Local Tourism Regions
Just over an hour's drive east of Melbourne, you will find the West Gippsland region. Made up of three distinct areas, the West Gippsland region offers a wide range of activities and accommodation styles and choices to suit any taste or budget. It is great in any season and its close proximity to Melbourne makes it a wonderful choice for a day trip, short break, or an extended holiday.
The West Gippsland region is serviced by three active local tourism associations, who can provide in-depth detail about accommodation, restaurants and other activities in their respective regions. For further information, please visit their websites. Links are provided below (a new window will pop up):
From emerald pastures and fields of golden hay, to clear rivers, waterfalls, temperate rain forests, green rolling hills, alpine landscapes, public and private gardens and vineyards, West Gippsland Gourmet Country reminds you that truly spectacular scenery still exists. Here you will find the food and wine treasures of West Gippsland. You can fill your esky with the freshest variety of local produce, including cheeses, fruits, olives, vegetables, fish and free range meats.
Stay in a cosy self-contained cottage or luxury retreat, visit a host farm, or meet the locals at a friendly B&B. The region also provides a great experience in motel accommodation; lodges, caravan parks and camps. You will soon be relaxed and rejuvenated whilst enjoying the comforts of good country hospitality.
The Walhalla and Mountain Rivers area incorporates the towns of Erica, Rawson, Walhalla Historic Township and localities such as Coopers Creek, Aberfeldy, Moodarra and Tyers Junction. This region is like an island in the sky and sets itself apart from other parts of Gippsland by providing year-round activities that suit all tastes and budgets.
Meet the locals in a country pub, go skiing on a choice of two mountains in winter, camp at the numerous sites dotted throughout the region, enjoy the many hiking trails, mountain bike in Erica and experience fascinating gold-era heritage in the beautiful Walhalla Historic Township. With easy access from either Moe, Traralgon or South Face Road, the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers region is perfect as a day trip, but it's best enjoyed when you stay in the region overnight. Wake up to sounds of birds and the smell of the bush. It's a real Aussie experience that cannot be beaten.
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is nestled high amongst the Great Dividing Range, and is the closest downhill ski resort to Melbourne. The resort is situated on the edge of the Baw Baw Plateau and offers spectacular views across West Gippsland towards Bass Strait and Westernport Bay. There are colourful wildflowers throughout summer and an abundance of animal life, making it a spectacular year-round destination. The village, with its friendly atmosphere and modern facilities caters for the day tripper and long-term visitor.
With accommodation, ski hire, food outlets retail, medical and information centres all within easy walking distance of the car parks, the village is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort's new Wellbeing Centre features a Rock Spa Pool, which is nestled in among the rocks and the snow gums. You can relax all year round in the warm spa pool, wind down and feel a "world away" in this maginificent alpine setting. Other all year round offerings include the Alpine Bungee Tramp, Dry Slope Tubing, Big Air Bad, conferences, weddings and local food and produce at Village Central and Kelly's Lodge.