24 Apr 2013
Gippsland is embracing the dropping temperatures and snow fall with a range of seasonal activities, events and accommodation offers available this winter. Gippsland's Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is a winter favourite for their snow sport spectaculars and season long festivities, while visitors wanting to shy away from the cold can cosy up by the fire with a series of warming accommodation options such as the Walhalla Log Cabin and Silvertop Cottages.
Snow bunnies, ski regulars and nature lovers can enjoy Gippsland's alpine scenery while driving along the Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale, turning into snow speckled wonderland close to Mt Hotham. The white capped trees and contrasting Gippsland flora create a beautiful backdrop for visitors to admire from the great outdoors.
For a full list of what's on offer at Gippsland this winter visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au or find us on Twitter or Facebook.
WINTER ACCOMMODATION OFFERINGS
Visitors to Gippsland throughout winter can enjoy an array of cosy, warming accommodation offerings for couples, families and friends.
WALHALLA LOG CABIN
Gippsland is full of rustic, boutique cottage accommodation offerings complete with wood fireplaces for the ideal winter escape. Just three hours' drive from Melbourne, the Walhalla Log Cabin is nestled in the side of a hill overlooking a picturesque valley. Complete with old fashioned gas lamps and a stone fire place, the Walhalla Log Cabin offers regional rustic appeal - plus it is pet friendly. Prices start from $160 per night and bookings can be made via their website.
A: Happy Go Lucky Track, Walhalla VIC 3825
Ph: (03) 5165 6245
W: http://www.walhallalogcabin.com.au/
SILVERTOP COTTAGES
For visitors that want to immerse themselves within the region's natural beauty, Silvertop Cottages are located within 12 acres of private forest. Visitors can keep warm by the wood fires and embrace the surrounding serenity of Gippsland's snow speckled great outdoors. Bookings for Silvertop Cottages can be made via their website and prices start from $160 per night.
A: 96 McLelland Rd, Erica VIC 3825
Ph: 0414 537 267
W: http://www.silvertopcottages.com.au/
STRINGYBARK COTTAGES
Stringybark Cottages offer the tranquility of an eco-friendly private retreat just over three hours' drive from Melbourne. Surrounded by forest and farmland, Stringybark Cottages provide a range of self-contained accommodation options for families, couples and friends - all complete with wood fires. Located along the Great Alpine Road, the cosy cottages are an ideal pit stop for skiers and snowboarders on their way to Mt Hotham. Visit their website to make a booking, prices start from $120 per night.
A: 77 Howards Rd Sarsfield VIC
Ph:(03) 5157 5245
W: http://www.stringybarkcottages.com.au/
WINTER GIPPSLAND EVENTS
Gippsland has a packed calendar of events throughout winter celebrating the season:
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Winter Season Festivities
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort will be hosting a winter long calendar of events and alpine activities to celebrate the snow season! Opening on the Queen's Birthday Weekend from June 8 to 9, Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort has planned a series of festivals, races, events and competitions all the way until the end of August. These activities include the annual Opening Weekend Festival with live music, fireworks and a Baw Baw's Got Talent competition, a Christmas in July festival with Santa sledding through the village and snowmen building contests, the Faceless Feature Competition and Battle at Baw Baw for skiers and snowboarders to show off their skills, a women's only Chix with Stix race and the End of Season Party to polish it off.
When: From June 8th to August 31st
Where: Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Currawong Rd, Mt Baw Baw
Walhalla Vinter Ljusfest:
Gippsland's picturesque town of Walhalla comes to life with the annual Vinter Ljesfest Festival throughout the month of August. The town's centre transforms with special lighting, moving images and sound displays played every night from 6:30pm. The 2013 theme for the celebrated festival is '150 Years of Gold' which will be incorporated into the displays and festivities. Numerous boutique accommodation offerings such as Walhalla's Star Hotel and Wild Cherry B&B are hosting Vinter Ljusfest deals for visitors to enjoy a weekend winter escape and explore the striking regional town in its lit up glory.
When: Thursday August 1st to Sunday August 25th
Where: The town of Walhalla, a two and a half hour drive from Melbourne.
W: http://www.visitwalhalla.com/index.php?EXP=980
Seasons of Pain:
The third instalment of Mt Baw Baw's adventure sport series, the winter series of Seasons of Pain is designed to challenge competitors to the extreme. Adventure seekers and extreme athletes will partake in cross country skiing, trail running and snowshoeing weaving throughout Mt Baw Baw's alpine region. Encase the snow sport challenges haven't exerted contestants enough, the Seasons of Pain race finishes with a dash of mountain biking. To embrace the pain and enter the race visit Mt Baw Baw's website, otherwise guests can admire the sports from afar and cheer contestants on from the top of the mountain.
When: Saturday August 10th
Where: Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Currawong Rd, Mt Baw Baw
W: http://mountbawbaw.com.au/events/seasons-of-pain-winter/
For bookings or more information on attractions, sights and accommodation in Gippsland visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au or find us on Twitter or Facebook.
Caryn Ng
Media Moguls Communication
Tel: (03) 9836 2167 ext. 6
Mobile: 0488 664 857
Email: caryn@mediamoguls.com.au
Genevieve Day
Media Moguls Communication
Tel: (03) 9836 2167 ext. 3
Mobile: 0488 558 331
Email: genevieve@mediamoguls.com.au
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 Bairnsdale. 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.
More information on the beauty of Gippsland, including endless accommodation options, activities and sights, visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au
