Coast Into Summer in Gippsland
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Gippsland! The days are growing longer, the waterfalls are in their best form and the hills are so green, well they nearly look photoshopped…
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys have just launched the world’s first amphibious boats from Wilsons Promontory National Park, and Wildlife Coast Cruises running their exceptional Whale Watching boat trips from Port Welshpool to the protected coves Wilsons Promontory up until mid-November.
We have stunning new accommodation in Ross Farm Barn & Dairy (Meeniyan), the Port Albert Waterview Retreat and The Ridge House (Yarragon). New foodie haunts in the pretty little village of Loch and a new restaurant overlooking Wilsons Promontory.
On the events front, we have barrel tastings, collaborative dinners, open gardens, yoga retreats and so much more!
See below for all the details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like more information,
New venues / activities in Gippsland
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Wilsons Prom Eco Boat Cruise
The countdown is on to the launch of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Wilsons Prom Eco Boat Cruise on 23 September 2019. This ground-breaking tour is the first mainland offering from eco-tourism pioneer Rob Pennicott, whose Tasmanian adventure cruises have changed the way that visitors experience the natural environment. The Wilsons Prom Eco Boat Cruise is also the first time that a touring boat has departed from within the park, with cruises departing from Norman Beach on specially designed amphibious boats.
https://www.promcruises.com.au/
Ross Farm Barn & Dairy
The eagerly-anticipated opening of Ross Farm’s meticulously transformed Barn and Dairy accommodation is now here – with both properties now open for bookings.
Ross Farm was originally a small dairy farm that has been re-invented by re-purposing disused farm buildings into modern places to stay. The Cabin (1 bedroom) has been open since Jan 1018 and the Barn (2 bedroom) and Dairy (3 bedroom) are now completed. Each space is unique in aesthetic, working largely within the existing farm building footprints and utilising raw materials such as concrete, wood, stone and glass.
Amalia’s, Loch
A new café/ restaurant in Loch that prides itself on authentic, Italian cuisine made from scratch and in tune with the seasons. Named after Amelia’s namesake and inspiration, her Nonna Amalia, this beautiful rustic cafe aims to celebrate Gippsland’s farmers, makers and growers
Local suppliers include – Bassine Specialty Cheeses, Burra Brewing Co., Chapman’s Free Range Butchery, Dirty Three Wines, Gippsland Jersey, Gippsland Wine Co, Grow Lightly Korumburra, Howler Brewery, Macca’s Farm, Three Chairs Farm and Wild Apple Acres.
32 Victoria Road, Loch
Web: https://www.amaliasloch.com
Loch Village Food Store, Loch
NEW café in Loch, opening in the next couple of weeks. A large, beautifully renovated space right across the road from the Loch Brewery & Distillery, with a well-connected team who have already put the call out to local producers to get in touch. Can’t wait to check it out…
35 Victoria Road, Loch
Web: https://www.facebook.com/lochvillagefoodstore/
Promontory Restaurant & Winery, Foster
Promontory Restaurant & Winery is a new South Gippsland restaurant boasting stunning views across Corner Inlet to Wilsons Promontory. The restaurant offers up an impressive menu featuring local, seasonal produce and fresh vegetables from their kitchen garden. As their own vines have just gone in, Promontory Restaurant & Winery is acting as cellar door for nearby Bellvale Wines – whose 2017 Athena’s Vineyard Chardonnay won Gold and 2017 Quercus Pinot Noir won Silver in the 2019 International Wine Challenge in London.
23 O’Gradys Ridge Road, Foster, Victoria
Ph: (03) 5682 1538
Web: https://www.facebook.com/Promontory-Restaurant-Winery-317438558892564/
Port Albert Waterview Retreat
Reopening after an extensive renovation, Port Albert Waterview Retreat is a three bedroom, fully self-contained house with front and back verandahs is in a quiet yet convenient location in historic Port Albert. It offers 2 queen bedrooms with water views and a bedroom with 2 single beds with garden views.
Set on half an acre of lawn and garden, there is plenty of car and boat parking as well as a new undercover carport for two cars. Port Albert Waterview Retreat is only 400 metres from the boat ramp and easy walking distance to the harbour and all services and restaurants along the walking trail at the front of the house.
20 Wellington Street, Port Albert, Victoria
‘The Ridge House’ – new boutique accommodation in Yarragon
The Ridge House is a fully renovated 4-bedroom boutique country home nestled in the rolling green hills of Yarragon. Set on 50 acres of private bushland, the property was once the passage for a wooden timber rail track transporting the giant gum blocks used to pave the sidewalks of 1880’s Melbourne. Today, the track still exists and is open to guests to explore the giant gums and shaded fern gullies that were too steep to fell. Opened to guests in May 2019, The Ridge House has been fully renovated including a new kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, laundry, lighting and flooring. Beautifully styled by owner and host Kristy Plumridge, it allows for guests to feel a sense of space and warmth using country décor with nod to the Scandi style of hygge*.
Key Spring Experiences
Whale Watching
Whale Watching at Wilsons Promontory
- Combine the stunning natural beauty of Wilsons Promontory with the once-a-year opportunity to see whales migrating along the coast of Victoria.
- Wilsons Promontory is a true stand-out when it comes to spectacular natural destinations – stunning coastal scenery, pristine wilderness and an abundance of native wildlife.
- Boats cruises have only recently begun and offer a new way to experience this very special destination.
- Cruises run year-round, giving you the opportunity to wander untouched beaches, walk remote trails and swim in pristine, turquoise waters.
- Wildlife sightings on boat cruises include playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat, thousands of seals in the Kanowna Island colony and a wide variety of sea-birds or majestic wedge-tail eagles.
Chasing Waterfalls
West and South Gipppsland have had a LOT of rain over the past month, which means – Spring is the perfect time for a day out chasing waterfalls. Our top 5 would be:
- Agnes Falls, near Toora, South Gippsland
- Toorongo Falls & Ampitheatre Falls, near Noojee, West Gippsland
- Cyathea Falls, in Tarra Bulga National Park, near Yarram, Central Gippsland
- Narracan Falls, near Thorpdale, West Gippsland
- Morwell River Falls, near Boolarra, Central Gippsland
Spring blossoms in Walhalla
Spring is the perfect time of year to explore historic Walhalla, in West Gippsland. Bees buzz among the blossom trees, tulips, daffodils as spring bursts into life. Wake up to birdsong on quiet mornings and smell the sweet scent of flowers wafting on the breeze on lazy afternoons. Sit back, enjoy a coffee and take in the beauty of the surroundings, explore the towns historic buildings, the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine or take a ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
Gippsland’s Spring Events
Namaskar Retreat – Toms Cap Vineyard
18-21 October, 2019
Toms Cap Vineyard are excited to be hosting another retreat by the amazing crew at Namaskar Retreats. Three days of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, sound baths, delicious healthy meals & of course, wine! This is all taking place 18-21 October so be sure to book your place now by visiting the Namaskar Retreats website or contact us directly.
https://www.instagram.com/tomscapvineyard
Gardivalia
October 19 – November 5, 2019
West Gippsland
Gardivalia is a Festival of Gardens, held annually in West Gippsland, Australia during the month of October. The festival opens beautiful gardens to enjoy, set in the natural beauty of West Gippsland. Not only are the gardens inspiring, but there are also events for you to enjoy, and most are free. There is no charge for children for entry into the gardens or the events, so the whole family can enjoy them. You can learn from some, be involved in others but most of all enjoy the experience.
New this year – West Gippsland Festival of Gardens has been extended, by popular request, into the first week of November to incorporate the Cup Weekend. This opens up more time for families and gives garden clubs many more opportunities to organise bus tours and all those that love being involved.
There are 22 gardens this year, 11 of which are new gardens. Nine of the events are also new.
All events are either free or a gold coin donation. Some Gardens are free, most are $5 entry and two large gardens are $10 entry. Children are free to all gardens and events.
Open Gardens: October: 19th and 20th, 26th and 27th.
November: Long Cup weekend of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th – 2019
Tough Mudder
19-20 October, Lardner Park
Take on 12 hours of extreme teamwork, stamina and mental grit testing action from 8pm Saturday to 8am Sunday. Haul yourself and your team through as many 8 kilometre laps as you can while attacking 15+ of the most insane obstacles on the planet in pursuit of Mudder glory and all-new 2019 awards and prizes.
This is the race that’s guaranteed to push you past anything you’ve ever experienced before. And this year, you can share the glory if you choose in the all-new Team Relay format as part of a 2 or 4 person team. It’s your chance to see if you and your crew really are as tough as nails. https://toughmudder.com.au/event/toughest-mudder-2019/
International Rose Garden Festival Morwell
16-17 November, 2019
Morwell Rose Garden, Morwell
Explore over 4000 roses in the heart of Morwell and see why the garden received the ‘Award of Garden Excellence’ by the world Federation of Rose Societies.
The 2019 International Rose Garden Festival (IRGFM) is expanding to a two-day event across Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November. The event will feature free children and adult activities, picnics in the park, workshops, market stalls, food vans, roving entertainment and live music. ABC personalities Costa and Dirtgirl will also attend to entertain the crowd.
New to the program is Day 2, which will be food & wine experience featuring a Rosé wine tasting competition among the 11 wineries in Gippsland who produce Rose. Music will filter in and around the garden as visitors enjoy the ambience of the garden setting and sampling the local produce.
Also new to the program be a night light installation in the rose garden (A Midsummer Night’s Lights) on the Saturday night.
https://visitlatrobecity.com/whats-on/morwell-rose-garden-festival/
Lightfoot & Sons Barrel Tasting and Lunch
23 November, 2019
Lightfoot & Sons Cellar Door, Calulu, East Gippsland
Join us in the cellar for a special tasting of 2019 vintage wines. Winemakers Alastair Butt and Tom Lightfoot have selected a diverse collection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay barrels to taste and will provide insights into the winemaking process.
Vintage Sparkling served on arrival. Barrel tasting followed by a gourmet, local produce, ploughman’s lunch and a preview of upcoming wine releases.”
Tickets will be very limited and $70.00 each.
Food, Fires & Wine
Every Friday night 5-8pm
Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar, Meeniyan
Food, Fires & Wine in the heart of the foodie-hub of Meeniyan. Every Friday 5-8pm. Food trucks, braziers burning, live music, local wines. The place to meet friends and relax.
Summit Survivor
Saturday 23 November 2019
Australia’s most fun mud run – 40 obstacles over 5km.
Leap, weave, duck and slide! Clamber, stagger, wade and run through 39 obstacles in this EPIC 5km course; the most obstacle-dense course in Victoria.
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