East Gippsland Beckons: A Journey of Art, Nature, and Self-Discovery

A new wave of birdwatchers, nature lovers, poets, artists, and dreamers are finding solace and connection in the Australian bush along the east coast of Victoria. The Far East Flaneur, a six-day, five-night art and nature trail, has been attracting participants from various backgrounds to explore the 100-kilometre journey from Lake Tyers to Cape Conran in East Gippsland.

The trail, which includes walking, kayaking, and cycling through the tributaries of Lake Tyers and the East Gippsland Rail Trail, offers a unique opportunity for participants to discover the local flora and fauna, as well as engage with geologists, historians, Indigenous artists, and poets who share their knowledge and passion for the area.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Inspiration

Local artist Anli Vuong, who provided snacks for the journey, said the Flaneur was an opportunity to discover the creativity available in the community and become inspired by other people's passions.

"Younger generations are so locked into technology, we work on our phones, we relax on our phones, we watch movies on our phones," Ms Vuong said.

"I think there's a yearning to find that dopamine hit from being with other people in nature."

Participants on the trail have the opportunity to camp in tents and cabins, and enjoy communal meals featuring locally grown and prepared artisan food. The event was designed to help re-energise East Gippsland's economy after a decade of drought, fires, COVID, and the end of the region's commercial timber and fishing industries.

Connecting with Nature and Community

Tasmania-based poet and storyteller Bert Spinks, who joined the March Flaneur, guided the group's nature journalling and encouraged participants to observe the symphony of nature through a mindful looking glass.

"East Gippsland is such an amazing place for encountering different bird species," he said.

"It can be a bit of a soap opera or a royal rumble, especially this time of year, a lot of birds are competing over territory, their nesting and they want to have a secure zone for their children to grow up, so you see a lot of combat between different types of birds at this time of year," he said.

The Far East Flaneur was created to help develop an eco-tourism economy in East Gippsland, and project manager Liz Filmer said the event was designed to be a slow travel experience.

"It's marketed as slow travel so if you want to race through it, this may not be the tour for you," she said.

"But you might be surprised how much you love it."

A pilot event was held in March, and the organisers are planning to hold the next edition in October.