Ardent Quest

26/04/2026

Once a thriving gold mining town, Walhalla now whispers its history through weathered timber buildings, mist-covered hills, and the quiet flow of the creek that shaped it all.

Walking these narrow streets, you can almost hear the echoes of miners, the clang of tools, and the resilience of a community built on hope and hardship.

At Ardent Quest, places like this remind us why we travel, not just to see, but to feel. To understand the layers of landscape, history, and human story that shape each destination.

Ready to discover hidden Gippsland?

03/02/2026

On our multi-day East Gippsland tours, guests have the option to stay in this peaceful waterfront apartment, located just minutes from Raymond Island.

Morning coffee on the deck as birds move across the water. Evenings unwinding as the light fades and the island settles for the night. It’s not unusual to spot pelicans, swans, and other local birdlife without ever leaving your accommodation.

Its close proximity to Raymond Island means guests can enjoy unhurried wildlife encounters, then return to a space designed for comfort, calm, and connection to place.
This is East Gippsland the way we love it — relaxed, nature-filled, and quietly memorable.

03/02/2026

Another beautiful guest trip wrapped up on Raymond Island and once again, it reminded us why this place is our happy place.

Raymond Island is home to one of Australia’s most significant koala populations, and unlike many places, you don’t need luck — just patience and a gentle eye.

Sharing this peaceful island, its wildlife, and its stories with our guests never gets old. If slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and meeting Australia’s most iconic locals sounds like your kind of escape — you’ll understand why we keep coming back.

24/01/2026

While exploring the Blue Lotus Water Garden, our guests wandered through a landscape shaped by water, diversity and colour. From tranquil ponds to vibrant blooms, it’s a beautiful reminder of how water supports life in so many forms. We especially loved seeing native Australian water lilies, which have long played an important role in local ecosystems and cultural stories.


 


24/01/2026

On a recent visit to Wings & Roses, our guests were introduced to an incredible diversity of parrots, each with their own character and story. The absolute highlight was the rare opportunity to experience the tawny frogmouth and boobook owl up close.

Experiences like this deepen our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife and remind us why protecting these species and the places they call home matters so much.


 
 BoobookOwl

24/01/2026

At Ardent Quest, protecting the environment isn’t an add-on, it’s part of how we travel. One simple way we minimise our footprint is by encouraging all guests to bring reusable water bottles and drink containers on tours.

09/01/2026

One of our guests had a simple request — “I’d love to say hi to a Highland cow.” 🐮
So we said… we know just the place.

During a recent Ardent Quest outing, we stopped by Little Sherwood Petting Zoo, a much-loved local Gippsland spot where curious Highland cows and country charm go hand in hand.

Supporting local experiences like Little Sherwood is part of our commitment to showcasing the heart of Gippsland, connecting our guests with people, animals, and landscapes that make this region unique.


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09/01/2026

On a recent outing, Ardent Quest arranged for a visit for our guests to Narracan Falls, a beautiful and often-overlooked spot in West Gippsland. Just a short walk from the car park, the falls and surrounding bushland are perfect for a relaxed day trip or a spontaneous nature escape.

Supporting local places like Narracan Falls is at the heart of what we do — encouraging short visits, slow travel, and deeper connections with the Gippsland region. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these local gems remind us that you don’t need to go far to experience something special.


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21/12/2025

As part of Ardent Quest’s 2–4 day small group experiences through East Gippsland, guests will have the chance to visit the remarkable Mitchell River Silt Jetties.

An 8-kilometre ribbon of land stretching into Lake King and one of the largest naturally formed silt jetties in the southern hemisphere.

Join us on tour and experience this extraordinary feature of East Gippsland for yourself. Find out more: https://www.ardentquest.com.au/bookwithus

Where the Mitchell River meets Lake King, the remarkable Mitchell River Silt Jetties stretch 8km into the Gippsland Lakes 💦 - the largest naturally formed silt jetties in the southern hemisphere and a striking reminder of nature’s quiet craftsmanship ✨.

📍 Eagle Point
🚙 3:20 hours' drive east of Melbourne
👉 Find out more: www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/nature-and-wildlife/rivers-and-waterfalls/mitchell-river?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=mitchell-river-silt-jetties

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Image description: aerial view of two long, narrow strips of land stretching into calm blue water, with a beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds above

24/11/2025