Orbost / Marlo / Cape Conran

Orbost is on the banks of the Snowy River approx 1 hour’s drive from Nicholson following the Princes Hwy or the back road via Bruthen that joins the Highway at Nowa Nowa.
Visit the ‘Slab Hut’ – and original 1872 pioneer’s home, the Orbost Exhibition Centre, or drive down to Marlo where the ‘Snowy’ flows out to the ocean.
Before Marlo there is the new Paddle Steamer “Curlip”  that has cruises on the Brodribb River.
Then along the coast to Cape Conran – picnic, swimming area, scenic – then through the forest back to the Prince’s Hwy.
For lunch, there are a number of cafes and hotels in Marlo and Orbost.

Buchan / Nowa Nowa

This is a trip popular when the coast is cold and windy.
The township of Buchan, famous for it’s limestone caves is a 45 minute drive.
Travel is by the Great Alpine Road to Bruthen and follow the signs or via the Prince’s Highway, turning left at Nowa Nowa and then right to Buchan.
If you are adventurous, the return trip on a gravel road from Buchan to Orbost is worthwhile. Otherwise back to Nowa Nowa or Bruthen. Incidentally there is a sign posted on the right Trestle Bridge (one of the last in Victoria) about 2 km along the Highway from Nowa Nowa towards Lakes Entrance. Good for photos.
Tours of the Buchan Caves start at 10am and are every hour. The picnic area hosts wallabies and the swimming pool is attractive on hot days.

Omeo

Proceed along the Great Alpine Road into Bruthen, then follow the road at the left turn. This drive follows the Tambo Valley to Omeo and the high country, and goes through the townships of Ensay and Swifts Creek. There are various bakeries, galleries, and wineries in the district. Gold was discovered in the Omeo district in 1851, and the Oriental Claims Historic Area is 3 kms south of Omeo. For the walking enthusiast, this can be explored via a number of short walks.

Paynesville / Silt Jetty

Paynesville is only a short drive from Bairnsdale through Eagle Point. Make a detour into Eagle Point, and go for a drive / walk along the silt jetties, or head up to the Bluff lookout. The Mitchell River Silt Jetty is one of only two in the world. It’s hard to believe that the mouth of the river is in the middle of the Lake ! Here is a good place for fishing too.
At Paynesville, have a look at the Community Craft & Tourist Centre, or take the ferry (free for pedestrians) across to Raymond Island with its large koala population.
There are numerous restaurants and cafes in the area.

National Parks

The entire East Gippsland Region abounds in National Parks and Reserves:-

• The Alpine National Park
• Snowy River National Park
• Errinundra National Park
• Mitchell River National Park
• Buchan Caves Reserve
• The Lakes National Park
• Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Cape Conran Coastal Park
• Croajingalong National Park

For the walking enthusiast, the above listed parks have many walks, but for something closer, there are short walks at:-

• Fairy Dell – Turn off the Great Alpine Rd at Wiseleigh and follow Deep Creek Rd for 5.5 kms.
• Nyerimilang Park and Homestead – Look for the signposts on the Princes Hwy. between Swan Reach and Lakes Entrance.
• Mitchell River Walk - Bairnsdale (start at Howitt Park)
• McLeods Morass Boardwalk – Bairnsdale
• Lonely Bay Walk – Lake Tyers
• Bruthen Township – there are a number of short walks in and around Bruthen.

Cann River / Point Hicks

A one hour forty-five minute drive along the Princes Highway brings you to Cann River
where the Monaro Highway starts. Just along there is a worthy pit stop at a Bistro/Art Gallery/Cellar door.  Time for a coffee break!
The road to the Point Hicks Lighthouse is gravel for the last portion but the destination is worth the trouble. Take your own fresh water and food and enjoy the rugged desolation.
This red granite outcrop was the first sight by Europeans of the East coast of Australia
- Captain Cook and his crew on the Endeavour in 1770. Some sighting !