East Gippsland

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2023.

Whether you want indulgence, heritage, outdoor activities, nature, touring, arts and culture or wining and dining, East Gippsland has it all. From the unique ecosystems found in Australia’s Coastal Wilderness, to the spectacular majesty of rugged mountains threaded through by the Great Alpine Road and the vast array of waterways that make up the Gippsland Lakes, East Gippsland offers it all.

Discover the adventure, legend and romance of the Snowy River Country along the river’s edge or in the rugged High Country around McKillops Bridge, visit the honeycomb labyrinth of the Buchan Caves or enjoy hospitality along the East Gippsland Drink Trail. Take a boat across one of the two East Gippsland Lakes – Lake King or Lake Victoria – or stretch your toes in the golden sand of the Ninety Mile Beach, a stretch of long sandy dunes that separates the lakes from Bass Strait between Port Albert and Lakes Entrance.

National, coastal and marine parks, reserves, rivers, lakes, beaches and forests combine to bring you a world-class natural environment. Boasting thousands of native flora species, wildflowers and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, East Gippsland is no doubt a naturally rich environment ready for you to explore.

Feathered and furry friends live freely in their natural habitat across the diverse landscapes. Ensure you keep your eyes peeled for your favourite wildlife as they can be found among the undergrowth, flying high in the skies, hopping bravely through trees and bounding in the waters.

About the community

Traditional Owners have been connected to the region we now call East Gippsland for over 30,000 years. The Aboriginal community is represented by three of the five clans of the Gunaikurnai – the Brabralung, Tatungalung and Krauatungalung – west of the Snowy River, and the Ngarigo Monero and Bidwell to the east.

Traditionally, East Gippsland was a place of abundance, providing Traditional Owners with food all year round. Fishing, camping, hunting and gathering were daily activities. Evidence of the rich cultural heritage is visible in the many sacred sites, middens, artefact scatters and scar trees in the region.

The East Gippsland community has a strong visitor economy, well supported by large agricultural, farming and manufacturing sectors. The wider community is very supportive of each other, and you will find most businesses actively promote local suppliers, growers and makers.

Sustainability Commitment

In great news, East Gippsland is the first destination in Victoria and seventh in Australia to meet global best practice sustainability standards to achieve Eco Destination certification, with Ecotourism Australia. This proves that our green thumb goes well beyond our back gardens.

Encompassing the far south east corner of this beautiful country is our own natural wonderland. National, coastal and marine parks, reserves, rivers, lakes, beaches and forests combine to bring you a world-class natural environment. Boasting thousands of native flora species, wildflowers and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, East Gippsland is no doubt a naturally rich environment ready for you to explore.

Feathered and furry friends live freely in their natural habitat across the diverse landscapes. Ensure to keep your eyes peeled for your favourite wildlife as they can be found amongst the undergrowth, flying high in the skies, hopping bravely through trees and bounding in the waters.

Boat Responsibly

Keep to waterway speed limits, manage fuel, oil and effluent, go slow in seagrass beds and use designated moorings.