Set amongst bucolic countryside, lush hills and eucalypt-scented bush, this pocket-sized town is a country-charm heavyweight.

This town is the heartland of potato country, engulfed by the hills of the Strzelecki Ranges. Darling heritage buildings adorn the town and the pub is its centrepiece, like any good country town.

Travellers Rest Hotel heritage pub in Thorpdale

Thorpdale views of green rolling hills from side of road

Thorpdale Bakery ladies eating pies outside

Travellers Rest Hotel ladies dining at Thorpdale hotel on the deck outside

Things to do in Thorpdale

You can take in the spectacular Grand Ridge Road scenery and other surrounding villages nestled into the ranges like Mirboo North and Yarragon on the West Gippsland Grand Ridge Drive, best enjoyed over a few days.
The humble spud is celebrated every second year at the Thorpdale Potato Festival (March).
The lovely landscape paintings of artist Graeme Myrteza are so lovely, you’ll just want to dive right in. His Thorpdale studio is open by appointment.

Thorpdale cafes & restaurants

If you’re looking for a tiny hilltop town that punches above its weight, look no further than Thorpdale. The lovingly restored Traveller’s Rest Hotel invites visitors and locals alike, with hearty pub classics or refreshing ales in the sunny courtyard - be sure to check out their new Travellers Distillery basement bar.

Across the road, Thorpdale Bakery is a must-visit for their famous vanilla slice.

Travellers Rest Hotel ladies dining at Thorpdale pub with meals beer and espresso martini cocktail

Nature around Thorpdale

A quick 10-minute dash to Narracan Falls rewards with a beautiful waterfall and large grassy reserve, perfect for picnics.

Discover a little piece of magic on the Lyrebird Forest Walk (4.8km; 90 mins) in nearby Mirboo North, where the bush track weaves between tall trees alongside a gently flowing stream.

Morwell National Park is only 25 minutes away, a place of forested gullies, peaceful picnic spots and elusive native orchids. It's excellent walking country, with trails winding beneath towering mountain grey gums and high chances of spotting koalas.

Lace up your runners and head for Mt Worth State Park. This oasis of ferny glades and lush waterfalls is the perfect spot for a picnic or a breath of fresh eucalypt-scented air.