What to eat, drink, see and do in West Gippsland

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. 

Need a break from walking? There's much more to this part of the state than treetop walks and mountain trails. If you fancy a self-care afternoon, head to Brandy Creek Estate, a picturesque winery with an on-site restaurant and day spa. Sitting pretty in Drouin East, the estate looks out onto stunning views of the vineyard and neighbouring farms, all the way out to the subalpine Baw Baw Ranges.

The heavenly Ultimate Escape package for two includes a super relaxing 30-minute Turkish hammam steam room sesh, private balcony for fresh air breaks, plus your choice of an indulgent couples' massage or facial. You can even add on a tapas lunch and sample some of the vineyard’s wines. And if you're travelling solo, there's also a selection of individual treatments you can book for a much-needed spot of 'me time.'

A 20-minute drive north to Jindivick is where an enchanting marvel of nature awaits. Simply known as ‘the Garden’ at Broughton Hall, this little slice of Eden out in West Gippsland deserves half a day at the very least. October to December is an excellent time to visit if you want to see a glorious display of cherry blossoms (early spring only) or roses in full bloom.

Lifelong garden designer David Musker and physiotherapist Philip Hunter have worked together for nearly 30 years to transform the land into a place of inconceivable beauty. Countless species of flowers, plants, trees and unique architectural touches fill every corner and level of the hillside garden, which overlooks the vast expanse of the Tarago Reservoir. Find a bench to sit quietly and let the garden soothe your soul. The views are majestic.

You can also take home a plant or two, seedlings or quirky mementos from Broughton Hall’s nursery Musters (we especially recommend this beautiful coffee table book for a fascinating insight into Philip and David’s story).

Gippsland is renowned for its award-winning dairy, farm-fresh produce and warm hospitality. Check out Warragul Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of each month if you’re keen on cooking or creating your own picnic.

After something small and convenient to grab on the go in between adventuring? Cannibal Creek Bakehouse on the main strip in Garfield offers freshly made, hand-crafted sourdough from a 100-year-old wood-fired scotch oven. Grab a barista-made coffee and a bacon and egg toastie with 18-month-aged Gippsland cheddar and your morning's set!

Another great morning option is Luna’s Garfield. From the same team who run the aforementioned bakehouse, this eatery was once a desolate former garage, now transformed into a buzzing modern café. It may just be offering one of the best big breakfasts in all of Gippsland: a massive plate of two eggs (perfectly cooked your way), sourdough, chèvre, onion-braised mushrooms, fried tomatoes, spinach, bacon, a fluffy potato croquette and housemade chutney. Now that’s a proper country-style breakfast. 

For a pub lunch, the Toolshed in the cute town of Noojee is a must-visit (a perfect break after you’ve just walked the Trestle Bridge). Most folks only go through Noojee on their way to Baw Baw – evident from all the ‘snow chains for hire’ signage and a bush goods shop renting out clothing and outdoors-y equipment. Aside from a small church, a post office and a children’s playground by the Latrobe River, you might not think there was much in town. 

But peek into the Toolshed and you’ll discover a happening vibe, particularly on the weekends. A true country pub with country music, pool tables, eight kinds of parmas (this pineapple lover can vouch for the Hawaiian), intriguing historic photography and even its own merch, this watering hole draws in all sorts of characters from Gippsland and beyond. Fun fact: Noojee is a local Aboriginal word for contentment or rest.

For a special dinner out that doesn’t feel overly formal, make a booking at Messmates Dining. It’s an award-winning new restaurant in Warragul offering a menu of produce-driven share plates. Think juicy roast chook with Gascony butter, mussels with aioli and mortadella tortellini in chicken broth. Be sure to pair with your meal some beautiful vino from respected local winemakers Patrick Sullivan and William (Bill) Downie.

Another must-visit restaurant is Hogget Kitchen, run by chef Trevor Perkins. He's worked with the aforementioned winemakers to curate memorable food and wine experiences for many years. Across several multi-course chef’s menu options, Trevor dishes up honest – and incredibly delicious – farm-to-table fare. From Noojee trout and Corner Inlet King George whiting to Wattlebank Farm oyster mushrooms and Gippsland Wild Food’s venison, you’ll taste only the best from Gippsland producers here.

En route to the relaxed town of Tynong, you're likely to drive past the bright, splashy sign of Gumbuya World. While this amusement park guarantees fun times for any kids you might have kicking and screaming in the back of your car, you’ll want to keep driving for more grown-up recreation. Cannibal Creek Vineyard is just down the road, an idyllic stop for a West Gippsland wine tasting.

It's one of the many award-winning winery restaurants in the region, and a must-visit if you're a fan of the French style. Bordeaux and Burgundy are the inspirations behind these masterfully made wines, which are best sampled as part of the restaurant's unique snack-paired wine flights. With a pencil and notes template in hand, you'll get to enjoy some of the winery's finest white, red and sparkling releases. Hot tip: if you're still hungry after the snacks, kick on for a swanky modern Australian lunch. The kitchen's produce is sourced from local producers, supplemented by the on-site kitchen garden and growing orchard.  

Prefer your beer to your vino? Check out Bandolier Brewing, an independent, family-owned microbrewery in Warragul. Grab a paddles of unique creations, from the Mexican-style corn lager and Aussie draught to more European and British styles like English porter and Belgian blonde. Inspired by beer-making from around the world, these brew masters regularly experiment with different styles, while sticking to unpasteurised, unfiltered and preservative-free practices. 

If you’re simply looking for somewhere convenient and centrally located in West Gippsland, there’s a four-star Mercure Hotel in Warragul that ticks all the right boxes. But if you’re after something with a bit more character and tranquility, consider Breakfast at Benjamin’s.

Nestled on a quiet street in quaint Neerim South, this charming country cottage is so comfortable you may just find it too difficult to say goodbye! Whoever styled this super-cosy and luxe space definitely had their Pinterest vision board fully stocked with interior design magic.

The back deck is your personal little bliss space to take in stunning country sunsets or watch baby birds play in the cherry blossom tree. Indoors, you can plonk yourself in one of the soft lounges and have a Netflix and chill sesh or cook up a storm with the complimentary brekky ingredients in the kitchen. 

There's a wood fire, ducted heating, air-conditioning and a plush bed, plus tons of books! Seriously, you could spend a whole week in this lovely stay getting lost in a page-turner.

You get the whole house to yourself, with friendly local hosts ready to assist whenever you need – and everything in this guide is just a short drive away. Enjoy your stay!

Lauren Dinse visited West Gippsland and stayed as a guest of Visit Gippsland and Breakfast at Benjamin’s. Bookings can be made online at the website or via Airbnb. Rates start at $225 per night, with discounts available for longer bookings.