When you think of South Gippsland, Victoria, Wilsons Prom probably comes to mind! Visiting Wilsons Prom is one of the most popular things to do in South Gippsland and has heaps to offer visitors, from beautiful nature to pristine beaches to epic hiking trails and camping!
But, what ELSE is there to do in South Gippsland, other than Wilsons Prom?
In this article, I give you 20+ unique things to do in South Gippsland, Victoria that AREN’T Wilsons Prom! All of these activities are free (yay!) and are outdoors, allowing you to reconnect with nature and dive deeper into this gorgeous part of regional Victoria!
Some highlights of South Gippsland Shire include peaceful nature trails, quaint regional towns, stunning coastal vistas and bright green rolling hills spotted with sheep and cows. Intrigued?
I’ll kick off this blog post with an intro to South Gippsland, Victoria and then give you all the juicy deets on 20+ epic things to see and do! Let’s get to it!
Where is South Gippsland?
South Gippsland, along with East, West and Central, make up the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Gippsland region is absolutely MASSIVE and covers the area from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs all the way to the NSW border! Gippsland has SO MANY unique things to see and do but it’s often overlooked by travellers. This area, although close to Melbourne, remains surprisingly untouched by city tourists for most of the year.
South Gippsland, as you probably guessed, is the southern part of the Gippsland region. Wilsons Prom is definitely the most-visited area of South Gippsland, but there is SO MUCH MORE to see if you’re willing to get off the beaten path and explore a bit. That’s where I come in, to give you some local knowledge and “hidden gem” recos to get you excited about this area of regional Vic which gets wayyy less credit than it deserves.
South Gippsland Main Regions + Towns
The two largest towns in South Gippsland are Leongatha and Korumburra. A few other large (ish) towns include Venus Bay, Noyra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan and Foster.
South Gippsland Weather + When to Visit
South Gippsland is part of southeastern Regional Victoria, meaning that the winter season (May – September) is cold, wet and ++ windy! With a good waterproof outfit + footwear, you can enjoy the beautiful nature walks and coastal reserves with fewer people and cheaper prices.
The summer season (November – March) has temps up into the low 40’s and heaps of sunshine! This makes South Gippsland a great summer holiday destination BUT it’s also an extremely forest-fire-prone area. Be sure to plan accordingly!
How to Get Around South Gippsland
Driving is definitely the easiest and fastest way to move around in South Gippsland, as there is no local bus service. It’s possible to travel through South Gippsland by bus along the main Traralgon-Wonthaggi-Melbourne route, but the stops are SUPER limited. There are also some cross-regional services to/from Leongatha, Mirboo and Traralgon, but again, stops are limited and the service is only offered seasonally (summer only).
20+ Unique Things to do in South Gippsland
South Gippsland is one of my fav parts of Victoria and, after living there for 6 months, I have come to know and love the area like a local. Here are 20+ unique things to do in South Gippsland, in no particular order! Enjoy!
1. Loch Village Walk
Loch is a small town in South Gippsland, 15 minutes northwest of Korumburra. This sleepy village has quite a bit of railway history and a beautiful suspension bridge. Loch Village Walk is a great way to take in the sights and get a taste of local life. The walk is short (500m each way) and takes about 20-30 minutes return but is a fun little afternoon activity that lets you take in all the deets of this quaint little town.
2. Loch Suspension Bridge
Ending the walk at Loch Recreation Reserve brings you close to Loch Suspension Bridge which was named a ‘Top Icon’ by the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Sentinel-Times! The suspension bridge is one of the most unique things to do in South Gippsland and offers amazing scenery for photo shoots, weddings, etc. It’s also really fun to walk across (the bridge is super bouncy and swings side to side when you walk on it) and is free to enjoy.
LOCAL TIP: Go earlier in the day to avoid large groups of visitors at the suspension bridge, especially during summer!
3. Cape Horn Lookout
A few km outside of Loch you will find Cape Horn Lookout (off Loch-Wonthaggi Road). On a sunny day, this lookout is absolutely stunning! Think picture-perfect vistas of the Victorian countryside.. bright green rolling hills + cows and sheep for days! When the weather cooperates, you can actually see all the way down to the ocean.
There is a picnic table available for use, making this a great spot for a picnic lunch or even just to stop and stretch your legs after a long car ride.
LOCAL TIP: On a cloudy/rainy day, give this spot a miss (the view won’t be as good + no shelter to hide from rain and wind)!
4. Cape Liptrap Lighthouse
The drive to get to Cape Liptrap Lighthouse is just as awesome as the lighthouse itself! Perched at the end of a rugged peninsula, Cape Liptrap Lighthouse is a 25-minute drive from Tarwin Lower and about 15 minutes from Walkerville. You get to travel down red dirt roads that twist and turn beside the ocean and take in the coastal views en route to this historical landmark. Expect LOTS OF MUD after heavy rainfall, just FYI!
Cape Liptrap Lighthouse sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful Bass Strait, making this stop one of the most picturesque things to do in South Gippsland. Looking east from the lighthouse on a clear day gives you stunning views of Wilsons Promontory National Park and the pretty little peaks that the park is known for.
LOCAL TIP: Head to Cape Liptrap Lighthouse at sunset for gorgeous photos and/or a super romantic date spot. Perfect for a picnic and wine!
5. Walkerville Lime Kilns
Walkerville South is home to two of South Gippsland’s best-kept secrets: Walkerville Lime Kilns and Walkerville Cemetery (aka ‘Lime Kiln Cemetery’)!
Dating back to the 1870s, Walkerville Lime Kilns are an important piece of local history. At one time, these kilns provided lime supplies to Melbourne’s building industry, which began expanding massively in the early 1900s. Since their shut down in 1926, 5 of the 6 original kilns have been preserved and are open for you to explore.
A short walk along the beach brings you to several massive brick structures sticking out from the rocky shoreline- these are what’s left of the kilns! Some of the kilns are still intact while others have crumbled quite a bit, but you get a pretty good idea of how big they are and what they might have looked like in their prime! Exploring Walkerville Lime Kilns is one of the most unique things to do in South Gippsland and is a local favourite.
6. Walkerville Cemetery
Walkerville Cemetery is reached via the Limeburners Walk, which starts on the cliff behind the lime kilns. Follow the signs for ‘Historic Cemetery’ for a bird’s eye look of the lime kilns + gorgeous coastal views of Bass Strait, Waratah Bay and the mountain peaks of Wilsons Prom! The path gets narrower + steeper, and eventually takes a sharp left- follow this for a few minutes and you will find Walkerville Cemetery.
Although quite small, this cemetery also holds historical significance from the lime kiln days. About 30 lime kiln workers + family members were buried here. Nature has reclaimed this cemetery, and it’s filled with beautiful trees, wildflowers and tall grasses, providing a gorgeous backdrop for the old headstones.
LOCAL TIP: If you have extra time, complete the full Limeburners Walk that connects Walkerville South to Walkerville North. The walk is 750m each way (20 min) and takes about 40 minutes return. The walk has many signposts with history of the Walkerville area. The path is sometimes closed after heavy rainfall because it gets incredibly muddy!
7. Walkerville North Overlook Track
Walkerville North Overlook Track is short and sweet, packed with jaw-dropping views of Waratah Bay with Wilsons Prom as a backdrop. This 1.2km track takes you through the coastal woodlands of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, filled with nature and wildlife, and eventually to a viewing platform with stunning views of the turquoise water that this area is known for.
Quick Facts
Location: Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Distance: 1.2 km each way (2.4km return)
Walking Time: 45 minutes (total)
Grade: Level 2 (Easy-Moderate)
Start/End: Walkerville Camping Reserve
LOCAL TIP: If you’re hiking in spring/summer, watch out for snakes on this path! They LOVE to sun themselves on walking paths (and they actually blend in with the dirt which makes it harder to spot them)! If you do see a snake, stay calm, stop where you are and let the snake move off the path. They are more scared of you than you are of them (promise!).
8. Waratah Bay Beach
Waratah Bay Beach is about as low-key as it gets for beaches in Aus! This sleepy village of fewer than 100 people is home to the HIDDEN GEM that is Waratah Bay Beach.. 15km of soft white sand that is flat, wide and perfect for swimming! Swimming here is absolutely one of the best things to do in South Gippsland in the summer.
Waratah Bay Beach has calm waves and gentle surf, making it perfect for families and all water activities (think swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing). Rip currents have been reported at high tide, so be extra careful with little kiddos. You can reach the beach really easily by walking a short sand track from the car park on Gale Street. There are toilets and picnic tables available for use as well!
LOCAL TIP: Offshore Surf School offers surf lessons in Waratah Bay. They operate from a trailer parked at 30 Gale Street. Check their website for prices!
9. Point Smythe Nature Trail
You will find this epically beautiful nature walk right at the very tip of Venus Bay, a skinny peninsula that extends into Andersons Inlet, opposite the coastal town of Inverloch. Point Smythe Walk is about 6km long and takes 2 hours to complete. Twisting and turning through lush coastal vegetation, the trail eventually takes you out to the beach at Point Smythe. From here, you get epic views of Andersons Inlet and Bass Strait.
To reach Point Smythe Nature Walk, follow road signs to Venus Bay and then make a right-hand turn onto Canterbury Road. This will turn into Lees Road and if you follow this all the way to the end, you will reach the trailhead!
Quick Facts
Location: Venus Bay, Victoria
Distance: 6km loop
Walking Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Grade: Level 2 (Easy-Moderate)
Start/End: Lees Road, Venus Bay
LOCAL TIP: Keep an eye out for wildlife- this area is known for wombats, echidnas, rabbits, kangaroos, possums and koalas! Wildlife roams free around Point Smyth and Venus Bay so take care when driving (especially at night).
10. Andersons Inlet Fishing
Andersons Inlet is a fisherman’s (and fisherwoman’s) paradise! With river, surf and estuary fishing on offer, it’s easy to see why this area is so popular with both locals and visitors! Why is this inlet so special? It’s where Tarwin River meets Bass Strait, making it home to a wide variety of fish. Fishing in Andersons Inlet is a fun activity to try year-round, but it is VERY popular in the summer months and people drive from all over Victoria just to fish here.
LOCAL TIP: Check out Inverloch Charters for boat hire options! They are found between Inverloch and Venus Bay, along Inverloch-Venus Bay Road. If you’re looking for fishing spots closer to Venus Bay, check out Tarwin Lower Jetty and the fishing platform along Inverloch-Venus Bay Road. Bring your own bait and tackle!
11. Tarwin Lower to Venus Bay Cycling Path
If you’re looking for an easy-breezy outdoor activity, hop on your bike and cycle from Tarwin Lower to Venus Bay (or vice versa) along a beautiful route that hugs the Tarwin River. The shared pathway is well-maintained and is very scenic, taking in river views and leading to the super cute coastal town of Venus Bay!
Quick Facts
Location: Tarwin Lower to Venus Bay
Distance: 5 km each way (10 km return)
Cycling Track: Smooth dirt/gravel, well-maintained
Grade: Level 1 (Easy)
Start/End: Long Table (Tarwin Lower)/Town Centre (Venus Bay)
LOCAL TIP: Venus Bay is one of the best sunset spots in South Gippsland! Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic spots available in Venus Bay and stay to watch the sunset. I promise you will not be disappointed!
12. Sandy Point Windsurfing
Sandy Point is known for its epic wind currents and is popular with windsurfers! If you’ve never tried windsurfing before, I highly recommend giving it a go here, as the conditions are some of the best in Victoria. Alternatively, you can walk along the beach or sit and watch the windsurfers fly through the waves. If you’re keen to get in the water, Offshore Surf School rents surfboards, SUP boards and heaps of other water toys.
LOCAL TIP: You can charter boats from Sandy Point General Store if you’re looking to get out on the water. Sandy Point Beach is hard-packed and many people launch their boats directly from the beach, making water access super easy.
13. Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve
Between Sandy Point and Yanakie, at the northern boundary of Wilsons Prom, you will find an extremely peaceful wetland called Shallow Inlet. The calm waters of Shallow Inlet are perfect for water activities like sailing, swimming, surfing and sea kayaking. This area is also popular for fishing + wildlife spotting (think seabirds, wallabies, echidnas) along the coastline!
LOCAL TIP: Hard-packed sand means you can drive directly on the beach here, for easy water access. Keep an eye on the tide, though, as it can change quickly!
14. Roy Henderson Path
This walk is beautifully set between Sandy Point and the edge of Wilsons Prom, giving you a chance to explore and enjoy nature without venturing too far into the bush! The Roy Henderson Path winds through woodlands and eucalyptus trees and brings you to a gorgeous lookout point. From the lookout, you can see over the green rolling hills to Wilsons Prom and the quaint country town of Foster.
LOCAL TIP: Walk this trail at dawn or dusk to spot beautiful birds and busy little crabs in the shallow water! Wildlife tends to be most active first thing in the morning and at the end of the day.
Quick Facts
Location: Sandy Point, Victoria
Distance: 2.4km (return)
Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Grade: Level 2 (Easy-Moderate)
Start/End: Manuka Street & Woodlands Ave Junction (Sandy Point)
15. Ned Neale’s Lookout
A short walk from the bottom end of Sandy Point’s Main Street, Ned Neale’s Lookout offers lovely boardwalks and a large viewing platform, perfect for taking in those epic sunset views! The best part about this spot is that only a handful of people know about it (mostly locals) so you get the view all to yourself!
LOCAL TIP: This lookout is the PERFECT whale watching spot during the winter months (May – October)! Whale watching is definitely one of the best things to do in South Gippsland in winter, as humpback whales and southern right whales are often spotted along the coast.
16. Agnes Falls
Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? I’m a HUGE fan and go out of my way to find waterfalls almost everywhere I go. Agnes Falls is special because it’s the highest waterfall in Victoria (59m) and is easily accessible via a series of boardwalks that take you down from the car park, along the river and eventually to a viewing platform that overlooks the falls!
There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy nature around the river and the waterfalls. Bring a snack or picnic lunch and spend some time soaking it all in.
LOCAL TIP: Agnes Falls is extra impressive after heavy rainfall, so try to show up after it rains if you can (winter is ideal because it ALWAYS rains but spring works nicely too).
17. Tarwin Valley Drive
This activity definitely requires a car (or at least a mate with a car)! Tarwin Valley Drive is 117km and ~3 hours of driving through incredibly lush rolling hills, quaint farming communities and along breath-taking coastal roads that twist and turn with the shoreline. It’s the perfect weekend activity and is one of the more relaxing things to do in South Gippsland. The drive can be covered all in one go or split up into smaller sections, depending on the amount of time you have!
If you’re looking to do the drive over a couple of days, I recommend splitting it up into two sections:
Section 1: Koonwarra to Fish Creek
61km and 1.5 hours of driving brings you from Koonwarra through Dumbalk, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo and eventually to Fish Creek. Fish Creek is filled with boutique shops, cute cafes and art galleries and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon/overnight taking in the gorgeous rural charm of this countryside town.
Section 2: Fish Creek to Venus Bay
56km and 1 hour 20 minutes of driving brings you from Fish Creek through Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay and then to Andersons Inlet. The seaside town of Inverloch has one of the most amazing beaches in all of South Gippsland, so if you’re looking to soak up the sun and splash in the waves, Inverloch Beach is an excellent spot to do so! Spend the night in Inverloch or head back towards Koonwarra to end your drive!
18. Silcocks Hill Lookout
Whether you’re a fan of wind farms or not, Silcocks Hill Lookout is the PERFECT spot to stop and admire the gorgeous rolling hills and farmland that surrounds Toora. On a clear day, you get awesome views of Foster, Port Franklin, Port Welshpool and the mountain peaks of Wilsons Prom in the distance. Of course, you also get amazing views of Toora Wind Farm, which is located just up Silcocks Hill Road.
LOCAL TIP: If you love wind farms as much as I do, make a point of driving up Silcocks Hill Road to Toora Wind Farm (less than 5 min drive)! You will be amazed at just how TALL the wind turbines really are + you can get close enough to snap awesome photos!
19. Mount Nicoll Lookout
Nestled between Foster and Fish Creek, you will find the hidden gem that is Mount Nicoll Lookout. The road that leads up to the walking track is quite steep and narrow (not well-suited for caravans). The walking track itself is short (200m) and steep in sections, so wear good shoes! But once you actually make it to the lookout, the view is SO worth it.
Mount Nicoll Lookout offers STUNNING views of the surrounding coastal inlets, stretching for miles in every direction. You can also see the towering wind turbines of Toora Wind Farms + mountains of Wilsons Prom along the horizon. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep and cows make for postcard-worthy photos and stunning backdrops for the perfect selfie 😉
LOCAL TIP: Avoid this lookout after heavy rainfall, as the footpath becomes a mud fest + gets very slippery!
20. Great Southern Rail Trail
A local favourite, the Great Southern Rail Trail covers 68km of countryside between Leongatha and Port Welshpool. This well-maintained, gentle trail is great for cycling, walking and experiencing the beautiful nature of regional Victoria. Do the whole trail, start to end, or split it up into sections, depending on your fitness level and time! Bike hire can be arranged in Leongatha, Meeniyan or Foster if you’re keen to cycle the trail.
LOCAL TIP: The Great Southern Rail Trail was once an old train line between Melbourne and Yarram and, although the railway tracks have been removed, many historical landmarks remain scattered along the route, ready and waiting to be explored by visitors. If you’re wanting to learn some local history, stop to read the signs and plaques along the route!
Well, that’s it from me, thanks so much for reading! I hope this blog post has helped you pick some amazing things to do in South Gippsland! I know you’ll have the BEST time exploring this corner of Australia. If you have questions or think I missed something, don’t be shy.. drop me a comment below! Thanks, friends xx