Gippsland | Victoria
Gippsland is one of the unique and diverse regions in Australia. It comprises of snow fields, wilderness,lakes district, rainforests, beaches and farm land.
The Gippsland Lakes system with its vast array of waterways to explore.
The lakes include many small Islands. One in particular, Raymond Island, is famous for its bird life. Many bird hides have been constructed for visitors to use and the surrounding marshland is home to an abundance of native waterbirds and wildlife.
A unique feature of the Gippsland Lakes is the Mitchell River silt jetties. They are among the longest in the world and run far into the lakes. They are believed to be formed by silt washed down by the Mitchell River system, over a million years ago. The Gippsland Lakes abuts two parks, the Lakes National Park taking in Sperm Whale Head and the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, with their wonderful camping reserves and many walking tracks. A great place to camp and relax and see many of the wildlife that abounds the area.
South Western Gippsland, on the Bass Coast gives you the opportunity to visit the popular fairy penguin parade at marvellous Phillip Island, or take some time to explore the majestic and diverse coastline. Enjoy the view from Point Grant and watch the waves crashing against the Nobbies, as the blow hole thunders in the cliffs below. Catch a ferry from Western Port Bay and take a closer look at Seal Rocks, the breeding ground for Australia's largest colony of fur seals.
The Bass Coast to Kilcunda and Wonthaggi, is where many tourist attractions are within easy reach. Further South is Cape Patterson, the gateway to Bunurong Marine Park which stretches along the coast for about 17 kilometres. It is a wonderland of sandy coves, rock platforms and underwater reefs supporting a diverse array of marine life. relax in the carefree atmosphere, a place where fishing is a way of life. Anderson Inlet, opening out to Bass Strait, is usually dotted with multi-coloured sails of yachts and windsurfers taking advantage of the ocean breezes. The popular surf beach on the outskirts of town allow easy access for surf and boogie boards.
Central Gippsland provides the perfect environment and offers many wonderful facilities. An irrigation and timber district, the area is rich in Arts, Crafts and History with many attractions and special events for you to enjoy. Many wineries are established in the region, with each offering a delightful variety of world class wines.
The river Avon easily accessed from Stratford, with it's broad gravelled bed, is a great place to fossick and explore.
To the north of Heyfield and beyond the popular Lake Glenmaggie, the Macalister River Valley road to Licola, twists beside green river pastures to the foot of the Alps. A great place for a spot of trout fishing.
