This small town is brimming with hospitality, welcoming travellers into idyllic rural life.
In the heart of the Strzelecki Ranges, surrounded by the fabled hills of South Gippsland, Mirboo North is at the meeting point of fertile pastured hills and the wonderfully perfumed Australian bush.
FRIDAY NIGHT
When travelling from Melbourne, about 15 minutes before reaching Mirboo North, make a pit stop in Thorpdale at the aptly-named Traveller’s Rest Hotel. Traveller's Rest offers classic pub favourites complemented by some international influences, all served with warm country hospitality. The sunny courtyard is hard to resist for a cleansing ale or cocktail. Plus downstairs they are distilling their very own vodka (it is potato country after all). We recommend sampling the house-made vodka in an espresso martini.
After dinner, keep on rolling on to Mirboo North, taking in stunning hillside vistas before you check into your B&B or cottage.
SATURDAY
After spending the night tucked into the bucolic hills, wake up to birdsong and serene views before heading into town to explore.
When you go for a stroll down the main street, pop into the charming stores that offer local produce and crafts. Browse through stunning giftware at Ruperts, adopt a new plant baby at Tiny Gardener and eat a breakfast of champions with a pastry or pie at Strzelecki Bakery. Who says you can't start the day with a hot sausage roll, fresh from the oven.
Eat an Instagrammable lunch at the stylish Lamezleighs Coffee House & Eatery, where freshly ground coffee is best enjoyed alongside their mouth-watering cakes. The menu changes seasonally, and there is plenty for our vegan and gluten free friends to enjoy.
Walk or bike the Grand Ridge Rail Trail (Mirboo North to Boolarra, 13km one way), winding through the enchanting hilly countryside and eucalypt forest. Marvel at trees that seem to touch the sky, with pristine bushland that will make you feel like you are miles away from home in the best way.
After the trail, head to the Grand Ridge Brewery to quench your thirst with a crisp beer. This family-owned business is one of Victoria's oldest independent breweries, so they know their way around a keg.
Finish the day with a well-earned pub dinner at the Mirboo North Hotel to tuck into a hearty parma or a vegetable and goats cheese tart.
SUNDAY
On your last day, don’t leave town without sweet baked treats from Jimmy Jambs Café, serving up cafe favourites like toasties and foccaccias with good coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. Or if you're looking for a lunch option to linger over, head to Café Escargot, where you can an enjoy a delectable Mediterranean-inspired meal, complete with French-style escargot. (If you're not feeling snail-inclined, there are plenty of non-escargot options!)
On the way back to Melbourne, stop at the Red Door Estate for a wine tasting. This boutique vineyard is the perfect place to grab a bottle or two – your souvenir from a relaxing weekend in Mirboo North.
