Yinnar is a charming rural town located in the picturesque Morwell River Valley in Gippsland. With the Strzelecki Ranges to the west and the Jeeralang Hills to the east, its a gateway to scenic hotspots, contemporary arts and scenic drives.
Did you know the name Yinnar was taken from the parish name and is an Aboriginal word meaning “woman.”
I learnt about Yinnar while working with ACFE – Learn Local back in 2023. Before that it was another town we travelled through but never really stopped by to explore.
Things to see and do in Yinnar
Arts Resource Collective (ARC): is the hub for contemporary arts and creativity at Yinnar. Founded in 1982 by a group of passionate artists, ARC transformed the disused Yinnar Butter Factory into a thriving space for artistic expression. Located in the heart of town, the ARC brings together exhibitions, workshops, and artist studios. It also hosts a range of activities, including ceramics, printmaking, blacksmithing, painting, and photography. Exhibitions at ARC are always free, and the gallery is open from Thursday to Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM. Whether you’re an artist, an enthusiast, or simply curious, ARC is a must-visit spot in Yinnar.
Visit the smallest Church in Australia: Have you ever seen one of the smallest churches in Australia? The Holy Innocents’ Anglican Church in Yinnar measures just 4 x 5 meters, making it one of the tiniest places of worship in the country.
Learn about Yinnar’s history: Visit the small but interesting Museum at the Railway Goods Shed. Located at the Centenary Park, Main Street the museum has artifacts, books and other interesting memorabilia. It is open on the first Sunday of each month from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Coffee/lunch at Cafe 3869: offers a variety of freshly made food including all your fried food favourites, home made lasagnes including many vegan& gluten free options. The cafe also is popular for house roasted coffee, milkshakes, smoothies, many cold drink options & sweet treats. Once the tummy is full, stop and shop for something local and quirky at the Yinnar General Store.
Parks: Centenary Garden and Yinnar Skate Park are both located at the Main Street. Martin Walker Reserve offers a beautiful picnic area and Yinnar Recreation Reserve has facilities for football, netball, cricket, tennis, judo as well as private functions and public events.
Travel a little more
Take the scenic Strzelecki Drive (also known as Route 94): This route takes travelers through charming villages like Yinnar, Boolarra, and Mirboo North, passing rolling farmlands, peaceful lakes, lush forests, and renowned national parks such as Tarra Bulga National Park and Morwell National Park. To choose which loop suits your mood and get more details on this breathtaking drive, visit: Strzelecki Drive Website.
Morwell River Falls: A hidden gem where cascading waterfalls create a peaceful retreat, perfect for a short hike or picnic. The short walk takes about 15-20 minutes return and is suitable for seniors and children. The area is closer to Boolarra South. Track to to the lower falls become slippery during rains so be careful.
Picnic at Lake Hyland and Mathison Park: Ideal for a relaxing day out, with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and walking along the serene waters. At the southern end of the lake, you’ll find the remains of Hare’s Farmhouse, an original homestead rich in history. Nearby, the Koori Garden showcases native plants that have been used for thousands of years by the local Gunaikurnai people for food, medicine, and cultural practices. Adding to the site’s significance, eleven beautifully decorated totem poles stand tall, adorned with intricate Gunaikurnai artwork which offers a tribute to the enduring legacy of the region’s First Nations people.
Explore Tarra Bulga National Park: famous of the Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge, dense mountain gullies and the beautiful Cyathea Falls.
Other blogs that may interest you
- You could visit Old Gippsland. Read more on my blog, ‘Exploring Timeless Treasures at Old Gippstown, Moe.’
- Explore Trafalgar – most popular for the Holden Museum.
More walks to explore: Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk (1.4km return with Cyathea Falls), Fosters Gully Nature Walk (2.3km return) and Lyrebird Forest Walk or the longer trek on Grand Strzelecki Walking Track.
Location and Distance Guide to Yinnar
From Melbourne: 160 km
Moe: 25.8 km
Mirboo North: 20.7 km
Morwell: 18.5 km
Trafalgar: 34 km
Feature Image Copyright Visit Gippsland
Local Vic 