Overview

From the heart of Latrobe to a maritime past

140.4km, 2 hours

Uncover the hidden gems in and beyond Latrobe City (Moe, Morwell and Traralgon).

The busy Princes Freeway leads into the major regional centres of Morwell and Traralgon. Take a side trip to the latter for fine food and fine wine before moving south into the pretty Morwell River Valley and the quaint town of Yinnar. Across country is Churchill, an education hub for the region and an unexpected fishing hotspot.

Travel further south and discover one of the region's most loved national parks, Tarra Bulga. Lush gullies, giant mountain ash trees and tree ferns are perfect for a picnic and an invigorating walk.

As you wind your way towards the coast you'll encounter Yarram, a charming town with a dairy heritage. Port Albert was Victoria's first established port and is your final stop on this scenic drive. Delve into the local maritime history, have a meal at the historic pub, or join the throngs for some relaxing fishing.

Destinations

Old Gippstown, Moe, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
Moe
Destinations
Visit Moe at the western end of Latrobe Valley, home to beautiful 19th century buildings and Old Gippstown, a historical township from the 1850s.
Latrobe Regional Art Gallery, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
Morwell
Destinations
Head to the heart of the Latrobe Valley and Victoria's energy centre, situated 150 kilometres east of Melbourne.
Port Albert, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Image: Peter Glenane
Port Albert
Destinations
Retreat to the coastal Gippsland town of Port Albert, Victoria's first established port. The town is a renowned recreational and commercial fishing spot.
Traralgon Post Office and Courthouse
Traralgon
Destinations
Latrobe Valley's largest city, Traralgon is the region's entertainment capital with alfresco dining at cafes and restaurants, and thriving pubs and clubs.

  • Leg one

    Morwell to Yinnar, via Traralgon

    44.3km, 45 mins

    Check out contemporary art and design at Morwell's Latrobe Regional Gallery before heading east on a short drive to Traralgon, the region's largest city. Spoil yourself with some of the finest food and wine around at Neilsons Kitchen or Narkoojee Winery.

    Double back to Morwell then drive south along the Strzelecki Highway, named for the beautiful rolling hills that comprise the landscape, to Yinnar. Tucked into the Morwell River Valley, the town provides beautiful views of the Strzelecki Ranges to the west and the Jeeralang Hills to the east.

    Strzelecki Stringbusters

    This lively village offers plenty of opportunity to unwind and explore. Take some time out with the latest exhibitions at the ARC Gallery, housed in a historic butter factory, or browse the charming general store.

    Time your visit to make it to Yinnar on the last Wednesday of the month to revel alongside the Strzelecki Stringbusters, a unique Australian blues based band that never fails to get the Yinnar Hotel jumping.

    Natural attractions

    Head southwest along Jumbuk Road to the Morwell National Park, worth a scheduled stop for a picnic or a short walk through the many walking tracks. Fosters Gully is a favourite for taking in the sights.

    Highlights

    Morwell National Park
    Morwell National Park
    National parks & reserves
    Situated in the northern foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, this park is small in size but of great value in preserving a remnant of the area's original...
    Neilsons, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
    Neilsons Kitchen
    Restaurants
    Share a table with friends and feast on innovative flavour combinations and fresh Gippsland produce from the all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
    External image of main entrance of LRG
    Latrobe Regional Gallery
    Art galleries
    Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) was established in 1971. LRG is one of the largest public galleries in eastern Victoria.Across seven In-house gallery spaces,...

  • Leg two

    Yinnar to Churchill

    10.1 km/6 miles, about 8 minutes

    Another short drive, this time heading north towards Churchill for the views across the power generation area, including the Hazelwood Pondage and generators themselves.

    Churchill is known as a university town, with Federation University Australia's (formerly Monash University) Gippsland campus located here.

    Wander around Lake Hyland, a family-friendly fishing spot that's stocked annually and features platforms for easy access. Keep your eye out in town for the Big Cigar, an oversized replica of Winston Churchill's cigar in honour of the town's namesake.

    Highlights

    Grand Ridge Rail Trail, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
    Grand Ridge Rail Trail
    Cycling
    Ride through the Strzelecki Ranges to see flora reserves, large embankments and the Big Tree.

  • Leg three

    Churchill to Port Albert

    86 km/53 miles, about 1 hour

    The longest leg of the Valley to Sea Touring Route takes you north out of Churchill, turning towards Traralgon then heading right onto Sanders Road and right again onto the Traralgon Creek Road in a southerly direction. The Traralgon Creek Road (turns into Traralgon-Balook Road) will take you through some stunning countryside, including the jaw-droppingly beautiful Tarrra Bulga National Park.

    Time out in Tarra Bulga

    Known for 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 Victoria. Take your time to set out on one of the numerous walks, or take a picnic and relax as birds chatter.

    Taking coffee in Yarram

    Back on the road and heading south along the Tarra Valley Road you'll come to Yarram, a welcoming town with historical connections. Stop for a coffee and a bite to eat and wander the grand high street to spot fresh mural art by renowned street artist Heesco.

    Arriving in Port Albert

    Just 12 kilometres from Yarram lies the picturesque village of Port Albert, Victoria's first established port. This fascinating waterside town provides a great insight into the gold rush, with ships from all over the world docking in Port Albert to deliver hordes of gold-hungry prospectors.

    These days Port Albert is known for its excellent fishing, both commercial and recreational. Stop by the Port Albert Maritime Museum, follow the Old Port Walking Trail or enjoy a scenic boat trip to get the most out of this historic town.

    Now you've reached your destination the options are almost endless. Drop anchor for a few days, or venture back to Melbourne via the South Gippsland Highway with plenty more to see.

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