, nestled amongst the spectacular greenery of the mountain, guests can check in at the central Star Hotel before venturing out on foot to discover the rich history of this quirky village.

The hugely popular and breathtakingly scenic Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive weaves its way from Sydney to Narooma and Bermagui, the perfect overnight mid way point in New South Wales down to Victoria where the first must-see location are the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. Visitors can spend the day discovering tranquil waterways, coastal hamlets, stunning coastlines and river systems on board one of the many available boating tours, including the Riveria Scenic. A comfortable 40ft catamaran suitable for the whole family, the Riveria Scenic offers a relaxing afternoon to spot dolphins, take in picturesque views and hop off for a stroll along the beach. Visitors can indulge in the abundance of fresh local seafood straight from the ocean before unwinding at one of the various accommodation offerings from 5 Knots, The Moorings of Metung and McMillans of Metung to The Esplanade Spa & Resort and Waverley House Cottages in Lakes Entrance or the award winning Jetty Road Retreat, a secluded waterfront accommodation offering treetop views overlooking the lake and a private jetty.

Travelling through central Gippsland, Sale offers an ideal pit stop with attractions including the Port of Sale Heritage cruise, wetlands, gardens, galleries and beautiful accommodation such as Captains Lodge International which hosts magnificient dinners inspired by traditional Austrian and International Fine Foods complemented by a superb range of local wines.

A highlight of the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive is Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost point of mainland Australia, where visitors can explore small, hidden bays, see wildlife in its natural habitat, and visit the historic lighthouse. Active travellers can walk on a beach that squeaks (Squeaky Beach), and hike to the summit of Mt Oberon for a spectacular vista over Norman Bay and Bass Strait. Bunyip Tours offer a guided journey of the highlights of Wilsons Promontory and, those looking for a little added luxury should consider a night at the Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Retreats.  

The journey also takes in Phillip Island, home to the famously cute Little Penguins at the Phillip Island Nature Parks. Travellers can unwind at Silverwater Resort, set high on the rolling hills of San Remo with spectacular views over Phillip Island and nearby Westernport Bay. Down the road at neighbouring, Inverloch, visitors will find the Bunurong Marine Park, filled with delightful rock pools, caves and abundant marine life, and the very first evidence of dinosaurs on a site that continues to be excavated by archaeologists. This seaside town is a surfing haven with outstanding accommodation from Inverloch Big 4 Holiday Park and Fish Creek Hotel to the expansive RACV Inverloch. Unwind with nature trails or head down the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine for a little adventure.

For more information about inspiring travel adventures in Gippsland visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au. 

Join the conversation on Gippsland and share and exchange travel discoveries at: Tina Orr Hatching Communications Mobile: 0413 378 081 Email: tina@hchq.com.au Bridget McKernan Hatching Communications Mobile: 0499 987 786 Email: bridget@hchq.com.au  

Gippsland Background Notes: Gippsland is one of the largest expanses of regional Victoria, stretching from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the New South Wales border, encompassing the Great Dividing Range and Bass Strait in the south. The region offers vast, diverse and spectacular landscapes, from mountain summits and alpine forests to tranquil lakes, rivers and pristine beaches. Gippsland's best known tourist destinations include Wilson's Promontory, Croajingolong National Park, Mt Baw Baw, Lakes Entrance, Inverloch, Metung and Walhalla. It is also known for the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland lake system in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering 400 square kilometres, the Gippsland Lakes are a central hub for boating, fishing and water activities. The quickest way to get to Gippsland from Melbourne by car is to travel south-east along the Monash Freeway and then take the M1 (Princes Freeway) through many of central Gippsland's cities and townships, including Warragul, Traralgon and Sale and on to Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Cann River. The region is accessible by public transport from Melbourne via the V/Line train service, which operates every day as far as Bairnsdale, with connecting buses to Lakes Entrance. Alternatively, travel along the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive. More information on the beauty of Gippsland, including endless accommodation options, activities and sights, visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au