West Gippsland Hinterland Drive

Walhalla to Neerim South, via Baw Baw

132km, about 2.5 hours

There's much adventure to be had between historic Walhalla, spectacular Mt Baw Baw Alpine Village and beautiful Noojee and Neerim. Stay two nights in an historic hotel in Walhalla, or rest overnight here and move on the next day to Neerim.

From Walhalla, discover the villages of Rawson and Erica and get back to nature with everything from 4WD tours and whitewater adventures, to fishing and bushwalking.

Take the turn off at Mt Erica Road and head to Mushroom Rocks, an impressive display of giant granite tors. Walk through the diverse and unspoilt landscapes of Baw Baw National Park to the rocks, a part of the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track that links Walhalla and Canberra.

There's something for everyone at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, winter or summer. Hit the slopes on a bushwalk, try toboganning or skiing during the snow season, or set out on a downhill biking adventure in the warmer months. Slow down with a soak in the outdoor spa at Baw Baw Alpine Resort.

Back on the road, make your way to Neerim South, one of the most picturesque towns in Gippsland. From Baw Baw, follow the tree-lined Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road through Icy Creek and Tanjil Bren, an old gold prospector's and logging village, until you reach Noojee. Continue on, eventually veering southward until you reach Neerim South.

Check in at Vivere Retreat at Neerim South or Vue at Jindivick for warm West Gippsland hospitality and more of those wonderfully verdant views.

Neerim South, Noojee and Jindivick

135km, 3.5 hours

Wake in the green rolling hills of Neerim South, grab some bushwalking snacks from the village and head north on a scenic 30 minute drive to visit an ancient forest.

North of Neerim you'll find the giant Ada Tree – one of the largest trees in Victoria and believed to be nearly 300 years old. Park the car and take the easy 3.2km walk from the car park and picnic area to the Ada Tree, and back again via the same walking track (1.5 hours return).

Head south-east to Noojee and stop in at the Noojee Hotel for lunch. Take time out here to enjoy fishing, bird watching or bushwalking. Don't miss the beautiful Toorongo Falls (1 hour return loop walk). Visit historic locations including the Noojee Water Wheel, the Ralph Cornwall Loch Valley Tramway Walk and the famous Noojee Trestle Bridge.

Drink in the jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery at Neerim South, and drop in at galleries and sculpture gardens from here to Jindivick. There's easy access to the cycling and walking tracks which criss-cross the surrounding countryside. Pick up regional wine, fabulous cheese and fresh produce for the return trip to Melbourne or extend your stay to explore more of your surrounds.

From Jindivick, it's just an hour and a half drive back to Melbourne.