There is so much in Gippsland to discover. When you visit Gippsland you will be spoiled for variety over and over again. From amazing scenery to some of the tastiest food on the planet, day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland will become part of your Victorian holiday itineraries.
But where do you start? Gippsland is a huge area and extremely diverse in what it offers. So in this post, we have put together some of the easiest day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland that will have everyone happy. We’ve included some recommendations of places we love to visit in Gippsland and some hidden gems.
Know before you go. Our top Gippsland Australia travel tips
It is a beautiful region of mountains, oceans, pristine beaches, historic buildings, old goldfield towns and fresh world-class food and wine. There are so many amazing day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland for you to enjoy.
Where is Gippsland?
Gippsland is an amazing and very large piece of Victoria Australia. It stretches from the outskirts of Melbourne (Warragul) all the way to the New South Wales border. Being so big some day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland take longer and some trips to Gippsland require overnight stays.
Best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland
So let’s get started so you can start planning your trip to Gippsland. We have organised them in the distance from Melbourne to Gippsland being nearest to Melbourne to the furthest to make it easy for your travel planning.
Just remember that all the distances are calculated from the inner city, so your day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland maybe a little less or a little further depending on where you are staying.
Gumbuya World
Anyone who has ever travelled to Gippsland from Melbourne in the past would have driven past the large Lyre Bird at the gate of Gumbuya World previously known as Gumbuya Park.
In recent years the old nature park has undergone a huge refurbishment and is now a brilliant amusement park which is one of the best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland on a fine day.
How far is Gumbuya World from Melbourne?
Gumbuya World is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes or 76.5 km from Melbourne via the M1.
Things to do in Gumbuya World
It consists of a water park and a fauna park with many other activities for all who visit.
How much is entry to Gumbuya World?
Below are the entry prices to Gumbuya World.
| Ticket | Cost |
| Adult 14+ | $39 |
| Child 3-13 | $33 |
| Tots 3 and under | Free |
| Senior 60+ | $33 |
| Family 2 adults 2 kids | $135 |
| Season Pass | $179 |
| Cabana hire |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Gumbuya World
The opening hours of Gumbuya World will determine the amount of time you spend at the amusement park. Gumbuya World’s opening hours are tricky to work out so a look at their website is your best option for planning your day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland.
Phillip Island
An epic day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island is on many a Gippsland itinerary. With so much to offer all travellers, you can’t go wrong with a day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne.
How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne?
Phillip Island is located approximately 2 hours or 145 km from Melbourne via the M1. This route through Citylink will include tolls.
Things to do in Phillip Island
There are so many things to do on Phillip Island for families, singles and couples. You can find the perfect activity that will suit everyone in any season.
| Activity on Phillip Island | Allocation of time to visit |
| Churchill Island Heritage Park | 2-2.5 hours (check the timetable for live displays) |
| Amaze ‘n’ Things fun park | 1.5-2 hours (great activity for kids on Phillip Island) |
| Koala Sanctuary | 1-1.5 hours |
| Maru Sanctuary | 2.5-3 hours (you can book an animal encounter here as well) |
| Phillip Island Chocolate | 1-1.5 hours |
| The Nobbies | 1-1.5 hours |
| Phillip Island Winery | 1-2 hours |
| Penguin Parade | 2-3 hours |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island
With driving time from Melbourne to Phillip Island, you have plenty of time to pick a few different activities on Phillip Island. To maximise your time plan where you would like to visit first and book your tickets to make sure you have time. Trips to Phillip Island are one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland so it can get busy on the weekends.
Our top Phillip Island travel tip:
The Penguin Parade is a great activity on Phillip Island and should not be missed but it is a nighttime Phillip Island activity. If you are able to we recommend that you leave Melbourne later as if you attend the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island as a part of your day trip from Melbourne you will arrive back into the city very late.
Book accommodation for a Phillip Island stay.
Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory or The Prom to the locals is one of the most beautiful places a nature lover can visit and is one of the best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland. From short walks to pristine beaches, you will be amazed at the beauty of Wilsons Prom.
How far is Wilson’s Prom from Melbourne?
Wilsons Prom is approximately 3 to 4 hours from Melbourne via the A440 and the C444. It will depend on where you decide to drive within the National Park.
Things to do at Wilsons Prom
There are so many things to do for nature lovers at Wilsons Prom on your day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland.
| Activity At Wilsons Prom | Allocated time to visit |
| Wilderness Cruise | 2.5 hours |
| Hike to Mount Oberon | 3 hours return |
| Hike to Squeaky Beach | 2 hours return |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Wilsons Prom
With many of the activities at Wilsons Prom being nature or hiking you will need all day. Leaving Melbourne early in the morning will get you the best part of the day and possibly a late return to Melbourne. This is one of the best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland but it is also one of the toughest day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland.
Read more: Discover all the very best things to do in Gippsland in the summer
Port Welshpool
Port Welshpool was once a bustling seaside town where the ferry to Tasmania originally left from. Now the ferry is gone and you are left with a nice quiet town where you can spend the day relaxing or visit some of the surrounding areas that are wonderful too.
How far is Port Welshpool from Melbourne?
If you are planning a day trip from Melbourne to Port Welshpool the drive will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes along with the M1 and the South Gippsland Highway.
Things to do in Port Welshpool
While there are limited activities in Port Welshpool there are plenty of things to do near Port Welshpool that will keep you busy. You can then finish your day trip from Melbourne to Gippsland with a visit to the Long Jetty and some fish and chips before heading back to Melbourne.
| Activities in or near Port Welshpool | Allocation of time to visit |
| The Long Jetty | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Maritime Museum | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Agnes Falls | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Yarram Street Art | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Port Welshpool
If you are driving to Port Welshpool first up in the morning you will not need a long time in the town. You can spend some time fishing off the jetty and that can extend your visit to Port Welshpool.
If you drive through the township of Yarram you may want to stop and wander the main street searching for Heesco Street Murals and getting a piece of jelly slice from the Yarrma Bakery if time allows.
Discover more in Gippsland: Visit Yarram for amazing world-class street art by Heesco
Tarra Bulga National Park
The Tarra Bulga National Park is a brilliant nature reserve to visit and is a wonderful day trip from Melbourne to Gippsland. The peace and quiet you can experience here are amazing. Immerse yourself in nature and take some of the well-maintained walks through the park.
How far is the Tarra Bulga National Park from Melbourne?
If you are planning a day trip from Melbourne to Tarra Bulga National Park the drive will take you approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes along the M1.
Things to do in the Tarra Bulga National Park
A visit to Tarra Bulga National Park just takes you straight to nature. It’s a relaxing place to visit and you will find yourself lost in the amazing natural landscape.
| Activities at the Tarra Bulga NP | Allocation of time to visit |
| Tarra Falls Waterfall | 15 minutes |
| Corrigans Bridge | 45 minutes |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Tarra Bulga
This amazing Gippsland National Park has some beautiful sections to it and it will take you some time to walk to them all. There is also a small information centre that may have some sessions that you can attend. You can spend as little as 2.5 hours in the Park or all day roaming the walking tracks.
Thinking of camping in Gippsland? Here is the essential list of things to take camping in Gippsland
Korumburra – Coal Creek Historical Park
This amazing Heritage Park nestled in the township of Korumburra is a brilliant place to step back in time and learn about the pioneer times in the Gippsland area. This is one of the best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland if you love history.
How far is Korumburra from Melbourne?
Korumburra is located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne via the M1 and the South Gippsland Highway (A440)
Things to do in Korumburra
While Coal Creek is the main reason to visit Korumburra there are a few other things to see when you visit.
| Activities in Korumburra | Allocation of time to visit |
| Coal Creek | 2 hours plus |
| Lancey’s Lookout | 15 – 20 minutes |
| Burra Brewing Co | 1 hour |
| Djinta Djinta Winery | 1 hour |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Coal Creek Historical Park in Korumburra
After your journey from Melbourne to Korumburra, you will need at least 2-3 hours to get the full experience from Coal Creek Historical Park. There is an old steam train to ride and there are also some demonstrations that are helped during the day for you to see.
The demonstrations are fantastic if you are interested in many trades that are now long gone. The best part is that The Coal Creek Heritage Park is free!
Read more. Looking for some more amazing free things to do in Gippsland. Here is the definitive guide by locals!
Walhalla
Walhalla is an old Gold mining town in the mountains. What was once a thriving town is now much small but it is a beautiful place to visit on a day trip from Melbourne to Gippsland. You will find some of the old goldmine activities open for you to have a look at and a wander around the town will fill in your trip to Walhalla.
How far is Walhalla from Melbourne?
Walhalla is located approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes or 185 km from Melbourne via the M1. This route through Citylink will include tolls.
Things to do in Walhalla
Being such an amazing historical town in Gippsland you will find some amazing things to do in Walhalla that will take you back in time. Walhalla is a very popular day trip from Melbourne so it may be busy on weekends.
| Activity in Walhalla | Allocation of time to visit |
| Long Tunnel Gold Mine Tour | 1 -1.5 hours |
| Walhalla Railway | 1 hour |
| Walhalla Cemetary | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Walhalla
We highly recommend leaving Melbourne for this day trip to Gippsland as early as you can. The township of Walhalla is beautiful, but leaving at night can be intimidating if you are not used to the winding roads late in the afternoon.
You can easily spend all day enjoying the activities in Walhalla or you can pick only a couple and leave some for your next trip. You can either bring a picnic to have one the Lions Park in the main street or you can pick up something at the local shops.
Inverloch
Inverloch is a gorgeous inlet that is an absolute gem. In the summer months, it is one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland for families and one of the top spots for holidays in Gippsland.
How far is Inverloch from Melbourne?
Inverloch is just under a 2-hour drive from Melbourne via the M1
Things to do in Inverloch
If you love fun and the sun then there are so many things to do in Inverloch on your day trip from Melbourne to Gippsland.
| Activities in Inverloch | Allocation of time to visit |
| Dinosaur Dreaming | 1 – 2 hours |
| Inverloch Surf beach | unlimited |
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Inverloch
A day at the beach can stretch on for as long as you would like. Having patrolled beaches at Inverloch makes it an easy place to swim safely and one of the best day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland.
Book accommodation for a stay in Inverloch.
Raymond Island
For many, this may be pushing the distance of day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland but we can guarantee it is completely worth it. If you are wanting to see Koalas in their natural habitat for free then Raymond Island is the place for you.
First arriving in Paynesville you catch a 5-minute ferry to Raymond Island. If you go by foot the ferry is free but there is a small fee if you decide to take your car. From the dock on the island, you can walk the Raymond island Koala walk and see these furry little friends in the trees.
It is an amazing experience and one that is definitely not going to be forgotten any time after you do it. This is one of the most epic day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland.
How far is Raymond Island from Melbourne?
This is at the longer end of the day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland and if you are planning a day trip to Raymond Island you are looking at a 3 hour and 50-minute drive from Melbourne along the M1.
Things to do on Raymond Island
There is not much to do on Raymond Island other than seeing amazing native animals in their natural habitat.
| Activity in Raymond Island | Allocation of time to visit |
| Koala Trail | 2 hours |
| Bike ride the Island | 2 hours |
| Kayaking | unlimited |
Book accommodation for a stay at Raymond Island.
Duration of the day trip from Melbourne to Raymond Island
If you have a car you can drive around the small island looking for kangaroos and echidnas or even a beach that has hardly anyone on it is the weather is good for swimming.
If you are walking and visiting Raymond Island only for the Koala walk the duration will depend on how many you see and what they are up to. Some people (like myself) can spend a long time just walking back and forth watching the koalas.
Discover Gippsland: Chose the perfect town on the Gippsland Lakes for your Gippsland getaway
We hope this article from us here at Travels in Gippsland has you inspired to plan one of these amazing day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland. Day trips from Melbourne to Gippsland are an amazing way to get a taste of this amazing hidden gem of a region and will have you wanting to return over and over.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our Gippsland Attractions page for more brilliant inspiration.
More travel inspiration for your trip to Gippsland
About the Author
Mark has grown up and lived in the Gippsland area all his life. Being born and raised in Gippsland he knows a thing or 2 about this amazing region. When Mark is not working he is out exploring the best of Gippsland with his wife and kids