Drive

Jump in your car after a great night in a Gippsland Lakes Escapes property and go exploring. From the beauty of the Lakes, the picturesque landscape, discovery of small country towns or the exhilaration of the High Country and rugged coastlines, you can have it all and still be back in time for a waterfront dinner at your property or local waterside restaurant. Here are some ideas.

Dargo Day Trip
A drive to this fabulous little town, set in the foothills of the Dargo High Plains is sure to delight.
100 year old Walnut trees grow here, and the town offers a number of spots where you can
try and buy these yummy nuts in all forms, from wine to preserves! Annually at Easter a festival
celebrating the walnut is held, and is certainly a get together worth seeing.
The historical nature of the town, being a supply town for the gold miners in the area, means
that a number of old historical buildings and a feeling of isolation still exist.
Picnic on the banks of the Dargo, Wonnangatta or Crooked Rivers or visit Dargo as part of a drive
to also take in the Den of Nargun and the Mitchell River and Moroka National Parks.
Exploring the mountains and gold sites also makes this a great day out.
The Dargo Valley Winery, Dargo Hotel or The General Store will be able to supply all your edible
treats and supplies.
Ask about maps and details for this drive at Gippsland Lakes Escapes.

Great Alpine Road Day Trip
Do as little or as much as you want, but it will only take around 2 hours to reach the top of
Mt. Hotham. So a return trip is 4 hours back to Paynesville.
Of course, if you stop and visit any of the fascinating towns or historical sites on the way,
it could take longer.
Ask at Gippsland Lakes Escapes for a Great Alpine Road visitor guide and plan what you want
to see or do when you next visit.
Spots to stop off at are Bruthen or  Ensay for a visit to the Old Ensay bookshop operating out of the
Old Ensay Inn, however make an appointment before you arrive so you can view or value books
Ensay Winery, or a quick stop to Swifts Creek for a wood fired oven treat of fresh bread, pies or
 cakes. Deviate off the road here to visit Mt Markey winery, a cool climate wine producer which
has an historical past. You could finish your drive in Omeo and explore this town along with the
Oriental Claims site, which is a great spot for bbq (fireplaces provided)
Your Great Alpine Road discovery is right on our doorstep.

Visit the Caves A day trip to Buchan provides "wonderful beauty that defies description, and must be seen to be realised" or so said Frank Moon the discoverer of the Fairy Caves in 1907. Well, we have to agree with Frank, it truly is spectacular. Only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Paynesville, this is a great day trip. October to March there are 5 tours daily 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm 3.30pm and April to September 3 tours operate daily 11am, 1pm and 3pm which gives you plenty of time to do some exploring on the way or on the return. (tour times can vary so check before you drive).  Nearby attractions are the Snowy River National Park, featuring Little River Falls and Mackillops Bridge. The Caves themselves are an intricate underground world of colour and enchantment. Dating back 300-400 million years, they contain spectacular formations made by ancient rivers coursing and seeping through the limestone rock.

If you are more adventurous there are special adventure tours to unlit caves that offer a unique challenge.
Pre-bookings are necessary for these tours.
The Reserve situated around the Caves has well maintained picnic and bbq areas amongst exotic trees and
native bush, with a stream fed pool.
With short and long walks, native wildlife and beautiful flora on show, it is a great day out and a truly
unique experience.
.

Day Trip to Walhala This drive will take you a little longer, and perhaps it is a great day trip on your return to Melbourne, or on your way to our beautiful lakeside village of Paynesville. About a 2 hour drive from Paynesville, you drive the Princes Highway to Stratford and and then take the Maffra, Heyfield back roads. Driving through these towns and Cowarr you could also visit the small galleries and craft outlets, or local producers of wine and fruit. Once you reach Tyers you head north along road C481 and follow the signposts. There is an easier way, by taking the Princes Highway to Traralgon, but you miss the charm and interest of the back roads and towns. Walhalla is hidden in a deep valley of the Victorian Alps. Once a great goldmining town, it boasted a 2,500 resident population in its heyday. Now the town is a living historical relic, with a number of intact buildings and businesses in operation. Soak up the atmosphere and explore the town. Take a spectacular journey on the reborn Walhalla Goldfields Railway, or venture into the mountain on a tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Other experiences are available, and you should not miss a meal at the newly renovated Star Hotel, perhaps a stop over on the way home or on your journey to Paynesville would be an interesting holiday extra