Back to Nature

From emerald pastures and fields of golden hay, to clear rivers, waterfalls, temperate rain forests, green rolling hills, alpine landscapes, public and private gardens and vineyards; West Gippsland boasts many nature based experiences to remind you that truly spectacular scenery still exists. 

Green thumb?
West Gippsland is the gardener’s paradise. To showcase and celebrate our gardens in all their spring splendour, Gippsland Gourmet Country Tourism presents Gardivalia - a festival of Gardens during the month of October annually. 

Head for the hills
Escape to the fresh mountain air, clean and crisp.
In the white season, snow gums, layered with snow, sparkle in the sun. Mt Baw Baw offers a unique snow holiday experience for the whole family, with a choice of down hill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snow tubing and snow play. In the green season, wildflowers decorate the landscape with a carpet of colour. Perfect for a picnic, or enjoy some bush-walking, mountain bike riding and sightseeing. Why not try the newly launched fully-catered Great Walhalla Alpine Trail. The Australian Alpine Walking Track stretches 680km from Canberra to Walhalla. One of the world’s iconic hikes, the walk takes 6-8 weeks to complete. With the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail, you can take a sneak peak at the first 40km of this track from Mt Baw Baw to the historic township of Walhalla. The guided walk is fully catered and incorporates a two day walking trek.


Fancy a walk? Head to Noojee and surrounds

Ada Tree
The Ada Tree is an ancient huge Mountain Ash. Over 300 years old, the Ada Tree stands 76 metres high and 15 metres in circumference, making it one of Victoria’s largest trees. Access is from the Noojee- Powelltown Road. Please note that the Ada River Road no longer goes to the Ada Tree. The walk into the tree is around 800 metres each way.

Trestle Bridge
Walk or ride over the magnificently restored Trestle Bridge, surrounded by forest just a few minutes from Noojee. The Trestle Bridge has also been home to the annual Gippsland Gourmet Country Long Lunch. Just a few minutes drive or a pleasant walk from Noojee.

Toorongo Falls
The circular walking track takes in both the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls with spectacular viewing platforms. The reserve also has picnic and toilet facilities. The loop walk is about 1km in each way. From the Noojee township, head east for 4 kms, then turn left onto the Toorongo Falls Road.

Glen Nayook
Glen Nayook is a delightful 30-minute walking track, which follows the east branch of the Tarago River to a tree fern gully, moss covered granite boulders, Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech.  Just out of Neerim Junction, at the end of Paynters Road. The walk is steep in sections and moderate fitness is required

Mt Worth
Mount Worth is a local landmark and its unusual peak can be seen from right around the Baw Baw Country region. The Mount Worth State Park offers numerous walks through former timber mill sites and some remaining old growth Mountain Ash forest. Located 22 km south-east of Warragul. Access from Warragul via the Grand Ridge Road or from Darnum via the Darnum-Allambee Road.

Like the water?

Blue Rock Dam
This large body of water is a popular picnic spot. Located at Willow Grove, on the Hill End - Moe Road.

Thomson Reservoir
Drive over the Rock wall or enjoy a picnic and marvel at this reservoir, surrounded by forest. Continue North from Erica on the Thomson Dam Access Road.

Tarago Reservoir
A favourite local picnic and BBQ spot set in front of the Tarago Reservoir- Melbourne’s water supply. Travel from Neerim South towards Jindivick.

Thomson River
Fantastic for canoeing and kayaking, not to mention white water rafting. Find greats spots close to the reservoir and at Coopers Creek (just south of Walhalla)