Things to Do in Gippsland: Walks, Markets, Food and Winery Stays (2026 Updated)

Gippsland suits travellers who want more than one kind of getaway. In one trip, you can walk through cool-temperate outdoor activities and settle in for a long lunch with local wine. This guide highlights practical, worthwhile stops for things to do in Gippsland, including walks, markets, food spots, and winery stays, with each recommendation chosen for what it does best.

Top Outdoor Activities in Gippsland

Walking in Gippsland

Walking is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Gippsland. Short walks suit couples, families, and day-trippers who want to take in the landscape without needing special gear or a full-day plan. Many are easy to fit between other stops and a scenic drive. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and water are usually enough for a relaxed outing.

Suggested places for your walking adventure list in Gippsland:

• Tarra Bulga National Park: Tarra Bulga National Park is a cool-temperate rainforest in South Gippsland, known for towering mountain ash, dense fern gullies, and rich Gunaikurnai cultural heritage on Brataualung Country. 
• Loo-Errn Walking Track: Loo-Errn Walking Track is an easy boardwalk walk along Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory, with views of Mount Oberon, the Vereker Range, and protected estuarine wetlands. The track is about 1 km one way and suits visitors who want a short.
• Nobbies Upper Boardwalks: The Nobbies Upper Boardwalks are dramatic clifftop paths on Phillip Island, offering sweeping Bass Strait views, the famous Nobbies rock formations, and outlooks toward Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. This is a short stop that delivers strong coastal scenery in well under 30 minutes. 
• Mt Oberon Summit Walk: Mt Oberon Summit Walk is one of Wilsons Promontory’s most iconic hikes, climbing from Telegraph Saddle to a granite summit with panoramic views over Tidal River, the coastline, and offshore islands.

Hiking in Gippsland

Hiking suits visitors who want a more active day and do not mind spending longer on the trail. Hiking works well for keen walkers, couples who enjoy outdoor adventure, or groups looking for something more memorable in nature. A little preparation makes a difference. Sturdy footwear, water, snacks, and a weather check before leaving all help make the day more comfortable and enjoyable.

Suggested places for your hiking adventure in Gippsland:

• Hoddle Mountain Trail: A scenic South Gippsland trail near Fish Creek, Hoddle Mountain Trail passes through farmland, fern gullies, and rocky hills with extended coastal views. 

• Grand Strzelecki Walking Track: Grand Strzelecki Track is a long-distance hiking route through the Strzelecki Ranges, known for magnificent rainforest, giant Mountain Ash, and refreshing scenery. 

• Mitchell River Walking Track: Mitchell River Walking Track is a rugged East Gippsland hike that follows the Mitchell River through dramatic gorge landscapes and bush camping areas.

• Wilsons Promontory National Park: Wilsons Promontory National Park is Gippsland’s best-known hiking destination, famous for granite peaks, stunning coastal trails, white-sand beaches, and rainforest walks, all combined in one place. 

Cycling in Gippsland

Cycling offers a good middle ground between a relaxed outing and an active adventure. Cycling in Gippsland suits families, casual riders, and travellers who want to cover more ground while still taking in the scenery at an enjoyable pace. Some routes are easy and accessible, while others are better for riders who want a longer day out. Bring water, wear sun protection, and check the route conditions before heading off, especially in warmer weather or more exposed areas.

Some highlighted routes for your cycling adventure in Gippsland:

• Grand Ridge Rail Trail: Grand Ridge Rail Trail is a scenic 13 km ride through the Strzelecki Ranges, linking Mirboo North and Boolarra through rolling hills, eucalypt forest, and historic railway bridges.
• Lakes Entrance Foreshore Cycling Track: Lakes Entrance Foreshore Cycling Track is a family-friendly coastal ride along the Esplanade, with waterfront views, beachside scenery, and easy access to the town’s foreshore atmosphere.
• Mitchell River Cycling Loop: Mitchell River Cycling Loop is a gentle riverside ride in Bairnsdale that follows both sides of the Mitchell River past picnic spots, open parkland, and interpretive signs. 

Coastal & Watersports in Gippsland

Coastal and watersports are a good way to enjoy Gippsland from a different angle. Coastal in Gippsland suits couples, families, and small groups who want a mix of fresh air, open water, and a more relaxed pace than an usual route of cycling or hiking. 

Some visitors come to Gippsland for a quiet few hours with a fishing rod, while others prefer paddling, boating, or simply spending time by the water with picnic baskets in hand. It is an easy activity to shape around the day, but conditions can change quickly, so it helps to check the weather, bring water, sun protection, and practical clothing.

Suggested places for your coastal adventure in Gippsland:

• Water Activities: The Gippsland Lakes are one of the easiest places to add paddling to your trip. Kayak and stand-up paddle options are available around the lake’s system. 
• Wildlife Spotting: Wilson’s Promontory whale-watching cruises are worth considering. During migration season, cruises around the Prom can include sea mammals like whales, dolphins, and seals.
• Outdoor Exploration: Ninety Mile Beach works best for travellers who want a wide-open coastal stop rather than a heavily built-up beach town. 
• Cape Woolamai (Phillip Island): Cape Woolamai is the pick for visitors who are drawn to surf beaches and stronger coastal scenery, better suited to confident beachgoers and walkers.
• Inverloch: Known for its safe beaches for families and swimming. The Anderson Inlet side is popular for swimming, kayaking and beach games, which makes it easier to plan for younger children or a slower beach day.

Unique Experiences in Gippsland

Unique experiences give visitors a different side of Gippsland beyond walking, hiking, and cycling. These special experiences in Gippsland suit couples, families, and curious travellers who want to mix nature, wildlife, and culture into the same trip. Some are easy to enjoy as a short stop, while others are better with a little planning. 

Suggested places for your unique adventure in Gippsland:

• Buchan Caves: Best-known cave attraction, famous for guided tours through limestone chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground formations. 
• Raymond Island: Raymond Island is a peaceful Gippsland Lakes destination best known for its wild koala population and easy walking trails near the ferry landing. 
• Gippsland Art Gallery: Gippsland Art Gallery is a leading regional gallery in Sale, showcasing visual art exhibitions in the Port of Sale precinct. 

Must-visit Places to Eat & Drink in Gippsland

One of the easiest ways to understand Gippsland is through its food. Some experiences are quick and casual, while others are best enjoyed slowly. Either way, food is one of the strongest ways to connect with the region.

Gippsland Farmers Markets 

Gippsland farmers’ markets help visitors understand the region quickly in season, what local producers are proud of, and what people actually take home to cook. Bring cash and a cooler bag if you plan to buy dairy, meats or prepared foods, and arrive earlier for the best produce range. 

Notable Gippsland farmers’ markets:

• Churchill Island Farmers Market (first Saturday of the month, 8 AM – 1 PM): A scenic monthly market on Churchill Island, known for fresh local produce from Phillip Island and the Gippsland region. Visitors can see an unusual day on the farm while enjoying their drinks at the nearby coffee shop. 
• Maffra Rotary Community Market (first Saturday of the month, 9 AM – 12:30 PM): Maffra Rotary Community Market is a relaxed local market in Maffra featuring produce, handmade goods, and community stalls at Island Reserve.
• Farmers Market Bairnsdale (first Saturday of the month, 8 AM – 1 PM): A popular monthly market in East Gippsland, offering fresh fruits, homemade jams, and artisan food at the Bairnsdale Secondary College oval. 

Best Restaurant in Gippsland, Australia 

Some meals deserve more time, and Gippsland has plenty of places where lunch and dinner can become part of the day’s highlight. Seasonal menus make the experience stronger, especially when they represent what season Gippsland is in at that time.

Best restaurants in Gippsland:

• Carrajung Estate’s Winery Restaurant: Set among the lush green vines, Carrajung Estate’s restaurant offers seasonal Gippsland produce alongside estate-grown wines. Located within the estate, the restaurant also offers at-the-table wine tasting, which is especially well-suited to a long lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a private celebration that becomes a memorable part of the group’s Gippsland trip.
• Soda Fish Restaurant: Soda Fish Restaurant is a standout dining stop in Lakes Entrance, set at Middle Boat Harbour beside the local fishing fleet. The restaurant is known for fresh seafood, local produce, and a relaxed waterfront setting that works well for a long lunch or dinner by the water. 

Best Spas and Wellbeing Experiences in Gippsland 

When the trip calls for recovery, Gippsland wellness retreats and bathhouse-style stops are the must-try experience in a weekend plan. 

Best Spas and Wellbeing in Gippsland for your adventure list:

• Metung Hot Springs: Metung Hot Springs is a geothermal wellness sanctuary offering hot spring bathing, spa treatments, and luxury glamping overlooking the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. 
• Koho Sauna: a floating wood-fired sauna in Lakes Entrance, offering contrast therapy with cold dips in the Gippsland Lakes and sunset views over the water.
• Wellbeing Elements Phillip Island: Wellbeing Elements Phillip Island is a modern bathhouse and recovery centre in Cowes, known for magnesium hot pools, cold plunge pools, a steam room, and saunas. 
• IDLE Lake House: A unique floating stay featuring a stylish, retro-inspired California houseboat on the Gippsland Lakes.

Eat, Drink, Stay & Celebrate: A Must-Try Winery Experience in Gippsland

After a day of walks, markets or time by the coast, many travellers want one destination that can carry the experience into the evening. Carrajung Estate suits that kind of trip well. Set on a 100-acre estate in Central Gippsland, Carrajung Estate brings together seasonal dining, estate-grown wines, boutique accommodation and celebration spaces in one walkable setting. For travellers searching for dog-friendly accommodation in Gippsland, Carrajung Estate is the perfect place.

FAQ 

1. What Is The Ideal Weekend Itinerary In Gippsland? 

The ideal weekend itinerary in Gippsland combines nature, food, wellness, and local experiences at an easy pace. Start with a rainforest walk or cycle trail in the morning, visit a farmers’ market or enjoy a long lunch in the afternoon, then finish the day with a hot spring soak or vineyard stay.

2. Is Gippsland Good For Day Trips From Melbourne?

Yes. Gippsland suits day-trippers because many of its strongest experiences can be done in a single loop: a walk, a market, a winery lunch or a coastal stop. In between your trip, Carrajung Estate is an ideal stop for a food-and-wine day out or an overnight extension, helping you relax and regain energy before heading back to your trip.

3. Are There Any Gippsland Wineries And Restaurants  In One Place?

Yes. Carrajung Estate is one of the clearer examples because it combines restaurant dining, wine tasting, accommodation and celebrations on one walkable estate. That setup is particularly useful for couples, groups and event guests who want a regional experience without extra driving between venues.

4. Are There Dog-Friendly Accommodation Options In Gippsland?

Yes. Gippsland has pet-friendly holiday parks, retreats and selected private stays, but policies vary by property. Carrajung Estate is also listed as a dog-friendly accommodation option and outdoor dining area where pets are welcome, so it can suit travellers who want a refined stay without leaving the dog behind.

5. When Should I Check Farmers Market Times In Gippsland?

Check close to your travel date. Monthly markets can shift with public holidays, special events or operator updates. At the time of writing, Churchill Island and Bairnsdale are listed on the first Saturday of the month, while the Maffra Rotary Community Market is listed on the first Sunday.