Why East Gippsland Is a Must Visit in Winter
When it comes to winter adventures in Victoria, East Gippsland flys under the radar yet packs a punch with spectacular experiences ideal for the cooler months.
From glowing winter festivals and geothermal hot springs to ancient cave systems, incredible wildlife encounters, world-class food and wine, and breathtaking coastal scenery, this remarkable region comes alive during the cooler months.
What makes East Gippsland truly special is the incredible diversity of experiences on offer. One moment you can be soaking in thermal waters overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, the next exploring magnificent limestone caves, spotting koalas in the wild, enjoying sensational local produce, or discovering beautiful coastal and wilderness landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, wellness, nature, food and wine, or a combination of all four, East Gippsland serves up an unforgettable winter escape.
Here are some of the reasons we love East Gippsland during winter.
Experience the Magic of the East Gippsland Winter Festival
If there is one event that captures the spirit of winter in East Gippsland, it is the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
Running throughout June and July, this spectacular celebration transforms towns and communities across the region into a playground of fire, light, creativity, food, and connection.
Imagine wandering through glowing lantern parades, enjoying incredible long-table lunches in unique locations, gathering around roaring bonfires, discovering local artists, and enjoying live music under sparkling winter skies.
The festival showcases everything that makes East Gippsland special: passionate locals, incredible produce, beautiful landscapes, and a genuine sense of community.
It is the perfect way to experience the region at its most vibrant and welcoming.
Soak in the Healing Waters of Metung Hot Springs
Winter and hot springs are a combination that simply never gets old.
Perched above the stunning Gippsland Lakes, Metung Hot Springs offers one of Victoria’s most memorable wellness experiences.
Picture yourself relaxing in naturally heated geothermal pools while taking in sweeping views across the lakes and surrounding landscapes. The combination of warm mineral-rich water, fresh country air, and breathtaking scenery creates a truly rejuvenating experience.
For those looking to immerse themselves even further in wellness, East Gippsland is also home to Kohosauna, a unique wood-fired sauna experience located beside the water.
Alternating between the warmth of the sauna and refreshing lake dips creates an experience that leaves you feeling energised and refreshed.
Discover Incredible Nature Experiences
East Gippsland is blessed with some of Australia’s most spectacular natural environments. From coastal landscapes and waterways to forests, caves, and wildlife-rich islands, every day presents an opportunity for discovery.
Explore the Magnificent Buchan Caves
One of East Gippsland’s most remarkable natural attractions is the Buchan Caves.
These extraordinary limestone cave systems have been forming for hundreds of thousands of years and feature stunning underground chambers, crystal formations, and intricate rock features.
Guided tours reveal the fascinating geology and history of the caves while surrounding walking trails offer beautiful opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area.
It is one of those experiences that leaves visitors constantly looking around in amazement.
Spot Koalas on Raymond Island
Few wildlife experiences are as memorable as seeing Australian animals thriving in their natural habitat.
A short ferry ride from Paynesville takes visitors to Raymond Island, home to one of Victoria’s most accessible wild koala populations.
The island’s famous Koala Trail offers opportunities to spot koalas resting in the treetops, along with kangaroos, birdlife, and other native wildlife.
Combined with beautiful lake views and peaceful walking tracks, it is a fantastic addition to any East Gippsland itinerary.
Taste Some of Victoria’s Finest Food and Wine
One thing East Gippsland does exceptionally well is food and drink.
The region is renowned for its fresh local produce, wineries, breweries, distilleries, seafood, and farmgate experiences.
Winter provides the perfect setting to enjoy long lunches, fireside wine tastings, locally crafted spirits, and fresh seafood harvested from the regions waterways.
Visitors can explore the East Gippsland Drink Trail, discovering boutique cellar doors, breweries, and distilleries while enjoying some of the regions most picturesque scenery.
From waterfront dining in Metung to seafood experiences in Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland offers countless opportunities to savour the flavours of the region.
Connect with the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Region
East Gippsland is the traditional Country of the Gunaikurnai people, whose connection to this landscape stretches back tens of thousands of years.
Exploring the region offers opportunities to gain a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance through storytelling, heritage sites, and cultural experiences.
The Gunai-kurnai Nation comprises five clans across Gippsland and plays an important role in caring for Country, preserving cultural knowledge, and sharing stories that have shaped the region for generations.
Visitors can learn more through the Bataluk Cultural Trail and through GLaWAC (Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation), which helps manage and protect culturally significant landscapes while supporting cultural tourism, education, and conservation initiatives throughout the region.
These experiences add another meaningful layer to an East Gippsland adventure and help visitors connect more deeply with the landscapes, waterways, and communities that make this part of Victoria so special.
Pair Your East Gippsland Adventure with Victoria’s High Country
One of the things we love most about East Gippsland is its proximity to Victoria’s spectacular High Country.
Within a single adventure, you can experience snow-covered alpine landscapes, scenic mountain roads, pristine lakes, coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and incredible local food and wine.
It is an incredible way to experience the diversity that makes this part of Victoria so unique.
Why We Love East Gippsland in Winter
For us, East Gippsland showcases everything that makes Victoria such an incredible place to explore during winter.
- Spectacular natural landscapes.
- World-class wellness experiences.
- Fantastic food and wine.
- Unique wildlife encounters.
- Rich cultural heritage.
- Epic coastal adventures.
Whether you’re soaking in geothermal hot springs overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, exploring ancient cave systems, enjoying the magic of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, or discovering the region’s
incredible coastline and waterways, every day offers something memorable.
East Gippsland truly comes alive during winter, delivering the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, culture, nature, and connection.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Victorian winter escape, East Gippsland deserves a spot right at the top of your list.
WAM’s Great Alpine & Lakes Adventure and Snow to Surf Adventure perfectly complement an East Gippsland getaway, combining the spectacular landscapes of Victoria’s High Country with the incredible experiences found throughout East Gippsland.