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, especially at night.
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. 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 a Bakery, and Brewery. Also check out the stores nearby, such as Small Forest.
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!).
If you want to hire an e-bike to ride the South Gippsland Rail Trail have a look at Great Southern Ride. Or if your bike needs a service be sure to make an advance appointment with The Bicycle Fitting Store.
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, or a short drive from Fish Creek is the spectacular Waratah Hills Vineyard.
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. Foster is a service town that has all the essential needs for your road trip from a chemist, supermarket, fruit shop, bottle shop, a butcher, fish store and a hardware store.
Toora: This is where you'll find The Panton Store! Toora is our favourite little town and is currently undergoing some big changes on the main street as many of the old traders have sold up and a few newbies like us have moved in. It's evolving, 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. Look out for Sam's Patch, Mauzie's Marvellous Vintage. And be sure to also walk through the Heritage Pear Orchard.
Port Welshpool: A long walk on the long jetty, With the Port Welshpool General Store for a burger or back to the Welshpool Hotel for a counter lunch.
Port Albert: this is where you will find local Fish & Chips with the whiting and flathead caught fresh in corner inlet, Also the Port Albert Maritime Museum being worth a walk thru for the history buffs. Be sure to take cash with you to make a donation upon entry to the museum
Sandy Point & Walkerville: Two spectacular surf beaches giving you choice so whichever way the wind blows the conditions will be perfect, Walkerville is also the home of @walkykiosk amazing burgers, coffee, and ice-cream.
Mirboo North & Thorpdale: situated in the Strezlecki ranges providing views and nature galore. Plus you'll find pubs, galleries, bakeries and Lamezleigh's Coffee House and Eatery.
Wilson's Promontory National Park: if you love pristine beaches 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.
Click here to read the Visit Gippsland Guide.
