Stay close, go further.
Gippsland's spectacular national parks, wave-sculpted coastline and pretty villages look even more special in spring.
Here are some top stops to help you welcome the season in Gippsland.
1. Coffee and supplies
The Borough Dept. Store in Korumburra is worth a detour for cake and coffee. There's a pantry and wine cellar for take away.
At Olive at Loch you'll find a nourishing array of fresh food plus a charming little shop filled to the brim with country fare and gifts.
2. Coastal adventures
The Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, between Cape Paterson and the town of Inverloch, is full of striking rock formations, attractive sandy coves, rugged sandstone cliffs, dunes and prominent headlands. Tackle it on a bike, on foot or pack a snorkel and wetsuit.
Stop off at The Caves, Eagles Nest, Shack Bay and The Oaks for beach walks, rock hopping and lovely views.
3. Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory's remote coastal bushland trails and pristine swimming beaches attract visitors from all over for camping and adventuring. Look out for kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, emus, marsupials and native birds.
Get off the beaten track with a walk to Fairy Cove. Enjoy spectacular views of the coast and venture down a wooden staircase to find bright yellow sand and crystal clear water in this little slice of paradise.
4. Wilderness cruises
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys runs 2.5-hour Wilsons Promontory Cruises in custom-built amphibious boats to show you the rugged and raw coast around WIlsons Prom, including Skull Rock's eerie facade.
5. Rainforest walks
With its lush gullies, giant mountain ash trees and tree ferns, Tarra Bulga National Park is one of only four major areas of cool temperate rainforest in the state. The jewel in its crown is the Fern Gully Nature Walk, which includes magnificent views from the famous suspension bridge.
6. Waterfalls
Spring is the season for chasing waterfalls. Head south from the Tarra Valley Picnic Area for a glimpse of Tarra Falls, which flows majestically after rain.
It's worth a detour to the Strzelecki Ranges to see Agnes Falls, a 59-metre cascade over rocks into a deep picturesque gorge. Watch for native birds including wedge-tailed eagles as you walk through old forest and rugged bushland to the falls.
7. Walhalla
Gold-rush-era Walhalla was one of Australia's richest towns, and its heritage streets are lovingly maintained by the locals. In spring, blossom trees, tulips and daffodils burst to life.
Experience life as a miner with a trip down the Long Tunnel Extended Mine. Ride the Walhalla Goldfields Railway through the wildflower-filled Stringers Creek Gorge. After dark, uncover the hidden secrets of Walhalla with a ghost tour at the old cemetery on the hill – if you dare.
8. Local food and produce
Re-fuel at a fabulous Gippsland eatery, where locally sourced and locally made products are the hero. Celebrate the season's produce at The Grove Gippsland, where the philosophy is low kilometres, low impact and little footprint. Savour authentic Italian at Trulli Outdoors in Meeniyan or delicious slow-cooked country meals at Hogget Kitchen in Warragul.
9. Seriously good bottle shops
Gippsland is blessed with some of the state's top breweries, distilleries and wineries. Loch Brewery & Distillery is serving up traditional-style beers along with gin, vodka and single malt whisky. In Foster, Gurneys Cider offers 'real' cider (that is, unfiltered and unpasteurised) alongside some stunning scenery.
If it's wine you're after, Dirty Three Winery and Waratah Hills Winery are capturing the flavours of Gippsland's distinct soils in their vintages.
10. Accommodation
If you're looking for a unique rural experience, Ross Farm Cabin is a gorgeous expression of contemporary country living made from plywood, steel and cypress from the surrounding hills.
Check out the award-winning RACV Inverloch, and if you like your luxury with a helping of adventure, try Inverloch Glamping.
