Escape With An Outdoor Adventure in Gippsland

Escape With An Outdoor Adventure in Gippsland

Gippsland will be bursting with outdoor activities this summer as the region's breathtaking beaches, lakes district, hiking trails and world-renowned camping spots welcome travellers and come alive in the warmer weather. A diverse destination with experiences for hard-core adventure, indulgent relaxation and everything in between, Gippsland has holiday offerings suitable for tribes of friends, quiet couples and fun-seeking families. Summer highlights include sightseeing tours of the Gippsland Lakes with Riveria Nautic's scenic cruise boats; farm-to-table foraging and outdoor dining at working farm, Tamsin's Table; lazy afternoons tasting the locally brewed beer at Loch Brewery and Distillery and self-guided scenic cycling adventures around the Snowy River region.

Sightseeing tours of the Gippsland Lakes

Visit the award-winning Riveria Nautic, where visitors can hire yachts and catamarans for a sailing holiday on the Great Lakes and experience a sightseeing tour on the cruise boat, Riveria Scenic. Starting from the marina in Metung and then heading out through Chinaman's Creek to the picturesque Box's Creek, the Riveria Scenic tour also takes in Bells Point, the quaint hamlets of Nungurner and Kalimna, and the busy fishing hub of Lakes Entrance. The cruise will then stop to allow for a short walk along the beach separating the ocean from the lakes before heading back to Metung via the stunning Barrier Landing. In addition to showcasing the region's beauty, the 2.5 hour long tours seek to provide visitors with a history of the area, including the formation of the Gippsland Lakes, the aboriginal heritage, and the marine, wildlife and birdlife unique to the region.

What: Riviera Nautic's sightseeing tours of the Gippsland Lakes
When: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2.30pm to 5.00pm
Where: Tours depart from the Riveria Nautic Marina, 185 Metung Road, Metung
How: To book, call 03 5156 2243. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors, concession holders and locals, and $20 for children. Children under 6 are free. For more information, visit www.riveriascenic.com.au/tours 

Taste local beer at Loch Brewery and Distillery

Visitors can soak in the warmer weather and scenery with a relaxing afternoon at Loch Brewery and Distillery, where the operators take a fresh approach on brewing beer, hand making small batches of traditional real ale from grain with no forcing of fermentation or pasteurisation. Beer enthusiasts will be delighted with Loch Brewery and Distillery's high quality range of beer and can also sample their fine single malt whiskey and gin. 

What: Brewers of traditional real ale, single malt whiskey and gin

When: Open Friday to Sunday throughout summer from 12noon – 5.00pm

Where: 44 Victoria Rd, Loch, VIC 3945

How: For more information visit: www.facebook.com/lochbrewery or call 0423 812 172

Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory Sea Kayak Multi-day Tour

Sea Kayak Australia is offering three day kayaking adventure tours this summer around Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. Beginning in Port Welshpool, visitors embark on a scenic three to four hour paddle across Corner Inlet to Tin Mine Cove to set up camp for the night. Campers will be treated to a serene location with snorkeling available off the beach to view the abundant marine life. The second day is spent paddling around the local coves with wildlife spotting of Gippsland's resident dolphins and seals. With paddling through the sparkling Gippsland waters, bushwalking, wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery, this three day escape is sure to be a memorable adventure. Tour includes single or double kayak, dry bags, jackets, thermal plus all camping gear except sleeping bag.

What: Multi-day Kayaking tour

When: Available throughout summer via prior booking

Where: 44 Clifton St, Aberfeldie, Victoria 3040

How: Visit www.seakayakaustralia.com/ or, Phone: 04 1032 9090 or, Email: info@seakayakaustralia.com

Snowy River Cycling

Snowy River Cycling is offering a self-guided summer cycling trips, encouraging to explore the farmlands and forest area surrounding the beautiful Snowy River. Starting and finishing in Orbost, cyclists have the option of choosing a relaxed, leisurely pedal riverside or, for the more experienced, an energetic 45km loop that covers the river, farmland and East Gippsland Rail Trail. Bike, helmet, basic tools, drink bottle holder, route maps and information are all included in the tour providing everything needed to discover the inspiring and scenic surrounds of Gippsland by bike.

What: Self-guided cycling tour around Snowy River

When: Available via bookings

Where: Orbost, Far East Gippsland, Victoria

How: Visit www.snowyrivercycling.com.au to organise bike and equipment hire

Tamsin's Table

Set on a 113 acre working farm in the lush countryside of Poowong East, Tamsin's Table was created by owner, Tamsin Carvan, a former city girl who made the seachange and moved to the countryside to establish this beautiful workshop and dining destination. Husband Allan makes handcrafted furniture and interiors by commission, while Tamsin collaborates with some wonderfully talented individuals on bespoke, intimate, open-to-the-public events held on the farm. A calendar of lunches are held throughout the year at the farmhouse or outside under the tree, with delicious seasonal food and spectacular views of the valley. Visitors will be treated to a simple, whimsical menu of seasonal produce, grown in the rambling kitchen garden or on the farm.

What: Lunch and workshops at Tamsin's Table

When: Available via booking

Where: Tamsin's Table, 2255 Main South Road, Poowong East 3988 VIC

How: To make a booking visit http://tamsinstable.com.au/lunches/ and select a lunch event or workshop to attend. Group bookings are available for eight to ten guests by emailing hello@tamsinstable.com.au with preferred dates.                                             

For more information on Gippsland's summer activities, visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au/villages.

Join the conversation on Gippsland and share and exchange travel discoveries at: https://www.facebook.com/gippsland

Gippsland Background Notes: Gippsland is one of the largest expanses of regional Victoria, stretching from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to the New South Wales border, encompassing the Great Dividing Range and Bass Strait in the south. The region offers vast, diverse and spectacular landscapes, from mountain summits and alpine forests to tranquil lakes, rivers and pristine beaches.

Gippsland's best known tourist destinations include Wilson's Promontory, Croajingolong National Park, Mt Baw Baw, Lakes Entrance, Inverloch, Metung and Bairnsdale. It is also known for the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland lake system in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering 400 square kilometres, the Gippsland Lakes are a central hub for boating, fishing and water activities.

The quickest way to get to Gippsland from Melbourne by car is to travel south-east along the Monash Freeway and then take the M1 (Princes Freeway) through many of central Gippsland's cities and townships, including Warragul, Traralgon and Sale and on to Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Cann River. The region is accessible by public transport from Melbourne via the V/Line train service, which operates every day as far as Bairnsdale, with connecting buses to Lakes Entrance.

More information on the beauty of Gippsland, including endless accommodation options, activities and sights, visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au