Australia – Gippsland

Explore Nature

Gippsland has beautiful National Parks and nature reserves with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Entry into National Parks is generally free for day visits, and charges usually apply for overnight stays.

Indulge

You will be spoilt for choice with the local food and produce on offer from markets, farm gates, cafes and restaurants. The region also boasts many wineries and breweries with suggested wine and drink trails on the Visit Gippsland website.  Note that in Australia there are strict laws regarding driving and drinking so make sure you designate a driver or pay to go on a tour.

Enjoy a beach escape

The Gippsland coastline is stunning. From Phillip Island, to the rugged South Gippsland coast, through to the 90 Mile Beach and Gippsland Lakes system. Don’t miss Wilsons Promontory National Park for what I believe are the best beaches in Victoria! If you are looking for family friendly sheltered beaches then head to Inverloch or Cape Patterson.

Gippsland History

As with the rest of Australia, Gippsland has a dark history with respect to treatment of Indigenous Australians who first lived on this land. You can learn about Indigenous culture by following the Bataluk Cultural Trail or visiting the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place in Bairnsdale.

Water

Australia can have some harsh droughts which impact different areas so please be mindful of conditions in the area you visit and try and limit your water consumption.

Observe the road rules

Given the large size of Gippsland and lack of Public Transport out of major centres, you will probably end up driving. Driving is a great way to see Gippsland but make sure you are aware of the road rules and be a respectful driver since you will be driving in country areas with milk trucks, log trucks, tractors etc.

Plastic

While the state of Victoria has banned lightweight plastic bags,  you will still find thicker plastic bags being used. Many retailers have been awesome at moving to paper bags or just refusing to give out bags completely – but it is still best to try and bring re-usable bags. Wonderfully, many farmers market refuse to give out bags and you must bring your own – or you will walk out with fresh produce balancing precariously in your arms!

Tips and bartering

Tipping is not common in Australia, and many Australians don’t want tipping to become commonplace. Restaurants may have a tip jar on the counter if you want to leave a tip and this money usually goes to paying for a social function for everyone to enjoy, or spilt evenly between staff, rather than going to an individual. Should you barter or haggle in Australia? No! You might be able to get a small discount from markets etc if you are buying multiple products, but in general haggling hard will just make you look like a tight-arse (good Aussie saying for someone who is tight with money!).

Prices for accommodation increase (easily double) during peak period and School Holidays so avoid these times. Excellent deals can be found for longer stays outside the peak period, or mid-week stays.

Grab a basket or shopping bag, head to a local market and stock up on fresh produce! Yes, Gippsland has a wide variety of food to indulge in, but eating out constantly will hurt your budget (if you have one!). Find accommodation with a kitchen and cook-up a feast!