Join the lines of the Great Southern Rail Trail in Yarram, by following the Trail through to Alberton, where you can continue all the way through to Nyora in South Gippsland. Recent upgrades have connected the old Tarra Trail segment to the Great Southern Rail Trail, experience the rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges. The Great Southern Rail Trail connects at Alberton, where you can cycle through to Welshpool and then further afield.
The Yarram section of the Trail itself is an easy to ride or walk trail which is perfect for young children, the Trail is also close to seaside Port Albert for a post-ride meal. The trail connects with other local pathways making it possible to start or finish the trail from many locations in either town. In Yarram, the trail follows the old railway line before passing by the Yarram Wetlands and out of town where you'll take in views of the surrounding dairy farmlands. The Great Southern Rail Trail brings you through the small town of Alberton, with the Victoria Hotel well worth a stop for a bite to eat, or a cold drink to get you hydrated. The trail then continues onto the historic seaside village of Port Albert, with a history steeped in whaling, oil and gas exploration and much more. To finish off your walk, grab some fresh fish and chips and enjoy sitting by the wharf with beautiful water views.
The Great Southern Rail Trail is a fantastic way to experience Gippsland, with a wide variety of vistas to explore. From the green, rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, to the wide expanse of dairy farmlands, to the historic ports of Port Albert and Port Welshpool.
For more: Great Southern Rail Trail & Tarra Trail – Rail Trails Australia
The Sale Common Wetlands and River Heritage Trail offers a kaleidoscope of riverine and wetlands scenery in addition to heritage places, all marked with interpretive plaques. The trail begins at the Port of Sale and extends as far south as the celebrated Swing Bridge at the junction of the Thomson and Latrobe rivers.
The return journey, if you so choose, takes in Sale’s beautiful lakes – Guyatt and Guthridge, as well as the historic Powder Magazine. The historic Port of Sale was formerly the shipping terminal for so much cargo and so many passengers, either coming into Gippsland or leaving Gippsland by rail for Melbourne. The Port is found at the head of the Sale Canal, which was originally dug by horse and scoop in the late 1880s, as the essential transport link between rail and road and the rivers and lakes.
Today this historic port is a picturesque marina in a serene, landscaped setting, where you can find many walks, and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
From the Port you walk through an avenue of trees alongside the Canal, sensing not only the riverboat traffic of yesteryear, but also the festivities of rowing regattas still held today. Soon you reach McArdell’s Gap, a cut in the bank of the Canal, opposite where the Thomson River breaks into the artificial waterway. At McArdell’s you will see the site of shipyards where two of Gippsland’s most important steamboats were built – the Enterprise and the paddle steamer Tanjil.
Using the updated walking tracks, you'll cross what used to be the South Gippsland Highway (now using a roadway above), you enter the incredible wonderland of the Sale Game Refuge, in earlier times known as the Sale Common. This portion of the trail, much of it over a boardwalk of generous size, spanning extensive, Ramsar-listed wetlands, is full of surprises: a tree-lined natural lagoon, haven to so much bird life; ancient gum trees, twisted and gnarled; a blazed tree evocative of the earliest explorers of Gippsland; an old rifle butt re-incarnated as a bird hide; a large brick water trough, now incongruous in its wilderness setting, and so much more.
From there, you emerge onto a part of the Punt Lane flanking the Thomson River, so called because it led to a punt, the first river crossing linking the upper districts with Port Albert to the south. Soon you are in view of the nationally important Swing Bridge. This was completed in 1883 to the design of notable Australian engineer and bridge builder, John Grainger. The Bridge still swings open to allow vessels to enter the Port of Sale. It is a ‘must see’, not only for its historic importance but also for the extraordinary symmetry of its design, best viewed from the Longford side.
On your return you have the choice of passing by the site of Gippsland’s first licensed airfield, the superb environs of Sale’s lakes and the fortress-like Sale Powder Magazine, now fully restored. In 2009, the Institution of Engineers, Australia, recognised the Port of Sale with a Heritage Marker, and the Swing Bridge with its highest honour, a Heritage Landmark.
The Sale Wetlands and River Heritage Trail is a gentle 5.1km walk (one way) or 10.2km (return) on a gravel and concrete path way. The walk is suitable for those with prams or wheelchairs, with the paths being generally flat.
The Port of Sale to Swing Bridge section is accessible to those of all abilities, mapping can be found here
Carrajung Estate is a boutique vineyard situated in Central Gippsland and surrounded by the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges, the 90 Mile beach at Woodside and the natural flora and fauna of Tarra Bulga National Park.
Carrajung Estate provides the perfect setting for that garden wedding to remember forever or for the wonderful vineyard style reception in our purpose-built function centre. The garden surrounding the main home provides a truly beautiful setting for your wedding. The main lawn area and old oak tree with the path passing underneath has seen many vows exchanged, with views through to the vineyard. Seating can be provided for around 100 guests.
Carrajung Vineyard Retreat also has four accommodation options; a four-bedroom lodge; two luxe two bedroom cottages; one bedroom cottage with heated outdoor spa.
The award-winning restaurant is open for lunch Friday - Sunday and public holidays, Cellar Door Thursday - Monday or by appointment. Inside the restaurant the floor to ceiling windows gives you a view across the vineyard. In the warmer months the deck or lawns are the perfect spot to sit and soak up the sun whilst enjoying our award-winning wines.
Have a chat with the team about how Carrajung Estate can bring your event dream to life.
MURAL Ralph Vale - Federal Coffee Palace
MURAL LOCATION – 305 Commercial Road Yarram 3971
ABOUT THE FEDERAL COFFEE PALACE – The Federal Coffee Palace building has a unique place in the history of Yarram and is highly visible as you come into town from the South.
Although not the first brick building to be built in the town, the Federal Coffee Palace is the oldest remaining brick building in Yarram (Victoria, Australia). The actual construction date is uncertain, but some historical records show that it was built in 1888 by Charles Stockwell for James Buckley, whose initials are on the corner facade.
The building was purchased by Peter Stone and Wendy Bouker in November 1990. The owners residence at the time was in the single-storey section at the right of the building, on James Street. The first floor was a ‘boarders area’, for short and long-term residents. Peter and Wendy occupied the majority of the top floor from 1991 till 1999.
The Yarram Coffee Palace Cafe run by Paige Eaton operates on the ground floor of the building.
WHY I BECAME INVOLVED – “I was originally approached by Wayne Tindall about the possibility of having a major mural painted on my building. It was in fact something that Wendy and I had talked about many times before and when I saw the calibre of the work that Heesco had done in the Yarram Bull Bar owned by Wayne and Anne Tindall, we jumped at it.
Although there were several candidates to have their face on this building, Ralph Vale for me was an obvious choice. Ralph was a Bullocky back in the day…he died about 10 years ago now. He lived up in Hiawatha and was known and loved by many in the area…. a traditional old timer.
Ralph took his Bullock Train from Walhalla to Port Albert for the 150th Anniversary of the port which was quite a journey. He even made shoes for the Bullocks out of old car tyres! He also used to bring the Bullocks down from Hiawatha to take part in the Yarram Tarra Festival each year. In the early days, some of the Bullock Trains had pairs of 16 which was quite remarkable. Everyone loved old Ralph!
Ralph represents the early settlers that made this area what it is today. I thought it was important to commemorate him on my building….and judging from the public response, I think I made the right call.” Peter Stone – Building Owner
THE MURAL DESIGN – “Peter played around with dozens of images for this painting and then Eric Greenaway and myself spent some time with Peter sifting through these ideas until we all finally settled on the image that now sits on the wall of the Federal Coffee Palace.
Logistically the painting was quite a challenge being on a corner and being two stories high, however the community were very understanding as we manoeuvred the Cherry Picker back and forth to create the image. Fortunately, Heesco has all his working at heights certificates having recently completed three silo projects around Australia.
The painting has created a great sense of pride and fond memories for many in Yarram, even reducing some to tears as the likeness of Ralph is represented two stories high in front of them.” Wayne Tindall – Artist/film maker
Situated high on a hill, Blue Gables Vineyard is an exposed site that is warmer than most in Gippsland by day, yet with the absence of any sea breeze, the nights cool off significantly. These day/night temperature extremities are perfect for viticulture and this unique microclimate has resulted in the wines displaying intense varietal flavour and elegance.
The now established boutique vineyard has 2 acres of Shiraz, 2 acres of Pinot Gris, 2 acres of Sauvignon Blanc and 1 acre of Chardonnay. The vineyard has also expanded with plantings of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir in the spring of 2017.
Our first vintage was in 2009, with wines initially made by Mal Stewart, who continues to make our sparkling wines.
Our current winemaker Alastair Butt has set a high benchmark for us with his first few vintages, commencing 2015. Blue Gables was awarded a 5-Star James Halliday Winery rating in 2019 and continues to deliver premium quality award-winning wines.
We have a very busy Cellar Door, open all year round on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, where people come to enjoy our wines paired with our wood-fired pizzas amidst magnificent views of the Newry Flats in the Macalister Irrigation District.
The Vines on Avon is a beautiful restaurant and vineyard located in Maffra. The Vines boasts breathtaking panoramic views, superb country atmosphere, combined with an award-winning team, your guests are guaranteed to appreciate this magical day as much as you will.
From casual dining, Sunday sippers or a relaxing breakfast whatever the reason to visit we are sure you will be pleased with the comfortable venue and spectacular views.
The Vines team would love to have you join them for your special function, they cater for Weddings, birthdays and any other special day along with corporate functions, with a modern AV system including projector makes them the venue of choice for your next function.
Glenmaggie Wines have been growing vines and making wines in Gippsland, since 1995. We have complete control over our winemaking process. To purchase our wines, call into our Cellar Door at Tinamba, Gippsland, or purchase your wines online, for delivery to your door.
Glenmaggie Wines have many award-winning wines to choose from including a great range of reds, whites and sparklings to sample. Glenmaggie Wines are hand crafted from grape varieties that have been specifically chosen to suit the location, in the cooler climate of Gippsland. Picking is done by hand to concentrate the flavours of our fruits to ensure we end up with wine of premium quality and character.
They’re passionate about their vines and their wines and are happy to share their passion with you. The Glenmaggie Wines Cellar Door is only a couple of hours from Melbourne, via the Princes Hwy. While you’re in Gippsland, take advantage of the rich gourmet Food Trails and wash it down with fine local Wines.
The Glenmaggie Wines team have lovingly constructed their newest addition, their very own Cellar Door. Open over the weekend from 11am to 4pm, the Cellar Door is the perfect chance to meet the winemakers, Tony and Fleur and sample some amazing local produce courtesy of the kitchen team.