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West Gippsland is a haven for nature lovers, thanks to its diverse tapestry of forested mountains, farmland, trail walks and peaceful gardens. Whatever your fitness level or appetite for adventure, there’s somewhere to take your breath away.
If you’re looking for mighty views, take a drive to the foot of Mount Cannibal. Though its name might sound fierce, the hike up to the top is worth it. The panoramic views over Gippsland’s rolling hills and valleys are sublime, while the 2.3-kilometre loop walk only takes about an hour. Our hot tip? Time your visit at sunrise for the most glorious photo opps. Mount Cannibal was a significant navigational landmark for local Indigenous people and continues to be a place of importance – its large boulders are more than 350 million years old.
Another trail in the area with impressive views is the Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk. It's a little easier than the Mount Cannibal hike and also about an hour long, though we still recommend wearing sensible shoes. The sounds of the waterfall provide a unique meditative soundtrack to your walk, while the views from each of the viewing platforms are nothing short of spectacular. This is no tiny trickle! Along the path, you might even spot a local lyrebird, world-famous among bird lovers for its distinctive ability to mimic sounds in its environment.
A visit to West Gippsland isn't complete without a relaxing stroll across the historic Noojee Trestle Bridge. Soaring 21 metres tall in the heart of the area's beautiful mountain ash forest, it's the only remaining bridge of its kind in Australia and a relic of Noojee's old railway line. The bridge itself is a short and easy walk – but there's a larger rail trail to explore, too, if you feel like a wander.