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Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gemsBlue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. By news@gippsland - 18th September 2025 - Back to News Blue Pool is a natural waterhole nestled in the gorge along Freestone Creek. With the freshest water, trees towering over the banks and rocks reflected on the surface, this is an ideal spot to kick back and while away an afternoon. Blue Pool is located just over 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne. Shortly after you reach Traralgon, swing north to Briagolong, in the forested foothills of the Great Dividing Range. 
Blue Pool, a picturesque natural waterhole in Briagolong State Forest, offers pristine waters, scenic views, and a perfect escape just over three hours from Melbourne Blue PoolPass time on the pebbly shoreline contemplating life or brave a paddle. In warmer weather, this is a popular place to cool off. Slather on some sunscreen, inflate a lilo and drift off across the water. Dogs (on-lead) are welcome here. Take the walk up to the Peregrine Lookout, an hour loop that offers unparalleled views of Briagolong State Forest. You can also take a shorter walk up to the bluff and back. If you want to make a night of it, stay at the nearby campsite, only 500m from the pool. Wake up to bird song and spend the rest of your day by the water with a good book. 
Relax by Blue Pool, swim or paddle, walk Peregrine Lookout, camp nearby, enjoy nature, scenic views, and peaceful bird song Things to do nearby- Visit the historic Briagolong Hotel for a hearty feed, only fifteen minutes away. A beloved local institution, this is a classic cosy country pub
- Also fifteen minutes away, the Farmers Arms Hotel in Newry is the perfect place for a crisp beer and tasty roast dinner
- Wander through the charming village of Maffra, where you can pop into the Sugar Beet Museum for some local history, rev your engine at the Gippsland Vehicle Collection or indulge in some retail therapy at the boutique stores. Explore the street art trail in Briagolong, where you can stare in wonder at the colourful and creative murals that adorn many of the buildings in town, from farm landscapes to fantastical creature features
Explore Briagolong and Maffra: cosy pubs, museums, street art, rail trails, boutique shopping, and local breweries and wineries - Hop on your bike and travel the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (Stratford - Traralgon), where you can take in mountain vistas and wind through warm country villages
- Don't forget the local wine and beer trail. Visit the beer-slinging folks at Maffco Brewery for pale ales and lagers or enjoy a glass of wine with a view at Vines on Avon. Sitting high on a hill, Blue Gables experiences such cold temperatures that their wines end up extra delicious and crisp, while Mt Moornapa offers tastings in their underground cellar for an atmospheric experience
Your getaway itinerary awaits
Gippsland Getaway: Scenic Melbourne Drive, Paddock-to-Plate Lunch at Lindenow, Den of Nargun Hike, Bluff Lookout Views, and Peaceful Camping at Echo Bend Caravan Park Day 1Departing from Melbourne, start your day with a scenic drive through bucolic fields to The Long Paddock in Lindenow. Enjoy a paddock-to-plate lunch made from the best seasonal Gippsland produce - think freshly baked scones with homemade jam, or fresh melon with prosciutto and pickled watermelon rind. After lunch, continue your journey on to the spectacular Den of Nargun Loop Walk, a place of ancient trees and looming ridgelines. Pack a picnic and take a short hike up to Bluff Lookout for sweeping views of the Mitchell River Gorge. In the evening, set up camp at Echo Bend Caravan Park, surrounded by bushland and birdlife for a peaceful overnight stay. 
Spend a day at Blue Pool, float on the water, hike Peregrine Lookout, enjoy local pub meals, and camp nearby Day 2In the morning, head off towards Blue Pool. Make sure you pack lunch and plenty of snacks, because this is a secluded paradise, and you won't want to leave to visit the nearest café for refreshments. Spend the day floating across the water in a lilo or inflatable donut, listening to the birds and the sound of the water beneath you. Go for a walk along the Peregrine Lookout Trail for unmatched views of the surrounding forest. At the end of the day, head to the Briagolong Pub for a hearty country pub meal. If you're into camping under the stars, return to Blue Pool or one of the other free campsites on the Freestone Creek Camping Precinct. Otherwise, keep driving on to Stratford and stay in a quaint B&B or country motel. 
Enjoy Stratford coffee, Maffco Brewery lunch, Gippsland Vehicle Collection, Lake Glenmaggie stroll or cycling, birdwatch in Heyfield, and finish with a hearty pub dinner Day 3Start the day right with a coffee from one of Stratford's charming cafes, then head towards Maffra. Stop at Maffco Brewery for a decadent lunch and freshly poured beer. The Maffco menu changes regularly, but here's a taste: baked camembert, pork belly, maple leaf burgers. Scrumptious. Next, visit the Gippsland Vehicle Collection, where you can step back in time through the history of cars and other vehicles. Fuel up with a coffee and snack at one of Maffra's cafes, then it's time to hit the road again. Drive down to Lake Glenmaggie, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or go cross-country cycling at Blores Hill. After enjoying the lake, head to Heyfield, where you can go birdwatching at the local wetlands (if you have any energy left). End your evening at the Railway Hotel Heyfield, with a classic pub grub meal and a comfy bed. You've earned it. Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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