Summer has arrived in Gippsland; puffer jackets, thick woollen socks, and thermal underlayers have been replaced with singlets, shorts and thongs.
Coastal hotspots are bustling with visitors from near and far, and warm sunrays kiss the face of gleeful schoolchildren as they walk the streets in droves or play games on colourful playgrounds, relishing the freedom of summer holidays.
Regardless of whether you are a Gippsland local or a visitor from far and wide, the Gippsland Times has hunted for 10 must-do things this summer to help you make the most of your time.
1. Woodside Pub
The Woodside Beach Hotel, also known as the Woodside Pub, also known as the ‘Woody’, was erected roadside of the South Gippsland Highway in the 1850s, quickly becoming the beating heart of the 53-person township.
Woodside expanded with rich opportunities for cropping and livestock grazing predominating, increasing the town’s population.
In 2006 the population of Woodside had grown to 267, and the Woodside Pub was unwavering in its test of time, remaining the epicentre, the true blue beating heart of the small regional town.
The Wellington Shire municipal town was devastated by the deadly 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which incinerated the Woodside Post Office, with another blaze burning down the Woodside General Store later in the year, leaving little more than blackened cindered frames.
Despite suffering so much devastation, Woodside began rebuilding with hope and optimism, but reality was not so kind, and in 2016, the Woodside Pub closed its doors after 170 years.
In November 2021, an 11-person syndicate, including director Clint Hillas, Redd Catt Sale owner Matt Raidal, star player of the Western Bulldogs Josh Dunkley, and a clandestine Financial Review Rich-Lister, signed the ownership contract to the Woodside Pub.
The Woodside Beach Hotel reopened in mid-2022, following significant renovations that virtually gutted and rebuilt the historic, well-known, beloved pub.
Walking into the light, farmhouse chic establishment, the smell of Gippsland steak, red wine jus, five-spice crispy calamari and golden brown chicken schnitzels topped with melted mozzarella, Neapolitan sauce and shaved champagne ham waft from the sparkingly new, state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
Behind the tantalising smells is UK chef Robert Paget who joined the Woodside Beach Hotel team after spending the last 17 years in Sydney, making a name for himself in the culinary industry, heading some of the best kitchens in the region, including Gazebo, The Winery and The Bellevue Hotel.
Since Woodside Beach Hotel’s grand reopening last July, hundreds of diners have flocked to the renowned establishment each week for schooners of cold poured beers and a taste of Mr Paget’s culinary creations; all made with locally-sourced produce.
Woodside Beach Hotel boasts some of the best food, drinks and service in the region and is just a stone’s throw away from some of Gippsland’s most sought hotspots, including Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, Tarra Bulga National Park and Wilsons Promontory.
2. Blue Pools
Hidden between towering gumtrees, 30 minutes north of Sale, Briagolong’s Blue Pools was once a well-kept secret; today, the plunging watering hole is a popular swimming destination for locals and tourists alike.
As you drive north along the orange dirt Freestone Creek Road, a steep driveway appears on your left-hand shoulder, revealing a small clearing, a rusted-tinged dirt car park.
A grassy ground trail with the occasional tree root protruding from the earth leads Blue Pool goers on a short adventure under the shade of towering gums; the recognisable smell of the Australian bush overcomes nasal senses.
Thick trees diminish, revealing an entrance to the final destination. A dark-coloured waterhole plunges deep into the earth in the middle of a large, scenic clearing encompassed by magnificent rock structures and brown-green foliage.
The water’s edge is lined by thousands of colourful rocks, each one different from the next; the Blue Pools waterhole starts shallow but quickly becomes deep.
Cool water laps at ankles as swimmers take the plunge as other visitors remain on the rocky shores, lapping up the sun.
Some may prefer to explore the surrounding region before taking a swim, and with several walks, each at various lengths, this little slice of heaven has something for everyone.
The Bluff is a steep five-minute climb with fantastic views over the Blue Pool area and the Peregrine Lookout Trail, which takes about an hour return, and is perfect for visitors who fancy a bit more of a stroll.
3. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park – a little slice of heaven on earth at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, in an Aboriginal cultural landscape.
Wilsons Prom offers endless opportunities for everyone, whether you are looking to go on a family weekend camping trip, a day hike with friends or a week-long scenic adventure with someone special.
Tidal River is Wilsons Promontory National Park’s main visitor hub offering a range of accommodation options with 484 camping and caravan sites, award-winning wilderness retreats and lodge-style accommodations, perfect for large groups.
With so many site options, Tidal River Campgrounds boasts endless possibilities for Wilson Prom visitors, with the choice to set up camp along the banks of Tidal River or nestled in the tea trees, a stone’s throw away from Norman Beach.
For those who love adventure, Parks Victoria offers a variety of hiking tours venturing across the 505 km² of Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Wilsons Prom might consider the Northern or Southern Overnight Hikes. Darby River to Tongue Point, Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk and the Instagram-famous Mount Oberon Summit hikes are perfect for those preferring day trips.
With so many adventures waiting to be had, from four-wheel driving, scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking to horseriding, hiking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, and so much more, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a must-do this summer.
4. Long Tunnel Mine Tour
The Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour, which operates every day of the year, located an hour and 15 minutes north-west of Sale, is a fantastic day expedition to add to your 2023 summer schedule.
The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour offers three sessions on weekends, public holidays and through school holidays, beginning at noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Every other day, one tour is available at 1.30pm.
Visitors are led about 260 metres underground into a large machinery chamber hewn of solid rock from about 150 years ago. Tour guides share mining methods and history as you explore a world below the surface.
The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour takes about 50 minutes, with tour numbers typically limited to about 20 people to ensure a more personal experience.
Family tickets for two adults and up to four children cost $60, adults $25, seniors and concession card holders $20, children under the age of 16 $20 and children under the age of six are free. Group tours for groups of 12 or more are available upon arrangement. Tickets are sold at the mine office or over the phone.
The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an interactive, entertaining, informative and captivating deep dive into a small portion of Gippsland’s rich history. With tours, wheelchair and pram accessible, the mine adequately lit, well-ventilated and with flat walking surfaces, the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an activity for everyone.
For more information about the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour visit https://www.walhallaboard.org.au/
5. Buchan Caves
On Krauatungalung Country, an hour and 40 minutes northeast of Sale, is Buchan Caves Reserve, where underneath picnic-perfect landscape and popular campsites lie Victoria’s largest cave system.
Almost 400 million years ago, an underground river carved a warren of breathtaking limestone formations stretching up to four kilometres long. Today, the Buchan Caves are an ever-popular adventure waiting to be had.
Through guided tours, visitors can descend into the Fairy Cave and Royal Cave sections to catch a glimpse of the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite forms. Bask in the beauty of the earth-formed pillars, rim pools, vast open caverns and an ancient flowing stream.
Above the honeycomb of limestone formations, the Buchan Caves Reserve boasts a stunning natural habitat on the earth’s surface; towering gumtrees, burgeoning shrubs and lush green grass attract myriad Australian wildlife.
Enjoy a family picnic, take a walk on the walking tracks or make a weekend of it, set up camp under the stars or stay in the Caves House. Ample opportunities are awaiting you at Buchan Cave Reserve, whether you’re searching for your next family day trip, a special date night or a weekend with the girls.
Cave tour tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance. To book Buchan Cave tour tickets visit https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/buchan-caves-tours
6. Tarra Bulga National Park
On Brataualung Country, about an hour southwest of Sale, Tarra-Bulga National Park has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges.
Tarra-Buluga, known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, offers spectacular picnic settings and magnificent nature walks.
With several tracks to choose from, visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the breathtaking wildlife and nature Tarra-Bulga National Park has to offer.
Take a stroll to the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, which spans the rainforest canopy and provides stunning views of the thick fern valley on the forest floor below.
Wander through a rainforest gully and across trickling mountain streams to Cyathea Falls on the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk, or tackle the Forest Track winding through Mountain Ash forest, a rainforest gully and an unusual thicket of Hazel Pomaderris.
Enjoy a day of immersive nature and learn about Tarra-Bulga National Park heritage, a land highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Don’t forget your walking shoes, hat and backpack as you trek through the thick green rainforests on your chosen walking track.
For more information about Tarra-Bulga National Park, visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/tarra-bulga-national-park
7. Agnes Falls
An hour and 15 minutes southwest of Sale at 59 metres, Agnes Falls, hidden within the green, rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, is the highest single-span falls in Victoria, just a 200-metre journey from the car park along the walking track.
After the short expedition, surrounded by diverse vegetation, perch yourself on permanently installed seating and watch the white waters plummet into the gorge below.
Take your dog, partner, parents or kids and bask in the natural falling water beauty of Agnes Falls; this hidden patch of serenity near the Gippsland coastline is well worth the drive.
8. Maffco Brewery and Taphouse
Maffco Brewery and Taphouse, which officially opened in December 2022, is the new place to be in Maffra.
What was once an old milk factory on Railway Place, Maffra, is now a stunning modern-industrial-styled brewery, boasting incredible spaces indoors and outdoors, featuring a taphouse, working brewery, dining and separate function area, all adding to a unique craft brewing experience.
Every week, this popular new hospitality venue hosts Sunday sippers; with the amazing outdoor space at Maffco Brewery and Taphouse, it is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon soaking in the warm golden sun while sipping on freshly poured, ice-cold beers.
Enjoy a glass of wine, nibble on eye-catching, mouth-watering cheese platters, or enjoy dinner with friends before taking the dance floor as local artists belt out the tunes.
Opening hours, food service, and live music are subject to change, so make sure to check the Maffco Brewery and Taphouse Facebook page for all the up-to-date information.
9. East Gippsland Rail Trail
Beginning at Howitt Park on the east bank of the Mitchell River in Bairnsdale, the East Gippsland Rail Trail spans almost 94 kilometres through bush, forest and farmland to Newmerella, a small township five kilometres west of Orbost.
In 2022, National Geographic named the East Gippsland Rail Trail one of their top three favourite rides in Victoria, describing Gippsland as the patriarch of rail trails in Australia and the East Gippsland Rail Trail as the prime track among the dozen converted railways zipping across the lush region.
The track consists primarily of hard-packed gravel, with a 10-kilometre portion between Bairnsdale and Nicholson cemented asphalt, and relatively gentle slopes, making the East Gippsland Rail Trail an ideal ride for cyclists of all abilities.
The East Gippsland Rail Trail is not only for peddling-pushing enthusiasts; this stunning nature experience can and is utilised by all adventurers, from cyclists to hikers to horse riders.
There are several access points along the nearly 100 kilometres long East Gippsland Rail Trail at Bairnsdale, Nicholson, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, Newmerella and Orbost.
With each section of the East Gippsland Rail trail varying in length, nine kilometres between Bairnsdale and Nicholson, 21 kilometres between Nicholson and Bruthen, 28 kilometres between Bruthen and Nowa Nowa and 38 kilometres from Nowa Nowa to Orbost, this trail offers multitudes of opportunities to challenge yourself in the new year.
Smash your 2023 fitness goals and aim to ride, run, hike or horse ride a different section every weekend, or take it a little slower and aim for one section a month – the opportunities are endless.
To find out more and download trail maps, go to https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/outdoor-activities/cycling/east-gippsland-rail-trail
10. Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club
Along the sandy white shore of 90 Mile Beach, overlooking the vast blue-green ocean, the sound of thunderous waves crashing against millions of golden grains of sand below catches in the wind, a mere whisper as it reaches diners on the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club patio.
Summers at Seaspray have been a long tradition for many families from far and wide, generations returning without fail each year to uphold their family’s centenary-long tradition.
Since April 2, 1955, the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has been a part of that tradition, a significant feature in countless memories, with many a change over the years.
Today, sitting tall on the hill dividing Seaspray town and 90 Mile Beach, the SLSC is a must-do this summer. The beers are cold, the food is good, the service is friendly, and the views are breathtaking.
Following a spout of misfortune, the SLSC went from the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway, to a desolate space on top a sandy, grassy hill.
This all changed in 2022 when 25-year-old Olivia Sclater took on the challenge to reignite the magic at the SSLSC, accepting the general manager position.
English chefs Sam Valentine and Kevin Douglass Ortega, who Ms Sclater met on a recent international venture, were appointed head chefs, with the SSLSC kitchen officially opening on September 23, serving 210 meals in the first weekend.
The SSLSC has since returned to its former glory, the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway.
With summer well and truly here, the SSLSC has introduced Sunday sippers, adding to its list of reasons to go. Feel the ocean breeze brushing through your hair as you listen to local artists performing at the picturesque venue as you sip on local wines and tap-poured beers. A watchful eye is easily kept on children running wild on the spanning dunes in the not-too-far distance, returning only for a gulp of their fizzy raspberry drink.
The SSLSC is the place to be for the summer of 2023.
