Best places to eat and drink in South Gippsland
This blessed region, about the size of Malta, is full of cool-climate wineries, artisanal producers and dairies.
You can try to conquer South Gippsland’s culinary culture in a single weekend, but that means bypassing some of its best parts; This is a tragedy for a dedicated foodie. Meeniyan provides an ideal foundation. Stay retro Meeniyan MotelIts gently renovated rooms are located just behind the main street. Its best feature is its location: you’re a five-minute walk from the city’s best restaurants and famous eateries. Meeniyan Town HallIt is a 250-seat venue that hosts concerts of names such as Paul Kelly, Martha Wainwright and Steve Earle.
trulli Another one of Meeniyan’s star artists. This lively Italian hub brings together a purveyor, pizzeria, gelateria, enoteca and restaurant in one large space. Join the queue next door for snacks Pandesal Bakeryfilled with pastries, pies, and his signature: chicken, walnut, and aioli Turkish rolls. Try it for those left around Mahob at Moo’sIt’s a place where morning coffee and rich breakfasts are replaced by sharing delicious Cambodian plates after dark.
After coffee and breakfast, head southeast for 20 minutes. Gurneys Cidery In Foster. The Gurnett family, British expats channeling their native Somerset, grow fruit for their award-winning traditional and experimental ciders. (Mexican-inspired pineapple tepache wine, anyone?). Find your favorite at the tasting paddle at the cellar door, overlooking the lush sculpture-filled gardens and Wilsons Prom.
Just 12 minutes down the Fish Creek-Foster Road is the beautiful town of Toora, home to Italian-American residents. Tooradeli. Opened in late 2023 by Collingwood exiles Meghan and Stephen Scoglio, it’s a must-visit for coffee, snacks and hard-to-find deli items. Don’t leave without trying the made-to-order pucia sandwich, a warm, fluffy roll perfect for embracing mortadella, stracciatella, pickled peppers and pistachios. Across the road, check it out Panton StoreIt’s a small store full of unique finds, from beechwood porridge and goatskin gardening gloves to pottery thrown away by owner Shelley Panton.
Then head to Welshpool where the local Shell servo is doing double duty. Welshpool Restaurant. Refuel the car, then choose from classic Aussie chicken parma, rich butter chicken, goat masala or mushroom 65: golden mushrooms coated in a spicy, crispy batter.
Four minutes away, the small fishing village of Port Welshpool offers walks along the historic long pier that winds for more than 900 meters towards Corner Inlet. This will sharpen the appetite for dinner Rusty Gurnard. New owners have transformed the once dilapidated beach bar into a cheerful community magnet with wheel of fortune competitions, a pool table and reliable fare such as fish and chips, vegetarian lasagne, beef brisket and Guinness stew.
On your return to Melbourne, make a final stop at the stunning Loch; Here you can take a tour of the retail strip and purchase local supplies and gifts. Start date: Loch Cheese Merchantbrowse vintage treasures Talking Pieces and finish with a gin, whiskey or beer tasting Loch Brewery and DistilleryIt is located in a century-old former bank.
