Snare

in and around Wellington Shire

Above the honeycomb of limestone formations, the Buchan Caves Reserve boasts a stunning natural habitat on the earth’s surface; towering gumtrees, burgeoning shrubs and lush green grass attract myriad Australian wildlife. Enjoy a family picnic, take a walk on the walking tracks or make a weekend of it, set up camp under the stars or stay in the Caves House. Ample opportunities are awaiting you at Buchan Cave Reserve, whether you ’re searching for your next family day trip, a special date night or a weekend with the girls. Cave tour tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance. To book Buchan Cave tour tickets visit https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/ buchan-caves-tours

6. Tarra Bulga National Park

Tarra Bulga National Park. Photo: Contributed

ON Brataualung Country, about an hour southwest of Sale, Tarra-Bulga National Park has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges. Tarra-Buluga, known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, offers spectacular picnic settings and magnificent nature walks. With several tracks to choose from, visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the breathtaking wildlife and nature Tarra-Bulga National Park has to offer. Take a stroll to the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, which spans the rainforest canopy and provides stunning views of the thick fern valley on the forest floor below. Wander through a rainforest gully and across trickling mountain streams to Cyathea Falls on the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk, or tackle the Forest Track winding through Mountain Ash forest, a rainforest gully and an unusual thicket of Hazel Pomaderris. Enjoy a day of immersive nature and learn about Tarra-Bulga National Park heritage, a land highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Don’t forget your walking shoes, hat and backpack as you trek through the thick green rainforests on your chosen walking track. For more information about Tarra-Bulga National Park visit https://www.parks.vic.gov. au/places-to-see/parks/tarra-bulga-national-park

7. Agnes Falls

Photo: File

AN hour and 15 minutes southwest of Sale at 59 metres, Agnes Falls, hidden within the green, rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, is the highest single-span falls in Victoria, just a 200-metre journey from the car park along the walking track. After the short expedition, surrounded by diverse vegetation, perch yourself on permanently installed seating and watch the white waters plummet into the gorge below. Take your dog, partner, parents or kids and bask in the natural falling water beauty of Agnes Falls; this hidden patch of serenity near the Gippsland coastline is well worth the drive.

Maffco Brewery and Taphouse.

Photo: Contributed 8. Maffco Brewery and Taphouse

MAFFCO Brewery and Taphouse, which officially opened in December 2022, is the new place to be in Maffra. What was once an old milk factory on Railway Place, Maffra, is now a stunning modern-industrialstyled brewery, boasting incredible spaces indoors and outdoors, featuring a taphouse, working brewery, dining and separate function area, all adding to a unique craft brewing experience. Every week, this popular new hospitality venue hosts Sunday sippers; with the amazing outdoor space at Maffco Brewery and Taphouse, it is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon soaking in the warm golden sun while sipping on freshly poured, ice-cold beers. Enjoy a glass of wine, nibble on eye-catching, mouth-watering cheese platters, or enjoy dinner with friends before taking the dance floor as local artists belt out the tunes. Opening hours, food service, and live music are subject to change, so make sure to check the Maffco Brewery and Taphouse Facebook page for all the up-to-date information; https://www.facebook.com/ maffcobrewery

9. East Gippsland Rail Trail

BEGINNING at Howitt Park on the east bank

East Gippsland Rail Trail. Photo: Contributed

of the Mitchell River in Bairnsdale, the East Gippsland Rail Trail spans almost 94 kilometres through bush, forest and farmland to Newmerella, a small township five kilometres west of Orbost. In 2022, National Geographic named the East Gippsland Rail Trail one of their top three favourite rides in Victoria, describing Gippsland as the patriarch of rail trails in Australia and the East Gippsland Rail Trail as the prime track among the dozen converted railways zipping across the lush region. The track consists primarily of hard-packed gravel, with a 10-kilometre portion between Bairnsdale and Nicholson cemented asphalt, and relatively gentle slopes, making the East Gippsland Rail Trail an ideal ride for cyclists of all abilities. The East Gippsland Rail Trail is not only for peddling-pushing enthusiasts; this stunning nature experience can and is utilised by all adventurers, from cyclists to hikers to horse riders. There are several access points along the nearly 100 kilometres long East Gippsland Rail Trail at Bairnsdale, Nicholson, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, Newmerella and Orbost. With each section of the East Gippsland Rail trail varying in length, nine kilometres between Bairnsdale and Nicholson, 21 kilometres between Nicholson and Bruthen, 28 kilometres between Bruthen and Nowa Nowa and 38 kilometres from Nowa Nowa to Orbost, this trail offers multitudes of opportunities to challenge yourself in the new year. Smash your 2023 fitness goals and aim to ride, run, hike or horse ride a different section every weekend, or take it a little slower and aim for one section a month - the opportunities are endless. To find out more and download trail maps, go to https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/ outdoor-activities/cycling/east-gippsland-rail-trail

10. Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club

ALONG the sandy white shore of 90 Mile Beach, overlooking the vast blue-green ocean, the sound of thunderous waves crashing against millions of golden grains of sand below catches in the wind, a mere whisper as it reaches diners on the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club patio. Summers at Seaspray have been a long tradition for many families from far and wide, generations returning without fail each year to uphold their family ’s centenary-long tradition. Since April 2, 1955, the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has been a part of that tradition, a significant feature in countless memories, with many a change over the years. Today, sitting tall on the hill dividing Seaspray town and 90 Mile Beach, the SLSC is a must-do this summer. The beers are cold, the food is good, the service is friendly, and the views are breathtaking. Following a spout of misfortune, the SLSC went from the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway, to a desolate space on top a sandy, grassy hill. This all changed in 2022 when 25-year-old Olivia Sclater took on the challenge to reignite the magic at the SSLSC, accepting the general manager position. English chefs Sam Valentine and Kevin Douglass Ortega, who Ms Sclater met on a recent international venture, were appointed head chefs, with the SSLSC kitchen officially opening on September 23, serving 210 meals in the first weekend. The SSLSC has since returned to its former glory, the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway. With summer well and truly here, the SSLSC has introduced Sunday sippers, adding to its list of reasons to go. Feel the ocean breeze brushing through your hair as you listen to local artists performing at the picturesque venue as you sip on local wines and tap-poured beers. A watchful eye is easily kept on children running wild on the spanning dunes in the not-too-far distance, returning only for a gulp of their fizzy raspberry drink. The SSLSC is the place to be for the summer of 2023.

Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club.

Photo: John Morgan