Leave Melbourne mid-morning and stretch your legs with a coffee stop and riverside walk at Warburton Trailhead before heading east; the tree-lined drive through the Dandenong Ranges offers quick scenic pullovers perfect for photos. Continue via the Princes Hwy and pause at Narre Warren South Heritage Park for a picnic lunch among historic trees, then roll on toward Gippsland with afternoon miles ahead, keeping the pace relaxed to arrive in Bairnsdale in time to explore the lakeside later.
After a relaxed lunch, take the Princes Hwy east and plan a stop at Traralgon Botanical Gardens for a gentle stroll among shady lawns and historic trees before stretching your legs. Continue toward Bairnsdale with a scenic detour to Buckley Falls Reserve for a short walk to the lookout and then arrive in time to check into your accommodation and enjoy sunset views over the Gippsland Lakes from Nyerimilang Homestead's grounds or nearby foreshore.
As daylight softens, wander the Bairnsdale foreshore and catch the golden light along the Mitchell River at Mitchell River Walking Track, then enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner at The Macks Hotel for hearty local fare. If you have energy after dinner, take a short twilight stroll to the historic Bairnsdale Railway Reserve for peaceful river views and a taste of small-town evening charm before turning in.
Set out after breakfast and head for a tranquil paddle or hire a kayak at Paynesville Foreshore, then wander the charming streets to browse local galleries and cafés. Continue with a short drive to Lakes Entrance Lookout (Point King) for sweeping views across the Ninety Mile Beach entrance, then stretch your legs on the scenic Krause Walk along the sand dunes before rolling into Lakes Entrance for lunch.
Drive east from Paynesville toward the coast and pause at Swan Reach Reserve for a riverside picnic and short birdwatching along the inlet, then continue to Ninety Mile Beach (Nine Mile Creek access) for a relaxed beach walk and shell collecting. Late afternoon, take the scenic Lakes Entrance bridge walk to spot fishing boats and pelicans from Gippsland Lakes Boardwalk, then settle into a waterside café to watch sunset colours melt across the lakes.
As twilight falls, wander the quieter side streets and waterfront of Metung Village to soak up harbour lights and pick a table for dinner at a seafood-focused bistro with a view. Later, take a short night stroll along the lit boardwalk at Metung Jetty Reserve to listen for frogcalls and watch boats bob on the glassy water before returning to Lakes Entrance for a relaxed overnight stay.
Leave Lakes Entrance with the coast fading in your rearview and head for a refreshing stop at Nungurner Lookout, where panoramic views over the Gippsland Lakes reward an early stroll and morning photos. Continue east to stretch your legs on the short but atmospheric Brodribb River Walk, then detour to Nowa Nowa for a coffee at a local café and a gentle wander along the Nowa Nowa Lakefront Reserve before driving on toward Orbost.
Head inland from Nowa Nowa and stop for a woodland walk and birdwatching at Errinundra National Park (access via Brodribb Road), where short trails thread ancient myrtle and tree fern gullies before continuing east; the cool canopy and occasional lyrebird sightings make a refreshing contrast to the coast. Later, detour to Mcnamara's Lookout near Orbost for sweeping valley views, then roll into Orbost with time to explore the town's riverfront at Orbost Common and grab an early dinner at a local river-facing café.
As dusk falls, unwind with a scenic drive toward the snowgum-lined hollows and stop for a riverside picnic at Murrungowar Creek Reserve, where quiet pools and reeds attract evening birdlife. Finish the night with a short, lantern-lit wander along the banks of Snowy River Picnic Area to listen for frogs and enjoy starry skies before checking into Orbost accommodations for a restful evening.
Depart Orbost early and climb into cool mountain air with a coffee stop and short walk at Suggan Buggan River Reserve, where fern-lined trails and river pools feel like a true wilderness warm-up. Continue along Loomans Road and pause at Brodribb Balds Lookout for sweeping high-country vistas, then stretch your legs on the easy, shady loop at Mcdonalds Track Picnic Area, keeping an eye (and ears) out for lyrebirds and swamp wallabies as you head deeper toward Bonang.
After the morning's high-country wander, head deeper into the bush with a lunch stop and short riverside walk at Bemm River Reserve, where shaded picnic tables and tidal pools offer a tranquil break before you continue inland. Later, explore the cool rainforest pockets around Yalmy State Forest on a short track to spot tree ferns and birdlife, then take the scenic Gipsy Point road toward Bonang, pausing at Black-Allan Line Lookout for expansive border-country views as afternoon light softens.
As light softens, settle into the remote calm of the border ranges with a twilight stop at Suggan Buggan Historic Hut (if open to view from roadside) for atmospheric photos and a sense of high-country solitude, then continue to the small riverside clearing at Bonang River Picnic Area to listen to flowing water and watch dusk settle over eucalypt ridges. Finish the night with a short, torch-lit wander through the nearby regrowth forest to spot nocturnal birds and frogs, then dine on a simple, hearty meal at a local roadside pub or camp kitchen before resting under a wide, star-filled sky.
Wake to cool mountain air and set out for a crisp bushwalk along the ridge to Bemm River Headwaters Track, where ancient gums and ferned gullies open onto quiet creek crossings and good chances to spot lyrebirds at first light. After the walk, drive a short distance to Bonang River Crossing for a riverside morning tea and gentle exploration of pebble banks and shallow pools before looping back via the scenic forestry road to take in patchwork views across the border ranges.
After a leisurely riverside lunch, head out for a mid-afternoon ramble along the shady loop at Lower Bonang Track, where mossy logs, creek crossings and quiet birdsong make for relaxed exploring and good chances to spot rosellas and kookaburras. Finish the afternoon with a scenic drive to Black Mountain Lookout for panoramic views over the border ranges as late light warms the valleys, then pause at Bonang River Picnic Area's downstream bend for a cooling dip or freshwater wade before returning to camp or the local pub for dinner.
As dusk falls, settle in for a riverside barbecue and storytelling at Suggan Buggan Flats Campground, where gentle firelight and the sound of nearby creeks set a relaxed mood; linger to watch bats and nightjars emerge over the trees. After dinner, take a short guided nocturnal walk along the lantern-lit section of Moss Gully Track to search for owls, glow-worms and tree frogs, then finish the night stargazing from the cleared ridge at Bonang Lookout with expansive views of the Milky Way above the border ranges.