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East Gippsland is land of the long weekend with road trips like Omeo to Bruthen and Orbost to Cape Conran

East Gippsland, nestled in Victoria's eastern corner, boasts sparkling lakes, vast coastlines, and mountainous terrain, making the drive from major cities worthwhile for unique landscapes and adventures.

By news@gippsland - 11th June 2024 - Back to News

East Gippsland is a land of sparkling lakes, hundreds of kilometres of untouched coastline, and high-country adventure and is well worth the drive time. Nestled in Victoria's most eastern pocket, the drive to get there from major cities might be hefty, but it's a high-reward game of lakeside villages, alpine vistas and pristine shores. Make the most of your long weekends (and don't be afraid to create your own with a day of leave) to catch some of Victoria's most unique and pure landscapes.

In Victoria's east, the journey to East Gippsland from major cities may be long, but it promises rewarding experiences of lakes, mountains, and coastal beauty

Day 1: Arrive in Omeo

Arrive in Omeo and get swept up in the charm of the historic town. The main street is lined with Victorian-period architecture, an homage to the town's gold mining heritage. Tuck into lunch at Crazy Cow Cafe or Fresh Air Omeo Cafe, or enjoy a simpler lunch of pies and sangas at Pippa's Bakehouse.

Stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll around town. Wander the Justice Precinct, made up of heritage-listed buildings showing off the town's gold rush history, including the Post Office with its impressive arched verandah.

Dine at the iconic Golden Age Hotel, bathed in art-deco-splendour. The hotel has a great line of hearty steaks and pub grub. Or nearby, Hilltop Hotel offers a mix of Asian-inspired dishes alongside pub classics.

Explore historic Omeo: Victorian charm, diverse dining, leisurely strolls, and iconic hotels serving hearty meals with a nod to gold rush history

Day 2: Around Omeo

Fuel up for the day with brekky at New Rush Brewhouse, with their short-and-sweet menu that covers the breakfast essentials. Head to the Omeo Mountain Bike Park for an adrenaline-filled day of mountain biking. With trails suitable for all skill levels, you'll have a blast exploring the rugged terrain and scenic vistas.

If riding isn't your scene, head out on the tranquil Livingston Creek Walking Track, which stretches all the way from the town centre to the Oriental Claims. From town, follow the river to the claims. At the Ah Fong's picnic area there is a shorter loop walk Ah Fongs Loop (1.5km). The track is known for its birdlife and flora, including native orchids.

Catch the sunset from one of Omeo's lookout points, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We recommend Kosciusko Lookout, 11 mins out of town on the Great Alpine Road. Your hard-earned thirst can be quenched at New Rush Brewhouse. The team are slinging pizzas, often accompanied by a few special extras like pork belly bao buns or smoked beef brisket.

Start your day at New Rush Brewhouse for brekky, then hit Omeo Mountain Bike Park or Livingston Creek Walking Track. Enjoy sunset views and brews

Day 3: Bruthen via Swift Creeks

Head down that big ole hill along the Great Alpine Road towards Bairnsdale, enjoying the mountainous landscapes and layers of lush hillsides. Take time to explore Swifts Creek and check out the Great Alpine Gallery, an artist-run gallery and gift shop with gift cards, paintings and photography. Stock up at the renowned Swifts Creek Bakery then take the Poet's Walk, taking in scenic riverside spots. The 1km walk weaves past six stanzas of a poem by John Butler inscribed on six cairns.

Continue to Bruthen, a sweet town tucked into the idyllic landscape of the Tambo Valley. Drop in to Ramrod Swimming Hole 5 minutes north of town, where a widening of the river makes a beautiful waterhole. Tambo Valley Honey is your go-to for cafe fare (though it's stiff competition with the bakery, tea rooms and brewery all in close proximity!).

Explore Great Alpine Road, Swifts Creek, and Bruthen. Enjoy scenic walks, local art, bakeries, and a dip in Ramrod Swimming Hole

Explore town's delights

A quick lap of the town centre will have you strolling by gift shops, art and vintage second-hand wares. You can loop back by the river to take in the scenic bushland and riverscape. At the eastern end of town, pop into Bruthen Art & Information Centre where local artisan and produce is on display.

You can also peek inside The Police Lockup & Fettlers Hut for a glimpse into life in the town's history throughout the 1800 and 1900s. If you're looking for a final chance to stretch the legs before hitting the drive home, weave amongst a rainforest landscape fit for fairies, on the Fairy Dell Walking Track (1.4km; 40 mins).

Discover Orbost's charm with leisurely walks in Orbost Parklands. Cycle the East Gippsland Rail Trail or enjoy craft beer at Sailors Grave Brewing

Day1: Marlo via Orbost

Picturesque Orbost is known for its heritage streetscapes amidst natural beauty. Stretch the legs at the Orbost Parklands, for a leisurely stroll amidst towering trees and lush greenery. If you're looking to fit more into your day, you can hire bikes and transfers with Snowy River Cycling to ride the final section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail between Nowa Nowa and Orbost, a cool shady section of the trail that takes in remarkable trestle bridges including the seductive Stony Creek Trestle Bridge.

Over the summer months you can sample Sailors Grave Brewing's inventive range of ales from their cellar door located in the old butter factory. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at the newly refurbished Orbost Club Hotel. They wouldn't leave you wanting for a schnitzel or a T-bone, but you can also find some more inspired dishes like Thai pork belly bites, pulled pork tacos, laksa or Greek lamb rump salad. Then head to Marlo and check into your accommodation.

Relax in coastal Marlo, where the Snowy River meets the ocean. Start with a sunrise beach stroll, then fish or kayak. Enjoy sunset at Marlo Pub

Day2: Around Marlo

Head to the relaxed coastal town of Marlo, the meeting place of the mighty Snowy River and the ocean. Start your day with a sunrise stroll along Marlo's pristine beaches, taking in panoramic views of the ocean and river estuary. Snowy River Estuary Walk is a gentle amble from the centre of town to the dramatic coast of Mots Beach.

Enjoy a day of fishing on the Snowy River, known for its abundant fish stocks and scenic beauty. Or you can get out into the estuary on a SUP or kayaking tour with SUP Marlo. The heart of the town (not to mention one of the best sunset viewing points in the region) is the Marlo Pub. The cheerful bistro service extends onto the generous umbrella-clad verandah with views towards the estuaries.

Marlo picnic, then Cape Conran Coastal Park. Explore secluded beaches, swim, surf, or stroll Cape Conran Nature Trail's scenic boardwalk

Day3:Cape Conran

Stock up in Marlo to prepare a picnic lunch for your day out adventuring, then hit the road for Cape Conran Coastal Park. Cape Conran is a beach paradise, away from the throngs of visitors. A wide sandy beach is book-ended by rocky outcrops saluting the ocean. Its unparalleled beauty is proof that beaches aren't just for summer (though when it's hot, this is a great option! Swimmers head to East Cape; surfers head to West Cape).

When it's too cold for a dip, take time to follow the boardwalk of the Cape Conran Nature Trail which hugs the coastline, through banksia woodlands and heathland, past sacred ancient meeting places of Aboriginal people.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com