Melbourne to Korumburra
Leave early and head southeast via the M1. Once you pass Pakenham, the landscape begins to open up with wide paddocks, grazing cattle and autumn mist lifting from low gullies.
Korumburra makes the perfect first pause. Once a coal mining town, today it’s a quietly creative regional centre with good bakeries, vintage stores, and rural charm. Before heading towards Mirboo, I would suggest you spend some time to explore Coal Creek Community Park & Museum which offers a glimpse of Gippsland’s early settlement history.
Korumburra to Leongatha
The drive between Korumburra and Leongatha is classic South Gippsland with undulating farmland, scattered windbreaks of golden elm and oak, and winding country roads that glow in autumn light.
Leongatha is known as the dairy country and is located in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges. It’s a good lunch stop and has plenty of cafés, pubs, and bakeries that line the main street. From here, you begin climbing gently toward Mirboo North.
Leongatha also marks the beginning of the much-loved Great Southern Rail Trail, which starts just south of the old railway station and threads its way through some of South Gippsland’s most charming towns including Fish Creek, Meeniyan and Foster before reaching Welshpool near the coast.
Following the path of the former railway line, the trail gently winds through rolling farmland, shaded cuttings, timber bridges and open paddocks framed by seasonal trees. In autumn, the ride or walk becomes especially rewarding, with cool air, golden light and quieter paths making it ideal for a relaxed half-day outing or an overnight cycling adventure.
It’s an easy way to experience the landscape at a slower pace swapping the car for two wheels (or walking shoes) and seeing South Gippsland unfold gradually, kilometre by kilometre.
Leongatha to Mirboo North
The road towards Mirboo North narrows and the hills rise. You travel along the tall forest and enter Mirboo North that sits perched above the surrounding farmland. In autumn, the town’s streets and gardens shift into amber and rust tones, especially around Baromi Park.
Mirboo North has a distinctly artistic, community-focused energy with bookshops, galleries, cosy cafés. It’s the kind of town where you slow down naturally.
Take a short forest walk in Mirboo North Regional Park or simply wander the main street and soak in the crisp mountain air.
We last visited Mirboo North during the Annual Winter fest a few years back and loved it! If it happens this year, don’t miss out the street parade.
You can also drive the 132-kilometre Grand Ridge Road that snakes its way through the Strzelecki Ranges and enjoy gorgeous views of the countryside.
The Tarwin River East and West, Berry’s Creek and Turton’s Creek are popular spots for fishing blackfish and trout.
Location & distance guide
Melbourne to Korumburra: 121 km
Korumburra to Leongatha: 15 km
Melbourne to Mirboo North: 150 km
Sale to Mirboo North: 100 km
Via bus: Mirboo North to Morwell and Traralgon in the north and Leongatha and Wonthaggi in the south.
Local Vic 