Where to head when you’re dreaming about forest trails or unspoilt beaches and quaint seaside towns? Maybe you’re more about ski resorts, nature cruises or rolling hills? In Victoria’s Gippsland, a playground of abundance stretching about 540 kilometres from the outskirts of Melbourne to the New South Wales border, there’s no need to choose. Head south to where the sea sparkles, west where farms dominate, north to the magnificent Great Dividing Range or east for sun-dappled trails and you can enjoy all of the above. The cherry on top? Gippsland locals, whether they’re immersed in agriculture, tourism or something else entirely, are just as diverse.

Searching for a post-pandemic tree change, coach and hypnotherapist Nirelle Bennett found the perfect family home in Sale and she’s now president of Gippsland Women in Business.

“We lived in Melbourne during the COVID lockdowns, which were tough on everyone. We couldn’t go out for more than an hour a day and I was homeschooling two young children [now 13 and nine]. We already had connections to Gippsland and, little by little, we fell in love with the outdoorsy lifestyle. When my husband playfully said, ‘Let’s move here,’ the ‘joke’ became a reality pretty quickly.

We made the decision to move far enough from Melbourne that we couldn’t keep one foot in each camp – we wanted to commit to a whole new lifestyle that was focused on family togetherness and the great outdoors. Fortunately, I was able to offer my coaching and hypnotherapy services online. I have two sides to what I do but the core promises are the same. Whether I help a client with impostor syndrome or help someone stop smoking, I’m focused on the issues they’re presenting with and their ultimate goal and finding ways to bridge that gap. There’s nothing I love more than helping people.

Country living is wonderful but you have to work harder to form social connections. It’s one of the reasons I joined Gippsland Women in Business, a networking initiative that encourages Gippsland women to get together, create opportunities and grow as a community. Networking in small towns in particular is critical – if I need a videographer, I’m going directly to a local rather than sending my money out of town. It’s a way of thinking that strengthens our economy.

Life has changed dramatically for us since we moved to Sale. My kids have started playing tennis and we’re always outside as a family, whether we’re at the hot springs in Metung or having a picnic – I’ve even started a vegetable garden. If I have any regrets, it’s only that we didn’t make the move sooner.”

Gippsland born and bred, Jayne Chapman has been with CommBank for 30 years and is the branch manager of Wonthaggi.

“I grew up in Toora, an area of Gippsland known as dairy country, where rolling hills serve as a gateway to Wilsons Promontory. My parents were dairy farmers so it was an idyllic childhood but I was always eager to explore beyond the farm and see what the world had to offer. When I made the decision to pursue a career with CommBank, I moved to East Gippsland for a number of years and over the decades I’ve slowly worked my way to Wonthaggi here on the Bass Coast in South Gippsland. I would describe the town – and the role I have with CommBank – as the perfect fit for me because they combine so many of my values: community, connection and purpose. This town offers a welcoming coastal lifestyle and my role allows me to build meaningful relationships while helping people achieve their goals.

The change in the Gippsland region over the past decade or two has been extraordinary. When I first worked in Wonthaggi in 2002, it felt like a big country town. But now, infrastructure is developing at a quick pace – our branch is located in a shopping centre and we’re surrounded by a variety of stores, local businesses and dining options. The things I loved when I first moved here are the same, though: the local community still has that friendly country feel and the focus is still on the beautiful beaches and trails. I always recommend visitors check out Cape Paterson for a swim and take the George Bass Coastal Walk, which is a seven-kilometre route between San Remo and Kilcunda.

There’s a lot of diversity in the local demographic and it’s something we stay mindful of at the branch. We have an ageing community and there’s plenty of retirees who like to come into the branch to have a chat or to review their banking needs. But the area is now attracting younger people who like the lifestyle and the relative affordability. They’re buying or building their first homes or setting up businesses so their requirements are quite different. We’ve also had a lot of people who moved here ‘temporarily’ during the pandemic only to decide they wanted to stay – I can’t say I blame them! As you can imagine, we have to be light on our feet but there isn’t a day that goes by when I can’t say I love what I do.”

Adamant that Gippsland should never be “just a backdrop”, Jai Iyer, Wandilla Gippsland’s strategic lead of brand and operations, is working towards creating a fully integrated tourism destination.

“Wandilla started as a family run dairy farm almost one hundred years ago but it was built on the belief that business can be both productive and progressive. It’s a forward-thinking mindset that has seen us diversify into raising Red Akaushi Wagyu and producing wine. And we’re now working to build a restaurant, cellar door and luxury accommodation. Despite our growth, we’re farmers at heart but our long-term goal is that Wandilla becomes a destination that celebrates our people, our regional produce and sustainable farming practices.

South Gippsland is picture-perfect but it can never be just a backdrop; the land is rich, fertile and diverse. We’re keen for it to remain that way for generations to come so we take things like soil care and planting for biodiversity seriously. I could talk about its rolling hills or the sea salt in the air forever but what I love most about the area is the sense of calm that envelops you as you drive closer. We want our guests to feel that as soon as they arrive, too.

Like most regional agricultural communities, we wrestle with attracting talent and the weather swings that affect crops and livestock. What’s different for us is upgrading old systems while running a diversified business – including a fast-moving retail arm that takes our produce straight to customers. The local CommBank team has spent time getting to know the business, coming out to the farm and understanding what we’re trying to achieve for Wandilla and the region. With good people and strong relationships behind you, something this big becomes possible.”

A night of stargazing in France inspired Tim Harper – and his partner, Héloïse – to create a unique accommodation experience overlooking Wilsons Promontory National Park.

“I was a city slicker working in digital marketing when the idea for Bubble Retreats was born. Having grown up in the hills around the Yarra Valley, I’d been missing that country lifestyle and as Héloïse and I camped in a tiny netted tent under the stars in France, we realised how magical the experience was. That’s when we knew we wanted to come home and create something that allowed people to lie under the stars while enjoying the comforts of a hotel room.

Finding the right location for Bubble Retreats took a little time but South Gippsland couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s easily accessible from the city, yet far enough that it has a dark night sky with no light pollution. It’s also right by Wilsons Promontory National Park so people can take advantage of nature pursuits during the day, whether it’s visiting beaches, tackling hiking trails or even browsing the shops in town. Then they can come back to enjoy a hot shower, feast on a barbecue or make a meal for two in the bubble’s kitchenette before unwinding. We’re positioned overlooking rolling hills and the ocean so it’s a perfect place to unwind and take in the views this region is famous for.

From the start, Héloïse and I were clear that we wanted the retreat to be something the whole community can be proud of. Fortunately, locals have been supportive of our endeavours. While operating a hospitality business in a small town can have its challenges – finding staff can be tough, for example – we champion one another. I’m always sending guests to certain stores in town and I’ve heard feedback that many business owners recommend my retreat to passers-by. That’s the beauty of small-town communities.

When I’m asked about my favourite thing to do in South Gippsland, it’s difficult to narrow down. If I had to choose just one thing, I’d say Agnes Falls, the highest single-span falls in the state, is unmissable. It’s often overlooked by tourists but if you time your visit just after heavy rainfall, it’s one of the most magnificent sights you’ll ever see.”

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Published: 6 April 2026