5 Gourmet Hotspots In Gippsland - Australian Traveller

South Gippsland, which stretches from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs all the way to Wilsons Promontory, is gorgeous, green and a gastronomic delight.

It’s early summer when I take a road trip to explore the gourmet offerings of Victoria’s South Gippsland region and my adventure quickly proves fruitful. I’m seduced by signs urging me towards a rest area just minutes after I’ve turned onto the South Gippsland Highway.

There, I find a farmer selling cherries, boxes of almost-ripe mangoes, plump stone fruit and sweet strawberries. I load up my basket with snacks for the road and head for Inverloch.

1. Waratah Hills Vineyard

We use Tarwin Lower as a base to explore South Gippsland. Our first stop is Waratah Hills Vineyard in Fish Creek, a 16-hectare property with a cellar door and restaurant.

Aerial shot of Waratah Hills Vineyard — Waratah Hills Vineyard has a cellar door and restaurant.

This slice of Gippsland is ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and the vines are planted dense and low in the French style. Renowned local Marcus Satchell is the winemaker and his light touch is evident in the Prom Road and Waratah Hills labels.

Glass of sparkling at Waratah Hills Vineyard in Gippsland — This slice of Gippsland is ideal for growing chardonnay grapes.

Here, guests are encouraged to play pétanque and have a pinot noir (or blanc de noir) with vineyard views. Kids can tumble on the grass while adults enjoy a pizza in the casual outdoor eatery or an indulgent cheese platter in the restaurant.

Outdoor area of Waratah Hills Vineyard — While away the hours at Waratah Hills Vineyard.

2. Gurneys Cider

Next we visit Gurneys Cidery , home to the world’s largest underground cider cellar door. Named The Arches, the structure was purchased from the former Hazlewood coal mine and repurposed as a cellar. Inside, gentle music floats around the dimly lit room.

Gurneys Cidery exterior in Gippsland — Gurneys Cidery is home to the world’s largest underground cider cellar door. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Our guide tells us about Dr Matsuro Emoto’s water experiment, which theorised that the molecular structure of water is shaped by its environment, particularly human thoughts, emotions and intentions.

Just like some people talk to plants to help them grow, music is played at Gurneys to help nurture the cider and improve its flavour. The tasting flight convinces me of the experiment’s validity.

Gurneys Cidery cider and cheeseboard in Gippsland. — Music is played at Gurneys to help nurture the cider and improve its flavour. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Gurnett family moved to Australia in 2001 from England and, missing their beloved cider, started foraging for apples and making cider with second-hand juicers. They purchased this property and planted over three hectares of heritage apple varieties, then built the restaurant and a home with views of rolling hills.

Gurneys Cidery couple with dog in Gippsland — Bring your dog along. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Moo’s at Meeniyan

Gnocchi is the favourite dish at Moo’s at Meeniyan according to owner Marty Thomas. The potato pasta is made by Meeniyan local Francesco Laera, who runs Trulli , the Italian restaurant in town. The carbonara sauce, elevated with mushrooms from nearby fungi farm and accommodation Wattle Bank Farm and Gippsland chardonnay cream sauce with local bacon, is rich and deeply satisfying.

Table outside Moo’s at Meeniyan in Gippsland — Sit outside and devour some gnocchi at Moo’s at Meeniyan. (Image: Sarah Paynter)

Moo’s at Meeniyan is a natural resting stop on the road between the city and the coast. Have coffee, a salad of roasted cauliflower, black rice, chickpea, cranberry, rocket and goat’s cheese or a small plate of shrimp spring rolls.

Exterior of Moo’s at Meeniyan in Gippsland — Moo’s at Meeniyan is a natural resting stop on the road between the city and the coast. (Image: Sarah Paynter)

4. Fleet Wines

Lisa and Justin Jenkins opened their Korumburra cellar door in November 2023. Designed as a place for their punters to enjoy wine, this long-term hospitality couple want their land to be in good shape for future generations.

Fleet Wines exterior in Gippsland — Fleet Wines was designed so the land will be in good shape for future generations. (Image: Cam Suttie, Know Studio)

They are regenerating the soil at Fleet Wines and putting their heart and soul into creating deep connections with their neighbours, the land and the wildlife that lives upon it.

Fleet Wines glasses for wine tasting in Gippsland — A wine tasting for good. (Image: Cam Suttie, Know Studio)

The couple are also busy planting native species to replenish the earth where their vines will grow. They’ve planted 8000 trees on their property since 2019.

“We like to make wines we’d like to drink, and we like to drink things that have energy and light and a sense of refreshment to them," Lisa says.

Group of friends having a wine tasting at Fleet Wines in Gippsland — Drop in for a tasting at Fleet Wines. (Image: Cam Suttie, Know Studio)

5. River Drive Motel

Our headlights illuminate a koala nonchalantly crossing the road on our drive back to River Drive Motel . We pull over, feeling both exhilarated and concerned, to ensure the koala’s safe passage and watch it disappear into the darkness.

Exterior of River Drive Motel — Delight in retro revival at River Drive Motel. (Image: Albert Comper)

Each of the five rooms at the boutique motel has been renovated in modern shades of green and pink and are flush with luxe elements.

Interior of room at River Drive Motel in Gippsland — The rooms are flush with luxe elements. (Image: Albert Comper)

I’m in The Snug, a double with a bathroom (including a bath) and kitchenette. The minibar is filled with local artisanal goods such as the A.R.C. Baw Baw White wine, gin from Loch Brewery & Distillery and Chappy’s Chips .

Exterior of room at River Drive Motel in Gippsland — The boutique motel has been renovated in modern shades of green and pink. (Image: Albert Comper)

A garden shed has lawn games, deck chairs, beach towels and sunscreen. Guests can gather around the fire pit seated on tree stumps, arranged for this purpose, or cook a barbecue in the tranquil, expansive garden.

Picnic tables outside at River Drive Motel in Gippsland — Dine in the tranquil, expansive garden. (Image: Albert Comper)

I’ve ordered croissants and muesli from Acacia Edibles for breakfast in the morning. I eat by the water at a 35-metre-long picnic table that has been crafted and curved to represent the flow of the Tarwin River. I then wander, absorbing the serenity, bowl in hand, along the water’s edge, taking photos of the bottlebrushes, birds and intricate patterns on the bark of the eucalyptus trees.

Welcome gift at River Drive Motel in Gippsland — The motel supplies a welcome basket full of goodies. (Image: Albert Comper)

There’s plenty to do and see on a gastronomic journey around South Gippsland. This weekend was like a tasting plate of what the region has to offer. If only I could pack the whole gorgeous place into a picnic basket to take home.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

6 gourmet hotspots in Gippsland