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This 3 day Gippsland itinerary screams romance, beautiful food and wine, and glorious country side. Perfect for couples or even a group of friends looking for a unique weekend country escape. Spend time exploring our wonderful wineries, local produce and incredible scenic attractions. Plus if you feel like stretching your legs, you will get to experience some of South Gippsland’s best short walking trails.
Best time to visit SOuth Gippsland
While the summer months of December through to February brings the most visitors and the best overall weather, South Gippsland can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Winter is cold, that’s a fact. But pastures are incredible green and waterfalls are at their absolute best. Also, what better way to spend a cozy winters night than in front of an open fire.
Spring and Autumn are my favourite months, and particularly gorgeous with lots of new rejuvenation happening throughout the entire area. Birds are singing and wildlife is out and about more often. It’s also an easier time to book that beautiful bed and breakfast or secluded cabin in the woods.
3 day South Gippsland Itinerary
The following 3 day Gippsland itinerary can be done in the order that suits you best. You might want to add an additional day or cut back your time if needed.
I’ll show you all the great stops each day, where to eat and best places to stay based on your Gippsland getaway.
Day 1. Loch Village & Meeniyan
We start our great adventure by visiting the tiny village of Loch. One of the prettiest rural towns in Victoria, Loch Village is nestled within the rolling hills of South Gippsland. It oozes a quaint and charming feel and is renowned for its cafe life as well as a range of interesting specialty shops.
For great locally made gourmet meals and treats head to Olive at Loch or Loch Village Foodstore. Both are open for breakfast and lunch.
Gippsland Wine Company
The Gippsland Wine Company can be found just before the turnoff into Loch Village and offers a cellar door showcasing their range of cool climate wines. The cellar door offers a gorgeous and rustic outdoor area overlooking the vines as well as the surrounding hills.
The Loch Brewery & Distillery is also located in town, residing in the old historic bank building. Serving traditional beers, vodka, gin and of recent, single malt whiskey, patrons can enjoy drinks in or out on the lawn.
Hilda Falls
Once a hidden gem that was hard to access, the newly formed Rail Trail makes visiting Hilda Falls a much easier adventure.
Once you hit the trail behind Sunnyside park, turn right toward the township of Korumburra. Hilda Falls is around 2.3 km from this point. Expect the walk to take around 30 minutes to reach on foot.
Special note: the falls are generally only running after a good rainfall and particularly during the months before summer.
More more inspiration go to: 7 Ultimate Things to do in Loch
Our next stop is town of Meeniyan. It is known as the gateway to South Gippsland’s most famous National Park, Wilsons Prom.
During the 40 minute drive you’ll pass through the towns of Korumburra, Leongatha and Koonwarra. Popular for its wonderful local produce and quirky community garden, Meeniyan is a regular weekend hot spot for out of town visitors.
Stop by The Outer Space for incredible hand made garden sculptures. This wonderful display of unique one off pieces are quite astonishing.
Also, be sure to visit Lacy, a jewellery studio and gallery with a wide range of beautiful pieces to choose from. The perfect place to buy something extra special for your significant other. Hint Hint !!
For more places to eat go to Meeniyan home page.
For more things to do go to 11 Best Things to do in Meeniyan.
Meeniyan for beautiful local Produce
Focusing on our amazing local producers as well as the finest imports, the Meeniyan Pantry and Cellar store houses an impressive range of products, This includes artisan breads and the sweetest pastries from the bakehouse. You’ll also find cured meats and other goodies from the delicatessen, and the biggest range of divine cheeses to try.
Why not stock up for your weekend with some beautiful produce and don’t forget some sweet chocolates to end the night. They also have a considerable range of beers, wines, ciders and spirits to purchase. So I guess you’re all set!
Other notable places include Pandesal’s, a delightful artisan bakery and Trulli for Italian inspired flavours.
WHERE TO EAT: Explore the rest of the town and stay for dinner at Meeniyan Hotel for good old fashioned country pub fare. Alternately, head to Avonleigh Farm Fine Dining for a night of exquisite dining. Bookings absolutely essential.
Where to stay in Meeniyan
The area has some gorgeous places to stay, including Campania Spa Suites with ultra modern suites in a scenic location. Or for cozy country stays I recommend Arnold House where you’ll wake up to pancakes and all sorts of breakfast goodies. See below for bookings.
Day 2. Fish Creek, Waratah Hills Winery & Agnes Falls
Why not have a little sleep in before setting off for the day. If you need a hearty breakfast head to Moos at Meeniyan. Or if you just need a good strong coffee, Meeniyan Store is the place.
From here we head south toward the art loving town of Fish Creek. For interesting art and sculptures you must visit the various galleries in town. Some of these include Celia Rosser Galllery for botanical paintings and prints, Stephani Hilltop Gallery for diverse portraits and landscapes, and Ride the Wild Goat for incredible woodwork.
Further reading: 10 interesting Things to do in fish creek
Waratah Hills Vineyard
The Waratah Hills Vineyard is a popular Fish Creek attraction for good reason. The winery is famous for cool climate wines, specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Guests can sip and dine in the restaurant, outside on the courtyard tables, or out on the lawn overlooking the vines. The vibe is a relaxing one with good friends, good food and impeccable service.
Gurneys Cidery
Located on the Fish Creek – Foster Road is Gurneys Cidery. The cellar door includes floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views overlooking Wilsons Prom and the surrounding area.
The cidery offers a range of ciders to try with tasting boards, and small group tours on site.
Agnes Falls
Continue onto to Toora before turning inland to Agnes Falls. The road is a scenic 11 km from the South Gippsland Highway and heads into lush forest.
The cascading falls drop 59 metres and are only a short walk from the main car park. Viewing the falls is easy and you get a clear look from the viewing platforms. Visiting after a rainy period is one of the best times to come, but you can expect the falls to be running any time of year.
The park land here is perfect for a short stroll along the river and a great resting place to take in the tranquil surrounds. There is plenty of green space and picnic tables. Listen out for birdlife and possibly some friendly wildlife.
Both the Toora or Foster Pubs are open for dinner. Sit back and enjoy true country hospitality. If staying in is on the agenda you can also grab a wood fired pizza from Toora Woodfire Pizza place.
Where to stay
You can choose to stay in the Toora area or back track some 10 minutes to Foster. See below for options and bookings.
Day 3. Tarra Bulga National Park
Waterfalls, fern gulleys and pristine nature walks ends our final day on this 3 day Gippsland itinerary.
The drive from Toora to the Tarra Bulga National Park will take just over 1 hour. The drive in is incredibly scenic as you head deep into the park.
Tarra Falls
Our first stop for this South Gippsland getaway is the road side stop of Tarra Falls.
The 30 mt drop falls rush down a steady incline and you’ll be seeing the side on view as it pushes past you oh so closely. There is just a few short steps heading downward to a small viewing platform.
Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk to Cyathea Falls
As you continue tour drive a few kilometres further along the road, you will come to Tarra Valley Picnic area. It’s a perfect picnic area once you have completed your first walk.
Pass over gentle running streams and through a forest of magical flora on the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk. The 1 km (10 to 15 minutes) leads all the way to Cyathea Falls.
The trail is a fine example of how beautiful and striking the whole area is. Hear the sounds of trickling water in the background as you make your way toward the small but pretty cascading falls.
Corrigan Suspension Bridge Walk
Continue on to the Tarra Valley national Park Visitor Centre. e are many trails to explore and many interlink. My top pick for today is Corrigan Suspension Bridge trail.
The track is carved out from the natural forest floor and is a mix of ferns and towering mountain ash trees.
There is a gorgeous viewpoint of the bridge from above before you make your way down those final steps, so be sure to stop and take some awesome shots.
The best way to connect back to the carpark is via Fern Gully, another highlight in the park. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes or more to complete the walk, depending on how long to stop to take in the gorgeous scenery.
For more walks in Tarra Bulga National Park be sure to read my guide below.
More reading: Tarra Bulga National Park – How to plan your visit
More reading: 20 Great South Gippsland Walks – Your easy guide
Conclusion to South Gippsland 3 day itinerary
Your 3 day Gippsland itinerary is now complete. You can either continue on to the Princess Highway near Traralgon or make your way back toward the town of Yarram and onwards.
Looking for a romantic stay? Maybe an epic view?
Go to the Accommodation Guide for more places to stay.