Foundry is an artist collective hiding down an urban laneway in Bairnsdale who stock an incredible range of handmade, locally created goods.
Everything they stock is made right there on Gunaikurnai land.
From hand-formed recycled sterling silver jewellery to unique illustrations, paintings, prints and cards.
They also have natural-fibre vintage clothing sourced locally, bespoke homewares and sustainable goods encouraging an eco-friendly life.
They seriously have something for everyone.
Established in 1993, East Gippsland Art Gallery is the centre for visual arts in East Gippsland, celebrating the unique artistic spirit of the Gippsland region through a vibrant and dynamic program of art and cultural experiences for the whole family.
East Gippsland Art Gallery are open to bold ideas, different ways of seeing, and championing the visual arts and artists in the region. They are passionate about engaging and inspiring the next generation of art lovers in their community. Every month the gallery offers exhibition openings, artist talks, events and art workshops. Experience the ever-changing environment and amazing opportunities and experiences the gallery offers.
A dynamic range of diverse exhibitions will engage and inspire community and visitors alike.
The Gallery Shop stocks a diverse range of works by local artists and the friendly staff is able to provide visitors with information about other arts venues, artists and art and cultural activities in the region.
For more information about exhibitions, workshops or events visit East Gippsland Art Gallery’s website, Facebook or Instagram pages.
Housed in the historic former Bairnsdale College, built in 1892, the East Gippsland Historical Society displays the unique history of Bairnsdale and surrounding district within its museum and grounds.
The Society maintains a large collection of archival photographs and memorabilia, with seven rooms displaying a range of items with themes including music, kitchenalia, first and second world wars, medical practice, fashion, and communication.
Adjacent to the main building is the 'Calajero' Log Cabin; the original Delvine School: Union Bank coach house and machinery sheds. The society also maintains gardens containing Australian Heritage roses.
Exhibitions are held throughout the year focusing on various topics of interest covering local social history, as well as presenting a range of artefacts and items of significance to the local community.
The resource centre holds regional archives, including documents, photographs, newspapers, microfiche, which are available to researchers, and anyone with an interest in East Gippsland History.
This buzzing community market, run by the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise, has up to 150 stalls with a huge variety of goods on offer. The food court is centred around a pleasant, green space to enjoy a leisurely coffee, snack or lunch. Specialised stalls offer fresh, local produce, plants and garden products, jewellery, soaps and candles, clothing, handcrafts, jewellery, books and much more. Many stallholders attend each month, but the market also has casual stallholders, giving a different experience each month.
Look for this vibrant market at Howitt Park, beside the Princes Highway heading east from Bairnsdale.
All proceeds from running the market are donated to Rotary work and local and international charities.
Location: Bairnsdale to Orbost
Distance: 96 kilometres one way
Track: Generally smooth dirt or gravel track
Grade: Level One- Suitable for beginners and children. Level Two - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Start: Howitt Park, McEacharn Street, Bairnsdale
Finish: Burn Road, Newmerella. The trail ends at Newmerella, with an off road shared pathway continuing to Orbost.
Experience the diversity of East Gippsland as this trail weaves past undulating farmland, tall forests, rivers and flood plains. Cross historic timber railway bridges and enjoy views of the Gippsland Lakes before arriving at the Snowy River.
Bairnsdale to Nicholson (Eight kilometres)
Nicholson to Bruthen (20 kilometres)
Bruthen to Nowa Nowa (30 kilometres)
Nowa Nowa to Orbost (38 kilometres)
The Forge Theatre is a place where community and culture unite. It's one of those rare venues where the arts truly bring people together, with a diverse program that ranges from local productions to national and international touring acts. Whether you're a dedicated theatregoer or simply curious to try something new, there's always something worth experiencing on its stage.
The main theatre is a beautifully designed Proscenium Arch space with a thrust forestage, orchestra pit, and seating for 362 people. It's an intimate yet professional setting, perfectly suited to live music, drama, dance, and musical theatre, as well as seminars and conferences. Many local dance schools and theatre companies call it home, making it a vibrant hub for the community as well as visiting artists.
Alongside the main auditorium, the McKean Room provides a smaller, flexible space. With carpeted floors, curtained windows and dimmable lighting, it works equally well for meetings, training sessions, workshops, and small-scale performances.
Audiences and event organisers alike appreciate the theatre's professional staff, high-quality technical equipment, ample free parking, and full wheelchair accessibility. More than just a venue, The Forge Theatre is a place where creativity thrives and people come together to share unforgettable experiences.
For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Raymond Island Koala Trail is the perfect place to visit and spot wild koalas in their natural habitat.
Raymond Island is in the Gippsland Lakes opposite the village of Paynesville. Follow the signs to the car park in Paynesville, then take a short walk to the Raymond Island ferry which is free for foot passengers. On arrival, visitors will see directions and tips to enjoy this nature-based experience.
The Koala Trail is an easy two-kilometre walk and there are three extra loops to explore further.
They request you park in Paynesville as car spots are limited on the ferry and Raymond Island residents need to use the ferry for daily access. If you choose to travel in your car, you will need to park immediately after you disembark to catch the beginning of the Koala Trail.
Travelling as a pedestrian on the ferry is a fun adventure and free. So, they recommend you do the short easy walk to enjoy Raymond Island's natural environment and wildlife.
The award-winning Metung Hot Springs has bathing and wellness experiences for you to explore throughout its breathtaking site overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes. Whether you are looking to connect with nature, someone special or yourself Metung Hot Springs has something for everyone including luxurious glamping tents for longer stays. The newly opened Lagoon Precinct with its floating sauna is a must see, so start planning your tranquil hot springs escape.
Featuring geothermal hot spring pools of varying depths, bathing barrels with picturesque cliff top views of Lake King, massaging thermal showers, reflexology walk and nature walks around the grounds, relaxation viewing lounges of site and surrounds, pampering day spa, premium safari glamping tents with king bed and private bathing facilities, guest amenities, reception, gift shop and coffee hut.
While there is something for everyone at Metung Hot Springs, the must-indulge feature of the site is the Hilltop escarpment. A tranquil communal bathing experience, offers spectacular views of the Gippsland Lakes and features include a stargazing pool, bathing barrels and baths.
The Springs is located in glorious East Gippsland, known for its majestic lakes and beaches, native flora and fauna.
Metung Country Club, the resort-style, golf course is just 500 metres away from the springs. Meet up after bathing for a hit of golf and a delicious grazing lunch and drinks from the bar.
Metung Country Club is a nine hole public course located 500 metres from Metung Hot Springs.
The course is open and new members can join for a great-value offer with many benefits.
Metung Country Club is a resort-style, Ted Parslow designed golf course. One of the best nine hole public access golf courses in Australia, located in beautiful Metung, on the Gippsland Lakes. A challenging nine hole with alternate tees on your second round, the course boasts more than 6000 metres in length for a par 72. Bunker protected large greens, generous fairways and two signature par threes ensure an enjoyable day’s golf.
The Clubhouse is a newly renovated restaurant operating from Metung Country Club just 500 metres down the path from Metung Hot Springs. The Clubhouse menu showcases the best of Gippsland produce, wines and beers.
Nyerimilang Homestead is set among semi-formal gardens on a cliff top above the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. Perfect picnic spots are surrounded by garden and scenic walks meander along bush and farm tracks, past Kurrajong trees, wetland areas and through the East Gippsland Indigenous Plant Garden.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Loch Sport has fantastic facilities for all ages at Lions Park. There is a shelter that includes electric barbeques, picnic tables and running water. There is play equipment, a quarter basketball court and a skate ramp all with a view over Lake Victoria as well as sandy beaches and a lawn area to sit back and relax. Exercise equipment will give those keeping fit an extra advantage while walking through the park.
Here you can enjoy the assorted wild life, incredible flora and great views. Commencing at the Charles Street boat ramp this walk takes you through the foreshore vista, parklands and marina to the Lakeview Bar and Bistro. The walk is a two metre wide shared bitumen pathway and while generally flat there is a 70 metre section consisting of a steep hill. Signage is limited.
Recently, local artist Simon White was commissioned to complete the Loch Sport Arts Trail, which features murals along the foreshore walk. The Art trail begins at the Lakeview Bar and Bistro where Simon has painted a number of murals and follows the path to the Lake Street Park. These are a magnificent addition to the Loch Sport's foreshore and will in the future be an added treat to visitors exploring this unique Gippsland town.
Mitchell River National Park has impressive river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and some of Victoria's more unusual vegetation communities. From open forest to remote river gorges, the park is home to a vast array of indigenous flora and fauna, some at the furthermost extent of their range.
The park is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and boasts unspoilt natural beauty and remoteness. Canoeing or rafting provides the easiest access to much of the park. The river offers the canoeist short day trips or extended touring through tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes. The best time canoeing is from July to December.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Located on the tranquil Gippsland Lakes, Koho Sauna offers an immersive, nature-enriched, wellbeing experience.
Situated in the heart of Lakes Entrance, the space is tailored to their focus on contrast therapy, allowing guests to alternate between hot and cold immersion and discover the many benefits this practice provides.
Facilities include a modern, spacious wood-fired sauna, complete with a cold shower and lake access for the more adventurous.
From river to gorge top, the semi-remote Mitchell River Walking Track follows the west bank of the river downstream from Angusvale through the Den of Nargun gorge, which is lined with remnants of temperate rainforest. There are spectacular views from the river to the top of the gorge.
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 18 kilometres one way
Duration: Two days
Grade: Level Four - Bushwalking experience and a good level of fitness required. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. Walks may be more than 20 kilometres.
Start: Angusvale camping area
Finish: Den of Nargun picnic area
The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve. The park includes Sperm Whale Head peninsula and Rotamah and Little Rotamah islands.
Rotamah Island, accessible only by boat, is a naturalists' bushland delight. Surrounded by Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve to the north and the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach to the south, the island has clearly defined tracks offering exceptional views and bird watching opportunities.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Pax Art Studio Gallery is a welcoming creative space in the heart of Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland, dedicated to the art and practice of local artist Caroline Packer (Pax). Surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, the gallery invites visitors to experience nature-inspired art that reflects the landscapes, stories, and spirit of East Gippsland.
At the core of Pax Art Studio Gallery is a belief in the restorative power of art and nature. The gallery is designed to be a peaceful, inclusive environment where visitors can slow down, reflect and reconnect. Alongside curated exhibitions of Caroline's work, the gallery offers a vibrant program of community workshops and classes for all ages and abilities. Explore your creativity through hands-on sessions in a variety of mediums-including oil painting, watercolours, chalk pastels and art therapy. You will be guided by Caroline's professional experience and passion for art. One-on-one sessions can also be arranged during your visit to the region, offering a tailored experience.
Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase original artworks, photography, prints, handmade jewellery, and art cards directly from the artist, making it easy to take home a unique piece of East Gippsland's creative spirit.
For details about exhibitions, workshops, art therapy services, available artworks follow along on social media or contact Caroline directly through the website to arrange your visit.
The scenic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is just off the Princes Highway between Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance, four hours drive east of Melbourne.
At 276 metres long and 20 metres high, it is one of the largest standing bridges of its kind in Victoria.
This iconic and heritage-listed bridge was built in 1916 when the railway line from Melbourne to Bairnsdale was extended to Orbost.
Constructed using red ironbark and grey box timber, the bridge is a fine example of early engineering skills. It remained in regular service for over 60 years until it was damaged by bushfire in 1980, with the last train crossing in 1988.
Today, the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is a popular stop along the East Gippsland Rail Trail, which stretches for almost 100km between Bairnsdale and Orbost. The bridge can be viewed from an elevated viewing platform or from the carpark at the base of the bridge where you will also find picnic tables and toilet facilities.
Visitors looking to extend their stay can enjoy a picnic or camp overnight at nearby Cosstick's Weir, hit the trails at Nowa Nowa mountain bike park, or grab refreshments or accommodation at the nearby towns of Nowa Nowa, Bruthen or Lakes Entrance.
Under the Surface is a curated public art project comprising of local and internationally renowned artists' works, located along the existing East Gippsland Rail Trail and extending through a selection of villages and townships of GunaiKurnai Country.
The project invited local artists Alice Pepper and Patricia Pittman, to be joined by visiting artists MEGGS, Ling and Minna Leunig - led by the story of the GunaiKurnai community.
Sites include: Nicholson Bridge. Patricia Pittman, Partelli's Crossing, Tostaree. Minna Leunig, Orbost Butter Factory LING , Nowa Nowa underpass. Alice Pepper X MEGGS
Each of the artists’ practice focuses on flora, fauna and natural environment and the works subsequently draw attention to the natural environment, assisting in visual storytelling and aiming to connect and grow human relationships with the land through art.
Through a cultural awareness program with GLaWAC and community, the visiting artists developed learnings on artistic practices, storytelling, introduction to the local environment and preservation. In turn, visiting artists shared their skills with locals, encouraging confidence in presenting works at a larger scale, with connection to story.
The Social Crew conducted onsite research, engaged key community members and groups, and collaborated with GLaWAC and the East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee to curate the project in order to better inform the travelling artists of their subject matter and the land on which they stand.
The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes - the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.
A favourite holiday destination for many Victorians, days can easily be filled with a range of activities on the water or on dry land. Boating and fishing are what attracts most to the lakes. Surf fishing along Ninety Mile Beach, or lake fishing from a boat, bank or jetty is popular too.
Visit in spring to see spectacular displays of wildflowers including orchids, wattle, heathland and other species.
Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Gunaikurnai identify the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park as their Traditional Country.
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Located within the Freestone Creek Camping Precinct, Blue Pool is a popular scenic spot with a large natural waterhole, making it a fantastic place to visit during the warmer months. It is 3 hours drive east of Melbourne
The pool sits at the base of a narrow basalt gorge on the Freestone Creek, surrounded by rocky outcrops and native forest. A rocky beach provides a place to sit and take in the tranquillity of the site.
Blue Pool is a place of great cultural significance to the Braiakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai nation.
Visitors can enjoy the waterhole, picnic area, walks of varying lengths and the camping area.
Blue Pool is a walk-in camping site - one of nine camping areas in the Freestone Creek Camping Precinct. Campers will need to park their vehicles in the designated parking area and bring their camp kit to the site.
There are no dedicated vehicle-based camping sites for camper trailers or caravans and visitors towing caravans should park at The Quarries Reserve just south of Blue Pool. This site has restricted access and large caravans or groups may find it difficult to park or turn.
This site is near water. Make sure you read the water safety tips before you go.
Two and a half hours drive from Melbourne, north of the town of Briagolong on the southern fall of the Great Dividing Range, lies the Briagolong State Forest. These forests have a rich history. The original inhabitants of the area were the Briakoloong people who utilised the vast forest resources for canoes, shelter, food, clothing and tool making. The early European explorers relied heavily on Koori guides during the exploration that was responsible for the opening up of the region. In the late 1800’s, these forests teemed with prospectors searching for that ever-elusive gold to bring them instant wealth. These days, the forests provides for a variety of activities including picnicking, camping, walking, swimming, sightseeing, and car touring.
The Freestone Creek area offers a variety of walks, ranging from five minutes to three days in duration are an excellent way to discover the many wonders of the forest. Walks are all marked and easy to follow.
The Briagolong State Forest comprises of mostly dry forest types. Common lower storey species of trees and shrubs include Common and Shiny Cassinia, Hop Bitter Pea, Common Heath, Snow Daisy Bush and Burgan. Briagolong State Forest supports a range of native animals, many of which are best viewed at night.
The Dargo Heritage Museum is a unique heritage destination offering the tourist an opportunity to quietly wander back in time and feel the toughness of life in Gippsland's high country during the gold mining era.
Dargo is not polished in its appearance, rather it is unaffected in its rustic charm. Its remoteness together with this charm, make every visitor to Dargo feel that Dargo is their own discovery.
The Dargo Heritage Museum has an array of exhibits and local artifacts showcasing he gold era, mountain cattlemen, high country life and early pioneer days of Gippsland.
The Playground on Surf Edge Drive features a historic water tank that proudly sits in the foreground, that was salvaged from the wreck of the Trinculo – and is a reminder of the steamers that was once plied the waters of Gippsland’s lakes and rivers as well as the ships travelling to and from the region – being the vital link from Gippsland to the rest of the world.
Nearby, you will find barbeques and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy a picnic lunch at, while being able to hear the waves crash nearby.
