Leave mid-morning from Melbourne and follow the coast via the South Gippsland Highway, stopping for a coffee and beach stroll at Venus Bay before continuing east. Stretch your legs with the short, family-friendly Horseshoe Bay boardwalk for ocean views, then pick up picnic supplies in Foster and enjoy lunch by the grassy foreshore before the afternoon drive into Wilsons Promontory.
In the afternoon, continue toward the Prom and pause at Norman Bay for a gentle shoreline walk and shell-spotting before checking into your accommodation near Tidal River. Later, take the short, iconic Squeaky Beach boardwalk to watch the light change on the granite boulders and keep an eye out for wallabies grazing near the dunes as the sun lowers.
As daylight fades, take a short drive from Tidal River to the quiet headland at Lovers Bay for a peaceful sunset picnic and seabird sightings, then stroll the mellow evening track to Little Waterloo Bay where the calm water often mirrors the sky. Finish with a relaxed drink or meal at the nearby Tidal River Visitor Centre kiosk, watching wallabies emerge on the grassy flats as night settles in-an easy, low-key end to a full travel day.
Start early with a sunrise walk up to Mount Oberon Summit for sweeping panoramas over the granite islands and Bass Strait, then descend to explore the boardwalks and rock pools around Sealers Cove where seals and shorebirds often forage. Afterward, head to Refuge Cove for a sheltered beach stroll and a picnic breakfast while watching for echidnas and swamp wallabies in the nearby heathland.
Spend the afternoon exploring the southern coastline with a scenic walk along the Tidal River to Whiskey Bay track, where low cliffs and sweeping beaches create excellent vantage points for seabirds and occasional dolphins. Afterwards, drive to Norman Point for rock-pooling and picnic time, then finish with a relaxed wildlife-spotting session at Pound Creek picnic area, watching for kangaroos and lyrebirds as the light softens and preparing for an easy evening back at Tidal River.
As dusk falls, take a gentle stroll along the coastal boardwalk to Sandy Point where the wide, sheltered inlet is perfect for quiet shorebird watching and the light softens over the estuary. Afterwards, head to Windy Ridge Lookout for panoramic sunset colours and a chance to see kangaroos and brush-tailed possums emerging in the heath, then return to Tidal River for a relaxed dinner and stargazing from the campground clearing.
Begin with a peaceful pre-departure stroll along the coastal heath to Squeaky Beach Lookout Track for one last view of the promontory's granite coastline, then head to Lacepede Bay Picnic Area for a riverside breakfast while watching waterbirds and fiddler crabs. After packing up, drive east and pause at the charming township of Yanakie to browse local crafts and grab coffee by the inlet before continuing through rolling farmland toward East Gippsland.
After a leisurely morning, head east and pause at Foster to stretch your legs with a riverside walk along the Promontory Road Rail Trail and grab a take-away pie or coffee from a local bakery. Continue through pastoral Gippsland to Gelliondale Reserve, where a short birdwatching loop and wetlands hide kookaburras and swans, then drive on to Maffra to explore its heritage streets and antique shops before booking into your overnight stop toward Bonang.
As daylight cools, unwind with a slow coastal drive to Paradise Beach, where you can wander the long white sand and watch the tide pull light over the headlands before a seaside dinner. Later, stop at Fish Creek to sip locally brewed beer or coffee on the town green and browse artisan stores before settling into your East Gippsland accommodation for an easy night and a chance of starry skies.
Wake into a slow country morning with a farm-style breakfast at Bonang Farmstay Café, then take a guided stroll through the nearby Bonang River Wetlands to spot waterfowl and listen for kookaburras among the gums. Afterward, wander the historic main track to Old Bonang Cemetery Reserve for a quiet heritage walk and panoramic views over the surrounding cattle country before settling back to plan the afternoon.
Spend a leisurely afternoon driving the scenic gravel lanes to Timbarra Lookout for sweeping views over the Bonang valley, then descend to explore the shaded walking loop at Black River Gorge, where crystal pools and native ferns make for cool swimming spots and birdwatching. Finish with a visit to Bonang General Store & Gallery to sample local preserves and chat with residents about evening plans before returning to your farmstay for a relaxed New Year's Eve dinner.
As twilight falls, take a short drive to Gippsland Lookout Track for a panoramic dusk view over the Bonang valley, then descend to the sheltered banks of Nunniong Creek for frog-call listening and a peaceful riverside picnic with locally produced cheeses. Finish the night at Bonang Homestead, enjoying a slow-fire dinner or a glass of regional wine on the verandah while listening for owls and watching the countryside light up with distant farm lights as you welcome the New Year.
Begin your New Year morning with a gentle riverside amble along the boardwalk at Clyde Creek Reserve, where morning light filters through stringybarks and you can spot chestnut teal and yellow robins among the reeds. Afterwards, drive a short distance to Wombat Flat Picnic Area for a bush-style breakfast beneath a blanket of eucalypts, then take the easy loop trail to Millers Lookout for sweeping views over the Bonang valley and a chance to photograph the mist lifting from grazing paddocks.
In the afternoon, drive a short scenic stretch to Timbarra Gorge Reserve for a shaded walk along the river flats, where crystal pools invite a refreshing dip and native ferns create cool photo opportunities. Afterward, wander the timber boardwalks at Elder Creek Wetland to watch dragonflies and dabbling ducks, then finish with a slow country drive to Mount Elizabeth Lookout for late-afternoon light over the Bonang valley and a peaceful spot to watch the sun sink behind distant ridgelines.
As dusk settles, take a short drive to Nelse Track Lookout for golden light over the valley, then follow the nearby twilight loop around Carter's Gully where fern-lined creek crossings and the hum of cicadas make for a tranquil evening walk. Finish with a riverside picnic at Brunton Flats Reserve, sampling local cheeses and watching for nightbirds while the ridgelines silhouette against the stars.