Top 10: South Gippsland

The Borough Department Store

South Gippsland, just 90 minutes east of Melbourne, may be widely known for its abundance of breathtaking natural beauty - from unspoilt beached to snow-capped mountains - but the untapped rolling hills of the south are a foodies’ destination.

For the next four weeks, the region is home to Wine Down Pop Up, a temporary hotel of two eco-luxury upcycled converted shipping containers at Waratah Hills Vineyard.

From sipping the south’s famous Pinot Noir to indulging in local produce, Wine Down Pop Up provides a central hub for visitors to discover the passionate producers, brewers, distillers, wine makers and chefs who are behind Gippsland’s growing culinary reputation.

1. Udder and Hoe
Purveyors of seasonally sourced local produce, slow food and good conversations, Udder and Hoe have expanded their pantry and café offering in Gippsland’s south to Loch and Korumburra since opening at the Kilcunda General Store in 2015. The beautifully rustic converted provedore on Loch’s main street features exposed beams and full of natural light from the incredible full façade of glass windows. Founder Rachel Russo teamed up with Tamsin Carvan of Tamsin’s Table to open a third location at The Borough Dept Store in Korumbarra.
Udder and Hoe Kilcunda, 2/3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Victoria, 3995;
Udder and Hoe Loch, 37 Victoria Rd, Loch, Victoria, 3945;
Udder and Hoe Korumbarra, 63-67 Commercial Street, Korumburra, Victoria, 3950.

2. Waratah Hills
The Waratah Hills Vineyard is located in the Tarwin Valley, six kilometres from the town of Fish Creek and only a short distance to the entrance of one of Australia’s most beloved national parks; Wilsons Promontory. Set amongst a pretty valley overlooking the Hoddle Ranges, Waratah Hills Vineyard is one of the most southerly cellar door on the Australian mainland and is recognised as one of Australia’s best locations for the production of Pinot Noir. Visitors to drop into the cellar door for a tasting, stop by for lunch or browse the shop of locally made products. The property is hosting the Wine Down Pop Up hotel from April 3-27. 20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek, Victoria, 3959. (03) 5683 2441.

3. Gurney’s Cider
Family owned and run, Gurneys’ Cidery is set in the South Gippsland hills, with picturesque views overlooking Wilsons Promontory National Park and Corner Inlet. Located on 70 acres of farmland with an orchard of roughly 3000 heritage cider apple trees, the cidery offers a true reflection of the high quality of local produce. Gurney’s Cider create and sell a range of different craft ciders - including seasonal limited-releases - which visitors can be enjoy by glass, bottle, or tasting paddle, with cheese and meat platters. 343 Fish Creek-Foster Road, Foster, Victoria, 3960. 0423 039 863.

4. Coffee Collective
The Coffee Collective brings a taste of Melbourne to the heart of Wonthaggi with a design inspired by contemporary and industrial flair with exposed brick walls, funky counters and polished concrete. The café is community-minded venue that offers fresh local produce and great coffee in a friendly, convivial atmosphere. The cafe serves Melbourne-quality coffee and offers balanced cafe-style dining with an emphasis on local, organic and sustainable produce. 50-52 McBride Avenue, Shop 1, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995. (03) 5672 4555.

5. Dirty Three Wines Tasting Room
Dirty Three’s Tasting Room, located in Inverloch, provides visitors with the opportunity to taste the range of quality wines, alongside sample platters of local cheese and charcuterie, as well as beer, gin, and coffee from other local businesses. Dirty Three Wines are named after the three ‘dirts’ (vineyards) that their vines are grown in, and accordingly, the three distinct flavours of Pinot Noir which are produced. 64 Cashin Street, Inverloch, Victoria, 3996. 03 5606 8128.

6. The Borough Dept. Store
Set in Korumburra, The Borough Dept. Store is a shopping and food hub showcasing local produce and offering a variety of goods. Set in the former Parry's Department Store, The Borough is a collaboration of businesses working together to provide produce such as dairy, wine, flowers, and cakes are all available in the one place. The venue includes a café from Udder and Hoe, a cakeshop by Tamsin Carvan (formerly Tasmin’s Table), Lo-Fi wines and flowers. Visitors can pick up a natural wine, enjoy brunch or have coffee while shopping. 63-67 Commercial St, Korumburra, Victoria, 3950.

7. Loch Brewery & Distillery
Small batch beer, gin, vodka and single-malt whisky with a cellar door located inside a former bank on the main street of Loch. After opening in 2014, the Loch Brewery & Distillery have expanded production into the former butcher shop next door. The hand-beaten alembic copper pot still in the cellar door produced gin in front of guests. The brewery specialises in English ales with locally sourced wild hops while the distillery uses traditional methods with a quality or quantity mentality. Visitors hoping to pick up a bottle of the single-malt whisky will be left empty handed with the latest release sold out within an hour online however a Gippsland 75 - a local take on the famous French 75 cocktail - will quickly easy the disappointment. 44 Victoria Road, Loch, Victoria, 3945. 0414 590 474.

8. Trulli Pizzeria
Trulli Pizzeria of Meeniyan is a dedication to true Italian style woodfired pizzas. Using only fresh local and Italian ingredients of the highest quality, and home-made thin style bases. Trulli provides an authentic Italian pizzeria experience. The pizzeria features a menu based on family recipes handed down from generation to generation and located in the heart of Meeniyan on its main street. 93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, Victoria, 3956. (03) 5664 7397.

9. Olive at Loch
What started out as a semi-retirement plan in South Gippsland for Sandra and Rob Gawn, Olive at Loch has grown into a café and homewares shop renowned for its coffee, baked goods and gifts. Named after their beloved kombi van in which they first rolled into Loch as visitors, the popular café on the main street bake with fresh ingredients, sourced locally, including pies, frittatas, country soups, scones, tea cakes and slices. 38 Victoria Road, Loch, Victoria, 3945. 0417 381 962.

10. Ross Farm Cabin
Located on the outskirts of Meeniyan, the Cabin at Ross Farm looks over two acres of open space, with uninterrupted views across the Tarwin Valley. The property, originally a small dairy farm, has been transformed into beautifully designed modern accommodation, perfect for a short break in South Gippsland. The Cabin features a mix of both raw and refined elements, which has drawn inspiration from the local landscape. The existing one-bedroom Cabin, designed and hand crafted by local makers, will soon be joined by new two and three bedroom self-contained houses. Ross St, Meeniyan, Victoria, 3956. 0408 991872.

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