Discover ancient and modern history in south eastern Victoria. Here’s an ultimate guide to Gippsland in Victoria with kids featuring the top 12 places to visit.
1. Buchan Caves Reserve, East Gippsland
See the spectacular limestone formations created by underground rivers that flowed beneath the region almost 400 million years ago at Buchan Caves. Royal Cave and Fairy Cave have year-round temperatures averaging 17C, and the reserve also has a pool fed by the waters of an underground stream flowing from one of the caves.
Guided tours operate daily along well-lit underground walkways, providing the opportunity to explore Victoria’s oldest cave system. Royal Cave is known for its calcite-rimmed pools, whilst Fairy Cave has elaborate stalactites and stalagmites.
You will find lovely picnic spots in Buchan Caves Reserve, as well as a stream-fed pool. Pitch a tent under a shady tree or stay at the peaceful Buchan Caves House. Beautiful bushwalks abound in the surrounding area and the nearby Snowy River National Park, where you can spot wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and more than 60 species of birds.
2. Port Albert, South Gippsland
With its Georgian and Victorian-style buildings, the waterfront village of Port Albert is an intriguing place for families to visit and learn about the state’s history. As Victoria’s first port in the mid-1800s, Port Albert berthed ships from Europe and America and welcomed thousands of Chinese immigrants on their way to the goldfields.
See fascinating artefacts at the Port Albert Maritime Museum in the 1861 Bank of Victoria building, and the John Irving Archives in the former CBC bank office next door. Kids will love the old cannon from Cliffy Island, the large shell collection and the findings of an archaeological dig.
Follow the Old Port Walking Trail, take a scenic boat tour or fishing charter and enjoy fish and chips from Port Albert Fish & Chip Co or Port Albert Fresh Seafoods at the wharf. There is no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation, including Port Albert Motel, Hooked In Cottages and Anglers Arms and Fisherman’s Cottages.
3. Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, South Gippsland
Head underground for a taste of what life was like as a miner at Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, which operated from 1909 to 1968. The site, managed by Parks Victoria, has been lovingly restored by the local community.
Entry is free to the above-ground site, where you can climb aboard the old steam locomotive, meet Cobber the pit pony, follow the heritage walk and watch a film in the theatrette. Then go underground to explore the network of tunnels where the miners extracted the ‘black gold’ which powered Victoria’s industries and railways.
Wonthaggi is just 15 minutes’ drive from the popular seaside town of Inverloch and the same distance from the Bass Coast Rail Trail, making it a wonderful location for a family getaway.
4. Licola, Central Gippsland
The only privately-owned town in Victoria, Licola lies beside the meandering Macalister River. Most of the town, which is owned by the Lions Club, is occupied by the Licola Wilderness Village, which offers activities including canoeing, abseiling, trampolining, archery and mini golf. There’s also an obstacle course, flying foxes, a giant swing and a climbing tower.
The town is the gateway to the Alpine National Park, and makes a great base for 4WD and fishing adventures. Grab a bite at the General Store and stay in a cabin or pitch a tent at Licola Caravan Park.
5. Omeo, East Gippsland
Step back in time with a stroll through Omeo, a high country town, which boomed after gold was found in the creek that runs through it in the mid-1800s. Start at the visitor information centre, housed in the German Cuckoo Clock Shop in Day St displaying a range of handcrafted clocks.
The Historical Park and Justice Precinct includes the police cookhouse, stables and old courthouse (now a museum), and you can see mining relics at the Oriental Claims, which was once one of the largest gold sluicing operations in the world.
Take a scenic drive along the Mitta Mitta River and check out the heritage-listed Hinnomunjie Bridge before stopping for lunch at The Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest, a traditional country pub at the confluence of three rivers. Back in town, the family-friendly Golden Age Hotel is a great place for dinner, and there are plenty of cosy cottages to stay in nearby.
6. Lakes Entrance, Gippsland Lakes
This region is all about water activities – boating, fishing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking – you name it, it’s possible! Explore the lakes in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, hop aboard a boat for a cruise or make the kids’ day with a visit to Footbridge Mini Golf, Lolly Shop & Ice Cream Shack.
7. Metung, Gippsland Lakes
For a dose of style, Metung is the place to be. A great base for water sports enthusiasts, this tiny picture book village is also known for its scenic walks, local produce and monthly farmers market.
You’ll also find fine food and wine, hot springs and a handful of inspiring galleries. Families will love having lunch overlooking the water at Metung Hotel, splashing in the town’s free water park, and climbing in the timber structures of the adventure park.
8. Paynesville, Gippsland Lakes
Paynesville is surrounded by lakes on three sides, with canals and inlets providing plenty of opportunities for water sports. Take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island across the McMillan Strait, which is one of the best places in Australia to spot koalas. There are also 140 species of native birds to spot in the Lakes National Park. Walk the trail or peddle your way around on a surrey bike from Ride the Koalas.
9. Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park is situated at the southern-most point of mainland Australia. This 50,000 hectare natural paradise (also known as ‘The Prom’) provides the perfect combination of beach and bush fun for families.
One of the many highlights, Squeaky Beach has rounded quartz sand that ‘squeaks’ when you walk on it. At the northern end of the beach the giant granite rock formations create a maze of passages, great for exploring and games of hide and seek.
The Prom is a refuge for an array of native wildlife including kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas plus many birds species like rosellas, kookaburras and cockatoos. A network of walking trails pass through the park, ranging from short and easy trails with boardwalks to overnight treks of several days. Tidal River Campground is the most popular – and kid-friendly – spot to camp.
10. Cape Conran Coastal Park, East Gippsland
Located in East Gippsland, Cape Conran Coastal Park boasts expansive coastal heathlands, banksia woodlands and 60 kilometres of isolated sandy beaches. This coastal park is teeming with a variety of plants, animals and marine life. During May to October whales and dolphins can be sighted off-shore.
The East Cape Boardwalk is just one of a number of wilderness trails in the park. Along the way you can explore rock pools, build sand castles, climb rocky outcrops and discover secluded coves. The sunsets from the West Cape are stunning. Unpowered campsites are available at Banksia Bluff Campground.
11. Mallacoota, East Gippsland
Take a cruise with a local guide to see Mallacoota Inlet, or paddle a canoe up the Genoa or Wallagaraugh rivers to Gipsy Point, a beautiful peninsula jutting into the top lake of the Mallacoota Inlet, which is home to a large mob of kangaroos.
12. Great Alpine Road
Pack your hiking boots, skis, fishing rod and mountain bikes and go road tripping along the Great Alpine Road, which takes you past grand mountain ranges, rich forests and shimmering waterways. Head north from Metung through Victoria’s high country to Wangaratta.
More Information
Content contributors: Angela Saurine, Craig Sheather
Opening image: Happy children running near a Riviera Nautic boat on Gippsland Lakes, Victoria
