Discover Koonwarra

It may be a tiny town, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm.

The Koonwarra community is full of pioneers of waste-wise and plastic-bag free movements; champions of slow food initiatives and organic eating. For the visitor, this means wholesome and organic foods from cafes, providores or the market, all wrapped in the warm cloak of country hospitality.

Paddlewheel Koonwarra view of exterior of the farmers market store

Koonwarra Restaurants & Cafes

You’ll feel instantly at home at The Ethical Foodstore, the house-made cafe fare is fresh and delicious, and the sunny courtyard is a delight.

Milly & Romeo’s uses farm-fresh seasonal produce to shape their menu into gorgeous country-style breakfasts and light lunches, or grab fresh bread, cakes and pastries to go.

A short drive to Meeniyan and you'll find popular South Gippsland eatery, Moos at Meeniyan, has changed hands and evolved into Mahob at Moos - café by day, restaurant by night. Renowned Hawthorn chef and restauranteur from Mahob by Amok, Woody Chet, has relocated to Meeniyan bringing his knack for showcasing Cambodian cuisine with a modern twist. Across the road, enjoy brunch in the sunny courtyard of The Meeniyan Store.

Raining out? Grab a spot by the wood fire at the Meeniyan Hotel and soak up the country hospitality and excellent pub fare at this South Gippsland institution.

Head the other direction to find Leongatha just up the road. Number 9 Dream Café has got your back for lazy brunches, while pintsized Lyon & Bair hits the mark with their strong coffee game.

Discover new kid on the block, Open Gippsland. A hidden, speakeasy lounge bar exclusively serving Gippsland wines, beers and spirits alongside a tapas style menu heavy on the local produce.

Where to stock up

The charm’s not for sale at Paddlewheel in Koonwarra, but the fresh produce, cheese and meat are.

Koonwarra Food Store jam and sauce jars on shelves

Koonwarra Wineries

Koonwarra is located in the centre of the South Gippsland Drink Trail and The Wine Farm and Drummonds Corrina Vineyard are within a stone’s throw.

During the summer months passionate biodynamic winemakers, The Wine Farm in Koonwarra, invite you to book a very special tasting experience. A spot at the vineyard bar yields more than a taste of their wines, but an understanding of how the vital regeneration of the land, plants, soils and microbes on their farm drives everything they do.

Drummonds Corrina Vineyard (Leongatha) wins points for being the absolute cutest cellar door. The quaint shoe-box sized cottage is full of bric-a-brac, complete with a pot bellied stove. There is minimal intervention in the wines to let the flavour of the terroir speak for itself.

Ripplebrook Winery close up of grapes on the vine

Cycling

The delights of the town can be taken in if you are walking or riding the Great Southern Rail Trail, which passes through the town on the 72km journey between Leongatha and Port Welshpool.