7 minute read
Unspoilt
Ten things to do this summer
Zoe Askew
SUMMER has arrived in Gippsland; puffer jackets, thick woollen socks, and thermal underlayers have been replaced with singlets, shorts and thongs. Coastal hotspots are bustling with visitors from near and far, and warm sunrays kiss the face of gleeful schoolchildren as they walk the streets in droves or play games on colourful playgrounds, relishing the freedom of summer holidays. Regardless of whether you are a Gippsland local or a visitor from far and wide, the Gippsland Times has hunted for 10 must-do things this summer to help you make the most of your time.
1. Woodside Pub
THE Woodside Beach Hotel, also known as the Woodside Pub, also known as the ‘Woody’, was erected roadside of the South Gippsland Highway in the 1850s, quickly becoming the beating heart of the 53-person township.
Woodside Beach Hotel.
Photo: Contributed
Woodside expanded with rich opportunities for cropping and livestock grazing predominating, increasing the town’s population. In 2006 the population of Woodside had grown
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to 267, and the Woodside Pub was unwavering in its test of time, remaining the epicentre, the true blue beating heart of the small regional town. The Wellington Shire municipal town was devastated by the deadly 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which incinerated the Woodside Post Office, with another blaze burning down the Woodside General Store later in the year, leaving little more than blackened cindered frames. Despite suffering so much devastation, Woodside began rebuilding with hope and optimism, but reality was not so kind, and in 2016, the Woodside Pub closed its doors after 170 years. In November 2021, an 11-person syndicate, including director Clint Hillas, Redd Catt Sale owner Matt Raidal, star player of the Western Bulldogs Josh Dunkley, and a clandestine Financial Review Rich-Lister, signed the ownership contract to the Woodside Pub. The Woodside Beach Hotel reopened in mid-2022, following significant renovations that virtually gutted and rebuilt the historic, well-known, beloved pub. Walking into the light, farmhouse chic establishment, the smell of Gippsland steak, red wine jus, five-spice crispy calamari and golden brown chicken schnitzels topped with melted mozzarella, Neapolitan sauce and shaved champagne ham waft from the sparkingly new, state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Behind the tantalising smells is UK chef Robert Paget who joined the Woodside Beach Hotel team after spending the last 17 years in Sydney, making a name for himself in the culinary industry, heading some of the best kitchens in the region, including Gazebo, The Winery and The Bellevue Hotel. Since Woodside Beach Hotel’s grand reopening last July, hundreds of diners have flocked to the renowned establishment each week for schooners of cold poured beers and a taste of Mr Paget’s culinary creations; all made with locally-sourced produce. Woodside Beach Hotel boasts some of the best food, drinks and service in the region and is just a stone’s throw away from some of Gippsland’s most sought hotspots, including Ninety Mile Beach, Port Albert, Tarra Bulga National Park and Wilsons Promontory.
2. Blue Pools
HIDDEN between towering gumtrees, 30 minutes north of Sale, Briagolong’s Blue Pools was once a well-kept secret; today, the plunging watering hole is a popular swimming destination for locals and tourists alike. As you drive north along the orange dirt Freestone Creek Road, a steep driveway appears on your left-hand shoulder, revealing a small clearing, a rusted-tinged dirt car park. A grassy ground trail with the occasional tree root protruding from the earth leads Blue Pool goers on a short adventure under the shade of towering gums; the recognisable smell of the Australian
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Blue Pools, Briagalong.
Photo: Contributed
bush overcomes nasal senses. Thick trees diminish, revealing an entrance to the final destination. A dark-coloured waterhole plunges deep into the earth in the middle of a large, scenic clearing encompassed by magnificent rock structures and brown-green foliage. The water’s edge is lined by thousands of colourful rocks, each one different from the next; the Blue Pools waterhole starts shallow but quickly becomes deep. Cool water laps at ankles as swimmers take the plunge as other visitors remain on the rocky shores, lapping up the sun. Some may prefer to explore the surrounding region before taking a swim, and with several walks, each at various lengths, this little slice of heaven has something for everyone. The Bluff is a steep five-minute climb with fantastic views over the Blue Pool area and the Peregrine Lookout Trail, which takes about an hour return, and is perfect for visitors who fancy a bit more of a stroll.
3. Wilsons Promontory National Park
WILSONS Promontory National Park - a little
Wilsons Prom from the top of Mount Oberon.
Photo Zoe Askew
slice of heaven on earth at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, in an Aboriginal cultural landscape. Wilsons Prom offers endless opportunities for everyone, whether you are looking to go on a family weekend camping trip, a day hike with friends or a week-long scenic adventure with someone special. Tidal River is Wilsons Promontory National Park’s main visitor hub offering a range of accommodation options with 484 camping and caravan sites, award-winning wilderness retreats and lodge-style accommodations, perfect for large groups. With so many site options, Tidal River Campgrounds boasts endless possibilities for Wilson Prom visitors, with the choice to set up camp along the banks of Tidal River or nestled in the tea trees, a stone’s throw away from Norman Beach. For those who love adventure, Parks Victoria offers a variety of hiking tours venturing across the 505 km² of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Wilsons Prom might consider the Northern or Southern Overnight Hikes. Darby River to Tongue Point, Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk and the Instagram-famous Mount Oberon Summit hikes are perfect for those preferring day trips. With so many adventures waiting to be had, from four-wheel driving, scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking to horseriding, hiking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, and so much more, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a must-do this summer.
4. Long Tunnel Mine Tour
Long Tunnel Mine Tour.
Photo: Contributed
THE Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour, which operates every day of the year, located an hour and 15 minutes north-west of Sale, is a fantastic day expedition to add to your 2023 summer schedule. The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour offers three sessions on weekends, public holidays and through school holidays, beginning at noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Every other day, one tour is available at 1.30pm. Visitors are led about 260 metres underground into a large machinery chamber hewn of solid rock from about 150 years ago. Tour guides share mining methods and history as you explore a world below the surface. The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour takes about 50 minutes, with tour numbers typically limited to about 20 people to ensure a more personal experience. Family tickets for two adults and up to four children cost $60, adults $25, seniors and concession card holders $20, children under the age of 16 $20 and children under the age of six are free. Group tours for groups of 12 or more are available upon arrangement. Tickets are sold at the mine office or over the phone. The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an interactive, entertaining, informative and captivating deep dive into a small portion of Gippsland’s rich history. With tours, wheelchair and pram accessible, the mine adequately lit, well-ventilated and with flat walking surfaces, the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an activity for everyone. For more information about the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour visit https:// www.walhallaboard.org.au/
5. Buchan Caves
ON Krauatungalung Country, an hour and 40 minutes northeast of Sale, is Buchan Caves Reserve, where underneath picnic-perfect landscape and popular campsites lie Victoria’s largest cave system. Almost 400 million years ago, an underground river carved a warren of breathtaking limestone formations stretching up to four kilometres long. Today, the Buchan Caves are an ever-popular adventure waiting to be had. Through guided tours, visitors can descend into the Fairy Cave and Royal Cave sections to catch a glimpse of the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite forms. Bask in the beauty of the earth-formed pillars, rim pools, vast open caverns and an ancient flowing stream.
