Rolling green hills and farming countryside around Thorpdale in West Gippsland, Victoria

Discover Thorpdale & West Gippsland

Travellers Rest Hotel Historic country pub in Thorpdale West Gippsland Victoria

Set among the rolling green hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, Thorpdale is a little country town with plenty to discover. Known for its rich potato-growing country, scenic drives and welcoming country hospitality, it offers a refreshing change from the everyday.

Whether you're exploring the walking or cycling tracks and waterfalls of West Gippsland, visiting nearby country towns or taking a leisurely drive through the region, Thorpdale is well worth a detour. Stop at the Travellers Rest Hotel for a meal, discover our small-batch Travellers Distillery or stay a little longer and experience the charm of Gippsland.

Things to See & Do Around Thorpdale

Thorpdale is a wonderful starting point for exploring the countryside, forests and small towns of West Gippsland. From scenic drives through the Strzelecki Ranges to waterfalls and peaceful forest walks, there is plenty to see beyond the main highway.

Narracan Falls

Just a short drive from Thorpdale, Narracan Falls is a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the natural landscape. The surrounding reserve offers a grassy picnic area and views of the falls, making it a worthwhile stop on a country drive.

Grand Ridge Road

Take a scenic drive along Grand Ridge Road and experience the rolling green hills, winding roads and beautiful countryside of the Strzelecki Ranges. The route connects a number of charming Gippsland towns and is ideal for a leisurely day exploring the region.

Mirboo North & Lyrebird Forest Walk

The nearby town of Mirboo North offers country cafes, local shops and access to the Lyrebird Forest Walk. This 4.8km walk takes visitors through beautiful forest and along a gently flowing stream.

Mt Worth State Park

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mt Worth State Park offers lush fern gullies, forest walking tracks and the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Cycling & Rail Trails

West Gippsland is a wonderful region to explore by bicycle. Quiet country roads, rolling farmland and scenic forest trails provide opportunities for both road cyclists and those who prefer a relaxed ride away from traffic.

Cycling Around Thorpdale

The countryside surrounding Thorpdale offers a memorable setting for a country cycling adventure. Ride through Gippsland's potato-growing landscape, with its rolling green hills, winding rural roads and expansive views across the Strzelecki Ranges. It is an opportunity to experience the region at a slower pace and discover the beauty of its farming country.

Grand Ridge Rail Trail – Mirboo North to Boolarra

The 13km Grand Ridge Rail Trail is one of the region's standout outdoor experiences. Following a former railway line, the trail winds through eucalypt forest, farmland and scenic gullies between Mirboo North and Boolarra.

The compacted gravel trail is suitable for cycling, walking and horse riding. Highlights include the impressive arch bridges and the historic Darlimurla station site.

Cyclists can ride the full trail or enjoy a shorter section. Mirboo North is a great starting point, with cafes and local businesses nearby for a coffee or meal before or after your ride.

Make a Day of It

Combine a cycling adventure with lunch at the Travellers Rest Hotel in Thorpdale. Explore the countryside, enjoy a country pub meal and, if time permits, discover our small-batch Travellers Distillery.

Narracan Falls in West Gippsland Victoria near Thorpdale

Cycling on Grand Ridge Rail Trail between Mirboo North and Boolarra in Gippsland

Explore the Towns of West Gippsland

Part of the pleasure of visiting West Gippsland is discovering its small country towns, each with its own character.

Yarragon

A popular stop along the Princes Highway, Yarragon is known for its antique stores, galleries, gift shops and cafes. Take time to wander through the village and browse its collection of local businesses.

Trafalgar

Trafalgar offers country-town charm and a few interesting stops, including the Trafalgar Holden Museum. It is also a convenient place to pick up local produce and explore the surrounding countryside.

Mirboo North

Set among the rolling hills of Gippsland, Mirboo North is a lovely town for a leisurely visit. Enjoy its cafes, explore the town centre or use it as a starting point for a walk through the surrounding forest. Bring your bikes and cycle the rail trails

Warragul

Warragul is one of West Gippsland's larger regional centres, with cafes, shops, parks and arts experiences. It makes a good starting point for exploring the wider region.

Food, Drink & Local Produce

West Gippsland is a region of fertile farmland, country bakeries, local producers and welcoming pubs. Thorpdale, at the heart of Gippsland's potato-growing country, is a particularly good place to experience the region's food and country hospitality.

Travellers Rest Hotel – Thorpdale

Make time for a visit to the Travellers Rest Hotel, a distinctive 1937 country pub in the centre of Thorpdale. Enjoy a meal in the dining room, relax in the beer garden or discover Travellers Distillery, producing small-batch spirits on the premises.

The hotel is a great place to pause during a day exploring West Gippsland, whether you're stopping for lunch, enjoying a drink or planning an overnight stay.

Thorpdale Bakery

Directly across the road from the hotel, Thorpdale Bakery is a much-loved local stop. Known for its country bakery fare, pies, pastries, cakes and famous vanilla slice, it is an ideal place to pick up a coffee and something to enjoy while exploring the town.

Discover Gippsland's Potato Country

Thorpdale's identity is closely connected to its potato-growing history. The surrounding countryside is shaped by farming, with rolling hills and rich agricultural land. Keep an eye out for local produce and seasonal farm-gate opportunities as you travel through the region.

Explore More of West Gippsland

Beyond Thorpdale, visitors can discover wineries, cafes, farm-gate producers and country dining experiences throughout West Gippsland. Take the scenic route, support local businesses and enjoy the flavours of the region.

Country pub dining at the Travellers Rest Hotel in West Gippsland

Make the Travellers Rest Hotel Part of Your Gippsland Visit

A visit to Thorpdale wouldn't be complete without stopping at the Travellers Rest Hotel.

Our distinctive 1937 Moderne-style country pub sits in the heart of Thorpdale, surrounded by the rolling hills of Gippsland's potato country. Whether you're travelling through the region for the day or planning a longer getaway, we're a welcoming place to stop and explore.

Enjoy lunch or dinner in our dining room, relax in the beer garden or venture downstairs to discover Travellers Distillery, our small-batch distillery housed in the hotel's former basement keg room. Guided tastings offer an opportunity to learn about the building's history and sample our locally crafted spirits.

If one visit isn't enough, stay overnight in our upstairs accommodation. With five rooms and options for couples, families and groups, the hotel offers a unique country stay.

Plan your visit

Travellers Rest Hotel
43 Mirboo North - Trafalgar Road, Thorpdale, Victoria 3835

Dining, accommodation and distillery experiences are available subject to opening hours and bookings.

We look forward to welcoming you to Thorpdale — and showing you why it's worth the turn.

Travellers Distillery small batch gin production at the Travellers Rest Hotel in Thorpdale Gippsland

Plan Your Visit to Thorpdale

Thorpdale is located in West Gippsland, Victoria, surrounded by scenic farming country and the Strzelecki Ranges.

The Travellers Rest Hotel is a convenient stop for visitors exploring the region by car. You can include a visit as part of a scenic drive, a country lunch outing or a weekend exploring Gippsland.

At the Travellers Rest Hotel

Country pub dining
Travellers Distillery and small-batch spirits
Upstairs accommodation
Beer garden and relaxed country hospitality
Live music and community events

Before you visit:

We recommend checking our current opening hours, dining availability and distillery tasting arrangements before travelling.

For accommodation, dining enquiries, group visits or distillery experiences, please contact the Travellers Rest Hotel directly.

Come for the country drive. Stay for the hospitality.