News A Weekend in Yarragon

Some places are made for slowing down, and Yarragon is one of them.

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this welcoming West Gippsland village has a knack for turning a quick coffee stop into a memorable weekend away. Think boutique shopping, country hospitality, local flavours and rolling green hills, with plenty of adventures waiting just beyond the village.

Friday: arrive and unwind

Leave the city behind and cruise east towards Yarragon, where your country escape begins.

Check into your accommodation before settling in for dinner at the historic Yarragon Hotel. A local institution, it's the perfect place to ease into the weekend with seasonal Gippsland produce, classic pub favourites and a glass of local wine by the fire.

For a relaxing stay, Anderley Retreat offers boutique luxury surrounded by peaceful gardens and farmland, while The Ridge House is ideal for families and groups, with sweeping valley views, bush walks and spectacular sunsets. Just a short drive away near Trafalgar, Mirador Springs Retreat provides another tranquil escape, with luxury accommodation set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Strzelecki Ranges.

Saturday: shop, taste and explore

Ease into the morning with coffee and breakfast at one of Yarragon's welcoming cafés. Then check out the Digital Visitor Information Hub in Yarragon to uncover nearby walks, attractions and local favourites across the Baw Baw region, helping you plan the activities that suit your stay. From there, explore the village's charming shopping precinct.

Browse homewares, antiques, artisan gifts and collectables, then pop into Gippsland Food & Wine. Part gourmet providore, part café, it's packed with locally made cheeses, preserves, chocolates, wines and pantry favourites. Stay for a famous Devonshire tea or leisurely lunch before filling your bag with Gippsland goodies to enjoy at home.

The afternoon is yours to choose.

If you're craving fresh air, lace up your runners and head to nearby Mt Worth State Park. Wander beneath towering mountain ash and blue gum forest, through fern-filled gullies and past lush waterfalls on walking tracks that showcase the natural beauty of West Gippsland.

For something completely different, take a short drive to neighbouring Trafalgar and step back in time at the Trafalgar Holden Museum. Home to an impressive collection of classic Holdens and Australian motoring memorabilia, it's a must-visit for car enthusiasts and anyone keen to explore a nostalgic piece of Australian history.

Prefer to explore the region one sip at a time? Follow part of the West Gippsland Drink Trail, where boutique wineries, breweries and distilleries invite you to linger over tastings, long lunches and country views.

Or stay in town and discover Yarragon's creative side at the beautifully restored Yarragon Station Gallery, showcasing changing exhibitions alongside ceramics, jewellery, paintings and handcrafted gifts by local artists. While you're exploring, keep an eye out for Pat the Dog, Yarragon's much-loved mosaic sculpture and a favourite photo stop.

Visiting on the third Saturday of the month? Don't miss the Yarragon Craft & Produce Market, where local growers, makers and producers fill the village with handmade treasures, fresh produce and gourmet treats.

For dinner, head back to the Yarragon Hotel for another relaxed meal or pick up fresh local produce and create your own country feast back at your accommodation.

Sunday: take the scenic route

After a leisurely breakfast, resist the urge to head straight home. Instead, follow sections of the West Gippsland Hinterland Drive, winding through rolling farmland, towering forests and picturesque country villages. It's the perfect finale to a weekend of great food, fresh air and genuine country hospitality.

Whether you've spent your time browsing boutiques, discovering local art, exploring rainforest trails or raising a glass along the Drink Trail, one thing's certain—Yarragon is the kind of place that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even reached Melbourne.