My GIPPSLAND Guide
If you are thinking about taking a day trip to visit our new store, here are my travel tips for your drive from Melbourne to Toora.
Travel Time from Metro Melbourne: Our new store is located at 31 Stanley street, Toora, which is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from our old store location.
Half the fun of a country drive is all the little places you'll stop at along the way. Our best tip is to hit the road early to allow time to stop along the way as there are some lovely places to stop and explore once you arrive in South Gippsland. And be sure to watch out for wildlife on the roads.
Once you get through Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup you'll take the turn off to the South Gippsland Highway, this is about the time I do a big sigh and start to really enjoy the picturesque drive to our patch of South Gippsland.
Loch Village: is halfway between Melbourne and our store. It’s a great place to stop for petrol/toilet break/snack. Our first stop is usually in Loch Village as it is halfway between Melbourne and our store. In Loch we grab petrol and some gin or beer from the Loch Brewery & Distillery. Also check out Gippsland Wine Company on the Highway just before Loch if you are driving past when they are open.
Korumburra: is 10 minutes on from Loch and it’s where you’ll find The Borough Department Store (by Tamsin of Tamsin’s Table). Also check out the stores nearby.
Koonwarra: just past Leongatha, you’ll find a café, bakery, and a produce store
Meeniyan: is about 25 minutes before our place, it’s also a lovely little town to stop by for a petrol/toilet break/snack. The local IGA, Meeniyan General Store, and the Cellar Pantry are also great if you want to collect a few provisions for an overnight stay. Our favourite place in Meeniyan is Trulli Outdoors, it's in the square opposite their restaurant site where you can grab a wood fired pizza and a glass of local wine or beer. Oh, and save room for a cone of gelato (which is as good as the gelato you'll find in Italy!).
Fish Creek: has a lovely collection of artist studios, such as Alison Lester and Ride the Wild Goat sculptures. Little Oberon café is great for coffee, and we love to eat at Long John Pickles.
Foster: If you have stopped in Fish Creek for a look and are heading to our store in Toora you'll pass Gurney’s Cidery. Run by the Gurnett family, they produce interesting english style ciders and have breath taking views out to Wilson's Prom. You could also stop in there on your way home from us.
Toora: our favourite little town is currently undergoing some big changes on the main street (including our store) as many of the old traders have sold up and a few newbies like us have moved in. It's evolving each week, and we love being a part of this quaint little community. Be sure to allow time to walk the streets and soak up some fresh country air as you explore the town.
And of course, Wilson's Promontory National Park: if you love prstine beachs and nature walks you must make time to visit Wilson's Prom. We have loved exploring the many day walks and beach tracks within this national park, we are yet to book a camp spot for an overnight stay. Click Here to read more about Wilson's Prom. Our store is roughly 35 minutes from the first gate of entry into this natural gem.
More to Come: I'll add my extended travel tips for the Gippsland region in due course for those who are thinking of visiting for a few days or weeks.
