The Gippsland region is a captivating blend of rolling countryside, historic towns, and breathtaking lakeside vistas, stretching from Sale all the way to the sparkling waters of Lakes Entrance in Victoria’s east. Buckle up and join this 3-day itinerary as we meander through the very best of Gippsland’s coast and country, soaking up this diverse landscape on a short road trip, taking in both coast and country.
Day 1 – Sale
Be sure to sotp by the Sale Swing Bridge. Image from Visit Victoria.
Port of Sale Heritage Cruise. Image from everyday nicky & Visit Victoria.
Start your Gippsland adventure in Sale, approximately 214km east of Melbourne. Sale is a vibrant regional hub with a thriving arts scene and growing food and wine culture. Visit the historic Swing Bridge and relax on a Port of Sale River Cruise before settling in at Comfort Inn & Suites King Avenue. Just 2km away in the centre of town, enjoy a meal at the beautifully refurbished Criterion Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Cri’ by locals, which has stood on the site since 1865.
Where to stay?
Be sure to stay at Comfort Inn & Suites King Avenue. The hotel offers guests a charming and relaxing place to stay in Sale. Conveniently located on the Princes Highway, the city centre is a short five-minute drive.
Day 2 – Bairnsdale & Metung
Take a dip at the Metung Hot Springs. Image from Visit Victoria.
Enjoy some delicious food at the Metung Hotel. Image from Visit Victoria.
In the morning, head to laid-back Bairnsdale, the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Mitchell River. On the way, grab a coffee or maybe a bite of breakfast at Badger & Hare Café in Stratford, 15km from Sale, or indulge in delicious house-made pasta brunch at A Taste of Avon. Take a short detour to the Knob Reserve, a culturally significant Aboriginal meeting place offering stunning views.
Stretch your legs in Bairnsdale and admire the impressive Francesco Floreani mural (circa 1931) adorning the ceiling and walls of St Mary’s Cathedral. Then continue to Metung, a postcard-perfect village almost entirely surrounded by water. Dine on fresh seafood, enjoy the daily pelican feeding at the renowned Metung Hotel, which has been operating since 1870, and explore the eclectic local art studios and galleries. For a relaxing treat, take a dip at the award-winning Metung Hot Springs with panoramic views of Lake King.
Day 3 – Lakes Entrance
Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance. Image from Visit Victoria.
Wrap up your journey in Lakes Entrance, known for its coastal charm and abundance of fresh seafood. Stroll along the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, cruise the lakes, or cast a line from a hired boat. Pop into the family-owned Wyanga Park Winery, 10km from town, for a casual, no-pressure wine tasting. Don’t forget to take in the sweeping views from the lookout before checking into your hotel.
Where to stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Lakes Entrance, offering a peaceful lakefront setting close to shops, restaurants, and the beach, is perfect for a relaxing end to your road trip.