Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Drouin, Australia

The rapidly growing town of Drouin is situated on the Princes Highway, 90 kilometers east of Melbourne.

Similar to its nearby counterpart, Warragul, Drouin lies on a plain bordered by the peaks of the Strzelecki Ranges to the south and the initial foothills of the Great Dividing Range to the north.

Within a short drive, visitors can explore rainforest-covered valleys, waterfalls, and picturesque peaks, alongside a cherished trail connecting Drouin with Warragul.

During the summer, the ficifolia gum trees that are scattered throughout the town flourish with vibrant red blossoms, and a week-long festival celebrates this annual occurrence.

1. Civic Park

Just steps away from Drouin’s shops, dining establishments, and community services, Civic Park offers a pleasant setting to unwind for an hour or two on a sunny day.

In addition to being beautifully landscaped with expansive lawns, shrubs, pergolas, shaded trees, and a pond, this park is equipped with various facilities, including picnic and barbecue areas, a rotunda, a sound shell, a newly renovated playground, and a skate park.

For a bit of indulgence, McDonald’s is conveniently located in the south-west corner, while Drouin’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools can be found on the western side.

Civic Park also serves as the starting point for the Two Towns Trail to Warragul, which will be discussed next.

2. Two Towns Trail

From Civic Park, visitors can walk or ride to Drouin, which is situated eight kilometers to the east along this superb paved trail.

This route is essential for commuters; however, casual walkers and riders will be awestruck by the natural beauty and can take the time to explore the interpretive signs located along the path.

At various points, there are views north and south across the plain towards Mount Baw Baw, Mount Worth, and the Strzelecki Ranges; just outside Drouin, the path traverses wetland areas.

The Two Towns Trail is predominantly free from traffic, occasionally utilizing quiet local roads, and there are many locations where one can pause to take in the scenic views.

3. Bunyip State Park

North of Drouin rise the southernmost slopes of the Great Dividing Range, part of which is safeguarded by the 166-square-kilometer Bunyip State Park.

Despite its previous use for logging until 1990 and recurrent bushfires, this area is an exemplary natural resource, featuring stands of mountain ash and mealy stringybark interspersed with swampy heathland.

Adventurers can explore these landscapes through hiking trails, mountain biking, or by 4WD.

A recommended hike is the Lawsons Falls Circuit Walk, leading to the park’s only waterfall.

Bunyip State Park is among the few locations in Victoria where one can spot the state’s avian emblem (helmeted honeyeater), fauna emblem (Leadbeater’s possum), and flora emblem (common heath) in a single site.

4. Robin Hood Reserve

You hardly need to venture far from Drouin to reach this significant Aboriginal site, which has served as a gathering place for the Kurnai Brayakoloong clan for generations.

Spanning several hundred meters, there is a loop trail adorned with five interpretive signs that convey captivating insights into Kurnai Brayakoloong culture and history, complemented by Aboriginal art.

Following your walk, you can relax on the banks of the Tarago River, which features barbecues and picnic tables.

5. Gumbuya World

One of the most sought-after day trips from the Melbourne Area is a mere few minutes down the Princes Highway from Drouin.

Gumbuya World combines roller coasters, animal attractions, and fairground amusements with a water park experience.

The water park, known as Oasis Springs, is where visitors can indulge in the park’s most exhilarating rides.

Highlights include a surf simulator, the reverse Boomerango water slide, and the 180-meter dark slide, Taipan.

For a more relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy the 300-meter Lazy River.

The park’s animal enclosures are structured along the Wildlife Trail, featuring a walkthrough aviary, koala and dingo exhibits, a wallaby trail, a “Critter Cave” with insects and baby crocs, and a petting zoo.

6. Toorongo Falls

For a perfect day trip from Drouin, the magnificent tiered waterfall nestled in a wooded mountainside surrounded by towering gum trees and lush ferns is a must-visit.

This area is abundant with wet forest species such as blackwood, mountain ash, and mountain grey gum, supporting a diverse range of wildlife including sugar gliders and various possums, best observed at dawn or dusk.

To access the falls, a 2.2-kilometer loop trail ascends steadily through the forest to reach an observation platform.

After taking in the stunning scenery and capturing photos, visitors can continue along the route, where another 600 meters leads to the smaller but still impressive Amphitheatre Falls.

7. Noojee Trestle Bridge

A necessary detour on the way to Toorongo Falls is this 100-meter-long wooden trestle bridge, spanning a valley at a height of 21 meters.

This structure, the tallest of its kind in Victoria, is a remnant of a railway that once connected Noojee to Warragul, originally constructed in 1919 and rebuilt after a fire in 1939. Visitors can marvel at the bridge through the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail, which follows the old railway line for three kilometers through serene rainforest.

8. Farm World

The surrounding countryside of Drouin is well-known for its agricultural practices, making Lardner Park just outside of town an appropriate setting for one of Victoria’s prominent agricultural conventions.

Farm World showcases over 800 exhibitors each year; while those in agribusiness can network, explore new equipment, and observe demonstrations, the event also offers plenty of entertainment for families and casual visitors.

Throughout four days at the end of March, attendees can watch equestrian competitions, sheep herding demonstrations, and learn about the various livestock breeds that thrive in Victoria.

Children can enjoy camel rides and interact with friendly farm animals such as goat kids, lambs, piglets, and chicks.

9. Mount Cannibal

For those seeking a tranquil spot for reflection on their way to or from Gumbuya World, Mount Cannibal presents an unexpected scenic retreat just off the Princes Highway.

Visitors can embark on a 2.3-kilometer loop trail that provides ample opportunities to admire the classic rolling hills of the Gippsland countryside.

Near the summit, a lookout atop a massive granite spur offers stunning unbroken 180° views.

Mount Cannibal is located within a reserve that includes amenities such as toilets, a picnic area, barbecues, and a playground for children.

10. Peppermint Ridge Farm

Highlighting the Drouin area’s specialty produce significance, the remarkably landscaped Peppermint Ridge Farm spans eight hectares next to Bunyip State Park and provides a variety of experiences for those curious about the origins of native Australian food and spices.

Guests can partake in a multi-sensory tour of the Australian Native Food Garden, sample a bushfood platter, or enjoy afternoon tea featuring anise myrtle tea, lemon myrtle muffins, and strawberry gum jam.

Additionally, the nursery sells all the plants found in the farm’s gardens, ranging from mountain pepper to lemon myrtle, while visitors can take part in bushfood classes at the Native Creative Cooking School.

11. Mount Worth State Park

For stunning hilly landscapes, visitors can head south to the Strzelecki Ranges, where Mount Worth is located approximately half an hour from Drouin.

The slopes here are enveloped in lush mountain rainforest, featuring species such as blackwood, mountain ash, and mountain grey gum.

Specifically, mountain ash trees can live for centuries and reach impressive heights, which can be appreciated on the Giant’s Walk that passes a tree estimated to be 300 years old with a girth of 14 meters.

On McDonald’s Track, guests can enjoy panoramic views across the Latrobe River Valley all the way to the initial slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

This environment is also home to notable Australian wildlife, including wombats, platypuses, and possums.

12. Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden

The distinguished regional artist Laurie Collins has established his studio on a rural property approximately ten minutes from Drouin.

Collins specializes in sculpting, primarily utilizing recycled metal and metallic scrap to create unique works of art.

By making arrangements in advance, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of his newly developed sculpture garden, followed by a visit to his workshop, where insights into his creative process can be gained.

13. Path of Achievement Discovery Trail

Drouin, despite its relatively small size, has been home to several sporting legends, especially in Aussie Rules Football.

Prominent figures include Gary Ablett Sr. and Dale Thomas, while Lionel Rose, the first indigenous Australian to secure a boxing world championship, was also born in Drouin.

Another walking trail originating from Civic Park honors the town’s sporting accomplishments, winding uphill to the Drouin Recreation Reserve and then cutting northward to Victoria Street.

The trail’s starting point is marked by an impressive mosaic serpent’s head created by the indigenous Koori community.

14. Ficifolia Festival

Every February, the small ficifolia gum trees scattered around Drouin bloom with brilliant yet delicate red flowers.

To celebrate this event, a week-long festival is organized, reaching its peak on the third Saturday of the month.

This day features a parade with floats and costumes based on a specific theme.

The parade concludes at Civic Park, where attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, a market (further details below), an evening movie screening, and concluding fireworks.

15. Drouin Craft and Produce Market

This market is organized by Drouin’s rotary club and takes place in Civic Park on the third Saturday of each month.

Typically, visitors can find fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, flowers and potted plants, clothing, toys, and a variety of other items for sale.

Attendees can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, and as lunchtime approaches, cold refreshments and barbecued options are available.

In February, a special market occurs in conjunction with Drouin’s Ficifolia Festival.