Discover the Treasures Around Mirador Springs Retreat

Nestled among rolling hills and lush gardens, Mirador Springs Retreat is perfectly placed for travelers who want to relax while also exploring the gems of West and South Gippsland. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for fresh country air, there’s a remarkable variety of experiences within easy reach of your cottage door.

Below you’ll find some of the region’s most loved destinations — from gold-rush towns and heritage villages to sweeping beaches, snow-dusted peaks, and tranquil rainforests. Use this guide to plan memorable day trips during your stay.

Step Back in Time: Historic Destinations

Walhalla Historic Township

Tucked into a deep valley about an hour from Mirador Springs, Walhalla feels like a living museum. Once one of the richest gold towns in Victoria, it now charms visitors with its preserved main street, quaint cottages, and a population of just a few dozen residents. Stroll past old shops and the original post office. You can take the scenic railway along Stringers Creek or join a tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine to see where fortune-hunters once toiled. In autumn, the surrounding hills glow with amber leaves, while winter often sprinkles snow on the rooftops — perfect for photographers.

Old Gippstown – Gippsland’s Heritage Park

In Moe, only 20 minutes from the retreat, Old Gippstown is a delightful open-air museum featuring more than 40 relocated and reconstructed buildings from Gippsland’s pioneering past. Wander at your own pace or join a guided walk through blacksmith forges, police stables, settler huts, and a classic country pub. With its period costumes, horse-drawn vehicles, and historic machinery, it’s a wonderful outing for families and history enthusiasts alike.

A Glimpse into Holden's Legacy at Trafalgar Holden Museum

The Trafalgar Holden Museum, located in the picturesque town of Trafalgar, Victoria, is a gem for car lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This museum holds an extensive collection celebrating Holden, a brand deeply ingrained in Australian culture. With its diverse range of vehicles, memorabilia, and captivating stories, the museum offers visitors an exciting look into the legacy of one of Australia's most iconic car manufacturers.

Holden began its journey in 1856 as a saddlery business before transitioning to car manufacturing in the early 20th century. The museum proudly presents a collection of over 50 Holden models, showcasing the outstanding evolution of design and technology. From the classic FJ to the iconic Commodore, each vehicle reflects the changing tastes and preferences of Australian drivers over the decades.

One noteworthy example is the Holden Torana. Known for its racing heritage, the Torana competed successfully in numerous motorsport events. An original Torana model is on display, emphasizing its importance and nostalgia for many Australians, who remember it as a symbol of 1970s youth culture.

Moreover, the museum contains vehicles celebrated for their distinctive features, such as the Holden Kingswood, which has a loyal fanbase due to its spacious design and versatility, making it a favored family car throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

A classic Holden car showcasing vintage design

The Trafalgar Holden Museum is not solely focused on cars; it offers vibrant exhibits showcasing Holden's cultural impact in Australia. Visitors can explore an assortment of advertisements, vintage brochures, and personal accounts. This variety illustrates how Holden transformed the automotive landscape and became a beloved brand across the country.

The museum also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as car shows and community gatherings that bring together car enthusiasts. For example, the annual Holden Day attracts thousands of visitors, providing a space to celebrate their passion for the brand, swap stories, and admire various models on display.

Iconic Landmarks & Panoramic Vistas

Wilsons Promontory National Park

A trip to Gippsland isn’t complete without experiencing the wild beauty of Wilsons Promontory, known locally as “The Prom.” Around 90 minutes from Mirador Springs, this much-loved national park showcases pristine beaches, granite headlands, and abundant wildlife. Hike to Mount Oberon for sweeping views, walk the boardwalks at Tidal River, or enjoy a picnic at Squeaky Beach, where the sand really does sing underfoot. Keep an eye out for wombats, emus, and kangaroos along the trails.

Mount Baw Baw Alpine Village

For a completely different landscape, head north to Mt Baw Baw, the closest downhill ski area to Melbourne. In winter, it’s a snow-play paradise with skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. Outside the snow season, Baw Baw offers crisp mountain air, wildflowers, and spectacular hiking trails. The famous Australian Alpine Walking Track passes through the plateau, and there are easy circuits such as the Village Trail or Summit Walk, ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll.

Nature Walks & Wildlife Encounters

Tarra-Bulga National Park

One of Victoria’s most magical cool-temperate rainforests, Tarra-Bulga is less than an hour away but feels like another world. Ancient mountain ash tower over lush tree-fern gullies, and the famous Corrigan Suspension Bridge sways above a canopy alive with native birds. The visitors’ centre has maps for short and long walks, including the Fern Gully Nature Walk — perfect for spotting lyrebirds scratching in the undergrowth.

Mount Worth State Park

Closer still, Mt Worth protects some of the last remnants of giant mountain ash forest in West Gippsland. Gentle tracks lead past waterfalls, moss-covered logs, and the remains of historic timber mills. The Giant’s Circuit, about 1.5 km, is an easy loop showcasing towering trees and cool forest air — a lovely way to spend a quiet morning.

Uralla Nature Reserve – Koala Spotting

Just a few minutes’ drive from the retreat, Uralla Reserve offers a rare chance to see koalas in the wild. A short boardwalk winds through manna gum woodland where koalas often doze in the branches. Early morning or late afternoon is best for sightings, and the reserve is also home to wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife.

Narracan Falls

Pack a picnic and take the scenic 15-minute drive to Narracan Falls, a favourite local spot for photography and paddling on warm days. A short path leads to a viewing platform where the falls tumble into a clear rock pool surrounded by ferns. After rain, the cascade is especially impressive, and the area makes a peaceful stop on the way to Old Gippstown or Walhalla.

More Local Favourites

Blue Rock Lake

Blue Rock Lake is a serene reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just watching the reflections of the surrounding hills. There are picnic tables and walking tracks along the shore.

Morwell Rose Garden

Morwell Rose Garden is a riot of colour in spring, showcasing thousands of roses in formal beds; free entry makes it a pleasant stop on a sunny afternoon.

Coal Creek Community Park & Museum (Korumburra)

Coal Creek Community Park & Museum is another heritage village, complete with train rides, farm animals, and seasonal markets.

Food, Wine & Country Charm

Exploring is hungry work, and Gippsland’s food scene is as inviting as its landscapes.

Local Farm Gates & Markets

Taste artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, berries in summer, and farm-pressed olive oils. Yarragon Village is a popular spot for browsing galleries and sampling local produce.

Wineries & Breweries

The region’s cool climate produces elegant wines — pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling in particular. Cellar doors such as Wild Dog Winery or Dirty Three Wines (near Inverloch) pair great drops with relaxed hospitality.

Country Pubs & Cafés

From hearty counter meals to refined dining, you’ll find welcoming venues in nearby towns like Trafalgar, Warragul, and Mirboo North.

Suggested Day Trips from Mirador Springs Retreat

| Destination | Travel Time (approx.) | Highlights |

|----------------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------|

| Walhalla Historic Township | 60–70 min | Gold mine tour, heritage railway, historic streetscape |

| Old Gippstown, Moe | 20 min | Heritage buildings, pioneer displays |

| Wilsons Promontory | 90 min | Beaches, wildlife, hiking |

| Mt Baw Baw | 75 min | Winter snow sports, summer bushwalks |

| Tarra-Bulga National Park | 50 min | Suspension bridge, rainforest walks |

| Mt Worth State Park | 25 min | Giant trees, waterfalls |

| Uralla Nature Reserve | 10 min | Wild koala spotting |

| Narracan Falls | 15 min | Picturesque waterfall & picnic spot |

Tips for Planning Your Adventures

• Check weather & road conditions before heading to mountain or coastal areas.

• Pack layers — Gippsland’s climate can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.

• Allow time to linger. Many attractions reward a slow pace: pause for photos, listen for birdsong, or enjoy a coffee in a country café.

• Respect wildlife and leave no trace. Keep to marked paths, take rubbish home, and never feed native animals.

  
  

Your Gippsland Escape Awaits

One of the greatest joys of staying at Mirador Springs Retreat is that you don’t need to choose between seclusion and adventure — you can have both. Spend a morning wandering through our landscaped gardens or meeting the rescue animals, then set off to discover gold-rush history, wild coastlines, lofty mountains, and tranquil fern gullies.

With so much within an easy drive, every day can bring a new adventure… or you can simply stay put and soak up the serenity. Either way, Gippsland’s treasures are right on your doorstep.