Things to do in Phillip Island and Gippsland

Gippsland's main attractions are natural, with splendid national parks and unspoilt wilderness areas including Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve, Wilson's Promontory National Park, Tarra-Bulga National Park, Croajingolong National Park, Baw Baw National Park, Snowy River National Park, and many, many more. These pristine areas provide an impressive variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests and some beautiful stretches of coastline, and there are many rewarding walking trails for keen hikers. The region also boasts some marine reserves and pretty islands, as well as some great scuba diving sites.

Other popular attractions in Gippsland include Walhalla, a historic gold mining town where visitors can take underground tours of the mines; the magnificent Buchan Caves, located in the town of the same name; Port Albert, Gippsland's oldest port; the exciting animals to be found on Phillip Island and at a number of other animal sanctuaries in the region; and the weird and wonderful A Maze 'N Things theme park, which provides a fun break from outdoor activities.

Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve photo

Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve

Agnes Falls, at 194 feet (59m), are the highest single-span waterfalls in Victoria. The falls are located about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Melbourne, near Toora, just off the S…

Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve

Agnes Falls, at 194 feet (59m), are the highest single-span waterfalls in Victoria. The falls are located about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Melbourne, near Toora, just off the South Gippsland Highway. The Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve protects a small remnant of the forests that once covered the Strzelecki Ranges. The canopy of eucalypts provides food and nesting areas for a variety of birds, including laughing kookaburras and several species of honeyeaters. All plants and animals in the reserve are protected, and camping is not permitted; however, taking a picnic is a great idea, as there is a picturesque picnic area on the banks of the Agnes River. Short walking tracks allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape and take in the best views of the falls.

Website www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/agnes-falls-scenic-reserve

Phillip Island Circuit photo

Phillip Island Circuit

At Cowes, racing enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Originally opened in 1956, it hosts major international motorcycle events each year, including th…

Phillip Island Circuit

At Cowes, racing enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Originally opened in 1956, it hosts major international motorcycle events each year, including the Australian round of the MotoGP World Championship and the Superbike World Championship.

The circuit has a Visitor Centre that features informative displays on the history of motorsport on Phillip Island, a viewing area over the track, a café, landscaped gardens and wildlife enclosures. Guided walking tours take visitors into areas usually off limits, such as the winner's podium, pit lane and control tower. Visitors can also experience an adrenaline-pumping triple-lap ride around the circuit with an experienced racing driver in a high-performance vehicle.

Website www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au

Wilsons Promontory National Park photo

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as 'the Prom', is Victoria's oldest national park and one of its most breathtaking destinations. Once linked to Tasmania by a land bridge, …

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as 'the Prom', is Victoria's oldest national park and one of its most breathtaking destinations. Once linked to Tasmania by a land bridge, it features 80 miles (130km) of stunning coastline, granite mountains, forests and fern-filled gullies. The main visitor hub, Tidal River, offers easy access to the golden sands of Norman Bay and the squeaky white quartz of Squeaky Beach. Adventurers can hike to Mount Oberon for sweeping coastal views or tackle the multi-day trek to the historic lighthouse. In the park's remote north, true wilderness camping awaits amid untouched natural beauty.

Website parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park