Things to Do in Bairnsdale East Gippsland

Bairnsdale is the corporate hub of East Gippsland & is the perfect starting point to explore the lakes, rivers, oceans, fisheries, wineries, eateries & other attractions of the region. Noted for its wonderful temperate climate of mild Winters & glorious Summer-Autumn periods Bairnsdale can also be the base point for those who want to spend hot Summer days at the beach & those who want to see the Winter snowfields.

On the banks of the Mitchell River, Bairnsdale has wide streets and award winning gardens; offering guests a relaxed locale with old time country friendliness and charm. Of course, there are a full range of modern facilities, shopping, cafes and restaurants, arts and entertainment, fishing, golf, nature reserves, and historical buildings.

We recommend that you pick up a brochure from Bairnsdale's visitor information centre and drive along the Twin Rivers Food and Wine Trail, or cycle along the East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa. Bairnsdale is also a good starting point for the Great Alpine Road. View some magnificent scenery on a joy flight - or try the exhilaration of a parachute jump. Bird-watch in the hides of the Macleod Morass boardwalk, a rare deep freshwater marsh and sanctuary for over 130 species of water birds.

The railway came to Bairnsdale in 1888 and beautification of the Main Street gardens commenced in the early 1900s. The famous St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1913; its painted ceilings being completed during the depression years of the early 1930s with refurbishment currently under way.

Driving to Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale is a 3 hours drive from Melbourne situated along the banks of the magnificent Mitchell River, 285 kms east on the Princes Highway. Use the Driving Directions below or check the map of Bairnsdale for directions to the Tanjil Motor Inn.