Gippsland is Victoria’s largest region and the touring route from Kilcunda to Inverloch, which lies between Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory, is a great location to enjoy a road trip.
As the area is so large so this guide as a ‘first dip’ to discovering the Southern Gippsland region of stunning scenery and great food with your family.
Here are our top 11 places to go and things to do in Gippsland with kids.
Things to do in Gippsland with kids
1. Inverloch Beach
Inverloch Beach is shallow and calm and if you visit on the right day the water can resemble a tropical paradise!
It is deceptively cold though, coming straight off the Bass Strait.
Inverloch Pier is a popular fishing and boating spot.
2. Alison Lester Gallery
Gallery and shop of Alison Lester, beloved children’s author and former Australian Children’s Laureate.
Take a ride on Noni the Pony!
Alison Lester Gallery, 1 Falls Rd, Fish Creek
Where to eat in Gippsland with kids
3. Kilcunda General Store
Just 90 minutes outside of Melbourne is the small seaside town of Kilcunda. The hub of the town is the General Store serving delicious meals as well as stocking takeaway meals, fresh produce, daily essentials, a selection of clothing and products, as well as general amenities like the postal service.
The front communal tables have stunning views looking out towards the ocean.
Adjoining Kilcunda General Store is Udder and Hoe, a cornucopia of stunning local produce. It’s so fresh we seefarmers carting in crates from their trucks in the morning!
Kilcunda General Store, 3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda
4. The Coffee Collective
Wonthaggi is the commercial heart of Gippsland and in the McBride Street shopping area you’ll find an excellent cafe called The Coffee Collective.
The coffee and food are inspired by Gippsland’s local produce and they even sell local wine. There’s pram access (though the back tables are harder to get to), high chairs and a small kids menu.
The Coffee Collective, 1/50-52 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi
5. Jjaras Farm Gate and Cafe
Our favourite place to hang out in Inverloch is Jjaras Farm Gate. There you’ll find a cosy cafe, sprawling outdoor areas (with toys for kids), a tempting food store and a menu based on produce grown on site or locally, most of it organic.
They have high chairs, a kids menu and plenty of space to roam.
Jjaras Farm Gate, 69-77 Cashin Street Inverloch 3996 (03) 5674 3250
Another food hub within Inverloch is Vaughan’s Cafe Deli, which serves breakfast and lunch within a large providore.
On the shelves, you’ll find Karingal Berries, Fish Creek Olives, Humper Crunch, Jude’s Jams & preserves and Grassy Spur Olive Oils. They have high chairs and a kids menu.
Vaughan’s Cafe Deli, 10 Abeckett St, Inverloch (03) 5674 6877
Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Gippsland, Victoria
A stunning winery just outside of Fish Creek. They serve lunch on Friday-Sunday and there’s plenty of space for kids to roam. Full review.
Waratah Hills, 20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek (03) 5683 2441
A food and wine hub for local producers and foodie visitors.
Sit inside the cosy timber cafe or relax outside in the gorgeous gardens, complete with cubby house and fish pond. Full review.
Koonwarra Food & Wine Store, 2 Koonwarra-Inverloch Rd, Koonwarra (03) 5664 2285
9. Porter Republic
A trendy cafe with a kids area and water views in the tiny town of San Remo. FULL REVIEW.
Porter Republic, San Remo 117 Marine Parade, San Remo
Reader recommendations:
- Inverloch Esplanade Hotel (or the Invy Espy as the locals call it) – good pub grub such as the roast of the day, a chicken parma or scotch fillet. For something a bit fancier you can head upstairs to The Captain’s Lounge.
- The Bayside Lady – serving up big brekkies with eggs, hash brown, house-made baked beans, spinach and mushroom.
- Inverloch Farmers Market – the market is on the third Sunday of each month with fresh local produce from all over Gippsland.
Where to stay in Gippsland with kids
10. Big4 Inverloch Holiday Park
Big4 Holiday Parks are very popular with families and the one at Inverloch is particularly well-equipped for holidaying with kids.
The main highlight is the indoor splash park; the first of its kind in an Australian caravan park. The surf-themed water park is inside a temperature-controlled indoor environment with two water slides, cannon guns, fountains and a super-loud giant shark tipping bucket!
During school holidays the splash park and the other Big4 play equipment, like the indoor pool, playground and giant trampoline cushion, are only accessible to guests. Outside of school holidays you can purchase a day pass to enjoy all the fun!
Indoor Splash Park at Big4 Inverloch Holiday Park, 2 Cuttriss Street, Inverloch
11. Stayz
We stayed at a 3 bedroom holiday house in Inverloch through Stayz. It’s perfect for families, with a huge backyard with a trampoline, swing and slide set and cubby house/kiosk, while inside there’s a high chair and toys, books, games and DVDs.
When the weather’s warm there’s even a spacious pavilion where you can eat and relax, with a BBQ, bar fridge and TV.
More information on visiting Gippsland, including accommodation options, activities and sights, visit www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au and www.gippslandroadtrip.com.au
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