South Gippsland is surprisingly close to Melbourne. Less than 90 minutes after driving in a south-easterly direction out of the city you will have begun to experience the sights of our delightful region.
From Melbourne the journey begins on the Monash Freeway (M1), which can be easily accessed via CityLink, a tollway that connects three of Victoria’s freeways, including the Tullamarine Freeway that runs from the airport to the city. If travelling on CityLink please keep in mind that there are no cash booths. A pass or account is required for travel. Passes for CityLink can be purchased online at www.linkt.com.au, by phone on 13 33 31 (7am-7pm, 7 days), or at participating outlets including 7-Eleven, United Petroleum and many newsagencies. Passes can be purchased prior to travel or up to midnight 3 days after you travel. e-TAG devices can be used on all tollways in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Once on the M1, take the Cranbourne and Phillip Island exit (M420). This will get you onto the South Gippsland Highway. Continue on the M420 for approximately 34 km, then take the Korumburra and Leongatha exit, route A440. By the time you reach the township of Loch you have begun to experience the beauty of the rolling green hills of South Gippsland.
Travel along the Princes Highway (A1) into Victoria and through Gippsland to Sale. At Sale you have the option of taking either the coast or country route to South Gippsland. If you desire a coastal route, take the first roundabout exit in Sale and travel in the direction of Yarram along the South Gippsland Highway (A440). A detour to the Tarra Valley at the popular Tarra Bulga National Park is definitely worthwhile. Alternatively, take the country route into the region via the Strzelecki Highway (B460) from Morwell, an easy way to reach the central part of South Gippsland.
South Gippsland and Phillip Island are very close to each other and easily accessible by car. From Phillip Island take the Bass Highway (B460) to Inverloch. At the Anderson roundabout turn right in the direction of Wonthaggi. When you reach Wonthaggi, you may like to consider a scenic detour along the C435 towards Cape Paterson and the start of the majestic Bunurong Coastal Drive. This unique stretch of road, hugs the coastline and provides views of Bass Strait, rocky outcrops and allows access to a number of secluded beaches. Once at Inverloch, the gateway to South Gippsland, you have a number of options. You may like to consider taking the C442 towards the coastal hamlets of Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay before continuing along the coast to Waratah Bay, Sandy Point and Wilsons Promontory. Or alternatively you can continue along the Bass Highway (B460) to Leongatha and experience the beautiful rolling green hills of South Gippsland.
V/Line bus services operate between Melbourne and South Gippsland and run several times daily.
For a bus timetable and associated information, please phone 136 196 or visit vline.com.au