South and West Gippsland

South Gippsland including Prom Country (named after Wilsons Promontory) is part of the Gippsland region in southeastern Victoria, Australia. It includes the southernmost point of the Australian mainland at Wilsons Prom. It is bordered to the west by Western Port Bay and the Bass Coast region, to the south by Bass Strait, to the north by West Gippsland and to the east by the Gippsland Lakes region.

The main route through the region is the South Gippsland Highway which turns off the Princes Highway at Dandenong in the Melbourne suburbs, dips south to the southern coast and then rejoins the Princes Highway at the town of Sale to the east. From Leongatha the Strzelecki Highway runs northeast through the hills to Morwell in West Gippsland. Further to the east the Hyland Highway runs north from the South Gippsland Highway to the West Gippsland town of Traralgon. The Grand Ridge Road transverses the inland hills of the region.

Cities

• 1 Fish Creek eclectic artisanal destination and a great stopping point towards Wilsons Promontory
• 2 Foster a base for exploring Wilsons Promontory
• 3 Grantville stopping point on the way to Phillip Island
• 4 Kilcunda beachside town with surfing opportunities and rock pools
• 5 Leongatha centre of the local region
• 6 Neerim South scenic small town on the road to Mount Baw Baw
• 7 Noojee town at the foothills of Mount Baw Baw
• 8 Warragul service centre of the West Gippsland area
• 9 Wonthaggi coal mining town and local commercial centre
• 10 Yarragon tourist village with a number of stores and cafes

Other destinations

• 1 French Island - hiking, riding, camping, water birds, koalas
• 2 Phillip Island – Penguins south of Melbourne
• 3 Wilsons Promontory – hiking, bush camping, diving

Understand

The region’s attractions range from the natural features such as coastal parks, beaches and mountain rainforests through to its heritage of human history in maritime and coal mining activities.

The main visitors’ center is the Prom Country Information Centre, South Gippsland Highway, Korumburra, toll free 1800 630 704 (infocentre@sgsc.vic.gov.au). http://www.promcountrytourism.com.au/. If coming to Korumburra from the Melbourne direction, go through the town and turn off to the left just before leaving the town. It is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

Get in

By car

From Melbourne, turn onto the South Gippsland Highway from the Princes Highway at the suburb of Dandenong. If coming from the direction of New South Wales on the Princes Highway, turn off at Sale. There is also access from West Gippsland, principally from Morwell via the Strzelecki Highway and from Traralgon via the Hyland Highway.

By bus

V/Line runs from Melbourne to Yarram daily.

See

• Grand Ridge Road. The Grand Ridge Road winds through the remnant rainforest of the Strzlecki Ranges. This winding unsealed road is accessible to any car (or mountain bike) and is Gippsland's inland equivalent to the Great Ocean Road. Drive slowly and expect to see lyrebirds, echidnas, wombats and/or koalas. Stop at Tarra-Bulga National Park and take a walk to the famous suspension bridge. 
• Mt Baw Baw. Baw Baw is a cheap and cheerful little ski resort that is suitable for the beginner/modest skier. It's a little more affordable than the more major resorts in Victoria (eg Hotham, Buller, Falls Creek). It also is a lot smaller and often goes most of the season without snow. Mt Baw Baw now has Australia's first and only BigAirBag - a variant on a fall cushion, used in the world of professional stunts, which is placed in front of a ski-jump so as to catch any fall from a jump.
• Tooronga falls. Tooronga falls is a nice little location just out of Noojee that has camping facilities and a very nice little waterfall, with few walking circuits which are quite pleasant.

Do

Sightseeing, Hiking, Photography and watersports on the Gippsland Lakes.

• Scuba Diving. Some of the best scuba diving in Victoria is in the marine parks of Wilsons Promontory - deep, clear and full of interesting marine life. Phillip Island is also the starting point for many spectacular dive sites.

Eat

• The Caca-oh chocolate school has some chocolate-making courses and accommodation available.

Drink

The Art Deco style Fish Creek Hotel

• Most towns will have at least one pub

• Wineries. The South and West Gippsland has a few wineries that are worth visiting, such as Brandy Creek, Ada River and Wild Dog.

Stay safe

The area is generally safe, but as you would do anywhere else, exercise common sense and take basic precautions. Do not display large amounts of cash or valuables in public and do not leave them in the cabin of a vehicle. Instead lock them in the trunk of your vehicle or leave them in your accommodation.