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Visit East Gippsland in 2023 for sustainable getaway to support locals and explore hidden gems

Visit East Gippsland's small towns for an impactful, sustainable getaway. Support locals, enjoy nature, and explore hidden gems affected by bushfires.

By news@gippsland - 5th April 2023 - Back to News

Looking for a getaway with an impact? East Gippsland is full of small, local towns that might not be as well-known as their popular counterparts around Victoria. But a visit to these small communities won't sacrifice experience! Much of East Gippsland was tragically affected in the 2019/20 bushfires, but nature is regenerating, these towns are rebuilding, and they are ready for your visit.

Explore East Gippsland's hidden gems, support locals, and enjoy nature in small towns

Be welcomed by tight knit communities and support small, locally owned businesses. Experience some of the most pristine, untouched nature in the state without the crowds, and spend your hard-earned dollars on a tourist industry that respects and values the environment, wildlife, and each other. Here are three hidden gems of East Gippsland for you to consider for your next sustainable getaway.

Metung offers luxury accommodation, geothermal hot springs, sustainable practices, lakeside dining, glamping, and local produce

Metung

Located in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes, Metung has a small but quaint centre, offering a hint of luxury in its accommodation options. Boats line the waterfront, and a boardwalk runs along the shores of Bancroft Bay. The recently opened Metung Hot Springs has revived the long forgotten geothermal waters bubbling under the surface of Metung.

The entire complex has been developed with sustainability and regeneration principles at the core, with all the water from the pools being recycled to the on-site golf course. Spend a day bathing in pools overlooking the lake or stay a little longer with a night in their on-site glamping tents.

The Metung Hotel is a country pub that could compete with any fancy Melbourne restaurant. Offering high quality meals overlooking the lake, you can even arrive by boat if you've got one! The coffee is good from Aroma at Metung, and you can stock up on all your cheese and charcuterie needs at The Farmer & The Cook.

Marlo offers natural beauty and a friendly local pub, with scenic walks and beaches nearby. No commercialism here

Marlo

Marlo is the epitome of small-town charm. What this tiny town may lack in size, it more than makes up for in spectacular natural beauty. Best known as the town where the Snowy River meets the sea, Marlo is surrounded by untouched nature from all sides. You won't find any hint of commercialism here, forget McDonald's, Woolworths, or the Hilton. Instead, you'll find a friendly local pub, a small general store and one cafe.

The Marlo Hotel has been the cornerstone of the community for hundreds of years. The best place to eat and sleep in town, their front deck is the spot to be for sunset. If you can snag a night in the suitably named Tower Room, you will enjoy elevated views over the river and coast through floor to ceiling windows. Order anything from the menu for lunch and dinner - it's all good!

Wander along the Snowy River Estuary Walk to see the mighty river meet its end at the aptly named MOTS (Mouth of the Snowy) Beach. Head a little further out of town to Cape Conran Coastal Park,where you will find miles of walking trails, spectacular beaches (don't miss Salmon Rocks) and even popular surf breaks when the conditions are right.

Discover Mallacoota's untouched beaches, pristine waterways, and bush tracks. Enjoy local dining and unique accommodation options

Mallacoota

Tucked away at the furthest reaches of the Victorian border, Mallacoota might be remote but it's worth the drive. Incredible beaches shared with no one, a network of waterways prime for boating and fishing, and miles of tracks through bush and along the coast for walking, biking or 4WDing. There's no fine dining or fancy hotels here. But what you will find is a handful of deeply loved local restaurants and accommodation options that are an integral part of the community.

Check out Lucy's for delicious Asian food in the most unexpected of places. And Sundays are a great spot for fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch options. Those wanting to get back to basics and go camping are rewarded with some of the best tent views in the whole state, overlooking sparkling waters at the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park.

For an accommodation option with a whole lot of heart and soul, Karbeethong Lodge is a lovingly restored lodge set on the shores of Bottom Lake. Forget a clinical chain hotel, you're welcomed personally by the owners and will share a whole lot of laughs in their communal kitchen, cosy lounge, and expansive balcony.

Sustainable travel tips

Simply by choosing to visit these lesser known, smaller towns in East Gippsland you are already having a more sustainable holiday. By spreading love and money to different destinations, and avoiding overcrowding in popular spots, you have made a fantastic decision, and you'll be rewarded for it with empty beaches, no traffic and an abundance of wildlife and nature! In addition, there are some easy tips you can follow no matter where you're travelling, to reduce your impact:

• BYO reusables - Avoid single-use plastics by packing a reusable coffee cup, straw and cutlery. If you forget, opt to dine in instead, avoiding any waste
  Watch out for wildlife on the roads - Because East Gippsland is so pristine, there are large swathes of natural areas adjacent to many roads. Always keep your eye out for wildlife, and slow down to avoid accidents, particularly around dusk and dawn
• Eat local produce - East Gippsland is full of fantastic makers, bakers, growers and brewers. From delicious dairy to seafood fresh off the boat, and tasty tipples, you are guaranteed to eat and drink well in this region. Plan your meals around food in season, from local restaurants to minimise the carbon footprint of your food and support local industry
• Dispose of your rubbish correctly - If you are picnicking in national parks, you may need to carry your rubbish out with you. Keep the pristine beaches, bush and waterways clean
• Support local businesses - The beauty of East Gippsland is that most businesses are small, locally owned options. But if you are faced with a decision of eating, sleeping or shopping with larger corporations, opt for local. You will usually always have a better experience for it!
• Opt for biodegradable sunscreen - If you're jumping in the beautiful waters of East Gippsland, use a chemical-free sunscreen that won't damage reef or marine life

By making a conscious effort to travel more sustainably, you can enjoy East Gippsland, knowing your trip is leaving a positive impact on the region.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com