Local Vic

We love exploring new places and weekends are mostly outdoors. This weekend we visited the Blue Rock lake which was a great day out for a picnic.

Blue Rock Lake sits in West Gippsland near Willow Grove, which makes it close enough for a day trip but quiet enough to feel like you have escaped the city land. With Mt Baw Baw as the backdrop, the lake offers a scenic view and perfect place for photos or sunset views.

Kids will enjoy exploring the Blue Rock Lake. There’s an all abilities adventure playground which features a range of play equipment that encourage motor, cognitive, social and sensory stimulation for all.

There are also one or two designated swimming area’s where people swim especially during summers. Sometimes access changes due to blue green algae alerts, so check alerts before you leave, and also confirm signage on site. Check latest and seasonsal warning before swimming in the lake.

Walking around the part along the Blue Rock Lake is awesome and there are plenty of sitting areas to take a break and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. You can take the shorter lake shoreline walk closer to the picnic area (1 km), if you prefer a brief stroll. Then head all the way back to Willow Grove along the foreshore.

Facilities: There are two main recreation areas, Spillway Road and Old Tanjil Road, with basics like toilets, picnic tables, shelters, boat ramps, a designated swimming zone, and electric barbecues. Also, it is carry in carry out. No bins so take the rubbish with you.

Willow Grove

Willow Grove is a quaint rural town north of Moe with a small community feel. Here’s what you can do:

• Visit a local general store / café to grab coffee or a sweet treat.
• Explore local spots like the community hall or local fields.
• Relax with a drink or snack after your walk.

(Note: The town is small, so options are limited but charming.)

Eat at

The Irish at Willow Grove: An authentic Irish Pub & Family Bistro features open mic, live music and yummy food.

The Tipsy Heifer: Known for its relaxed rural charm and lively atmosphere, the venue hosts regular events featuring local and touring musicians, comedy nights, and themed gatherings that draw both residents and visitors from nearby towns.

Willow On Main General Store Willow Grove: It serves as a small-town gathering point offering fresh food, coffee, and convenience items to residents and travelers passing through the Gippsland region. 

Moe Hot Bread: Classic local bakery is great for pies, pastries and picnic lunch supplies.

Zealley’s Bakehouse: Another popular cake and bake spot.

Cafés & Coffee Spots

• Tommy Brock Cafe: Local favourite for coffee and brunch.
• Twenty20 Tapas: Great café with a modern menu and relaxed vibe.
• Mia’s Kitchen: Mia’s Kitchen specializes in classic Italian dishes, particularly pasta-based meals such as fettuccine carbonara, ravioli, beef tortellini, and lasagna. The restaurant is also known for cakes, and desserts, including the well-praised lemon meringue pie.
• Coffee Central Moe – Classic coffee spot on Moore Street.
• The Coffee Pod Moe: Another solid coffee choice around town.
• Turn Back Time Cafe: Charming café for a mid-morning break.
• Everyday Drive Thru – Highly-rated drive-thru coffee (great if you’re getting going early).

Restaurants for Lunch / Dinner in Moe

• Moe Thai Restaurant: Great Asian flavours after a long day out.
• Mi Casa De Sabores: Mexican eats if you want something different.
• Moe Foodie: Highly-rated local choice with varied menu.
• The Moe Hotel: Classic bistro with comfort meals.
• Penny Lane Wine Bar: Stylish spot for drinks/dinner (adults).
• Kebab N More: Great for casual takeaway food.

Explore more nearby:

Narracan Falls: 15 min

Our favorite spot to spend summer afternoons, the Narracan Falls is a scenic waterfall on Narracan Creek, tumbling over a rock ledge into a pool below. Its small but scenic with a lot of native bushland. We love to sit by the water soaking uo our feet in cold water. It used to be quiet few years back but now becoming a popular spot.

The best part a short walk (50 m) from the car park leads easily to both the base and top of the falls. Car park is free and dogs on-leash are allowed.

It’s located near Trafalgar and about 10–15 km south of Moe along Falls Road off Narracan Connection Road.

Visit our blog Narracan Falls and learn more about this lesser known waterfall.

Lake Narracan

Our blog on Lake Narracan, Yallourn has all the details on this less visited lake.

Old Gippstown – Gippsland Heritage Park

A heritage park built on 8 acres of landscaped Crown Land, Old Gippstown is unique with 80% of its buildings being original (not purpose built).

There are many artefacts that have been donated and are in the buildings and surrounds. It has one of the largest collections of horse drawn vehicles held in public hands. We are a deductible gift recipient, so donations of $2 or more to the Park are tax deductible. We also have a number of areas available for hire around our park, with prices available on request. Arrangement for school tours can be made as well as bus groups. Weddings, functions and parties can be catered for.

Visit our blog on Exploring timeless treasures at Old Gippstown for a details blog on Old Gippsland Heritage Park.

Location & Distance Guide

Blue Rock Lake is a water reservoir. Boating is allowed, with a 15 knot limit except in designated 5 knot safety zones, plus no boating zones near infrastructure and swimming areas. The lake is also a popualr spot for fishing.

Address: Blue Rock Lake, Old Tanjil Rd, Blue Rock Lake Recreation Area, Willow Grove

From Melbourne: 140 km (approx. 90 min drive) towards the East.

From Berwick: 85 to 100 km depending on the route you take.

From Warragul: 37.2 km