News Discover West Gippsland's East End

Melbourne to Yarragon: 1:30 hours | 120km

The big sister of the three east-end towns, Yarragon has everything you want in a country town. If you are a bit of a gourmand, then a tour through the region’s food and wine destination is essential. We’re talking a smorgasbord of cheeses, wines and tasty takeaways at Gippsland Food and Wine, a stalwart of the area. Follow it up with lunch or dinner at the Yarragon Hotel, where you can choose from a menu of gastropub dishes and traditional pub favourites.

And if you are after café culture, check out The Shot House – these legends roast their own coffee beans and perfect them with a range of organic milks. There are also fresh, healthy meals served at Cafe Piccolo and Fozigobble Cafe to complement their smooth coffees (or green smoothies).

No visit to Yarragon would be complete without saying hello to Pat the Dog. This adorable statue guards the Station Gallery & Community Arts Hub, the creative heart of town. You also can’t go past the new kids in town, Yarragon Studio – this incredible space combines music and visual art. Take in a moving classic concert and explore their gallery, full of local artwork. And on Yarragon’s main street, Town & Country Gallery has been a centrepiece of the town for more than 30 years. This lovely studio is a cornucopia of dreamy paintings, sculptures, giftware, furniture and jewellery.

If you are looking for some retail therapy, Wardrobe in the Lane is overflowing with gorgeous homewares, women’s apparel, jewellery, handbags and pottery to choose from. For antiques, vintage pieces or retro collectables, check out Utter Clutter.

Yarragon to Trafalgar: 7 min | 8km

Meanwhile, a tinsy-winsy bit further east along the Princes Highway, you'll find Trafalgar. This tiny town has a lot going for it – from fresh fruit farms to artist studios.

En route between Yarragon and Trafalgar you'll pass The Spud Shed – a West Gippsland institution. Here you will find a heavenly array of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as local spuds, homemade cakes and vegan and gluten-free sections. Stick a pin in this one to stock up for the way home.

Drop in to the quirky Trafalgar Holden Museum, where you can wander through Australian history via horse-drawn carriages, military equipment, racing memorabilia and stunning vintage cars. Refresh yourself at the café and take home a Holden-themed souvenir.

If you're in need of a leg stretch, explore the pristine bushland of Uralla Nature Reserve. Marvel at ancient mountain grey gums in this slice of rare flora and fauna, nestled in the northern slopes of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Trafalgar to Thorpdale: 13 min | 13 km

The littlest sibling, Thorpdale, is no slouch. This lovely little town is deep in potato farming country, surrounded by endless green hills. As you're driving from Trafalgar you'll pass beautiful Narracan Falls, an easy place to while away an hour or two with a picnic.

An essential Thorpdale stop is the aptly named Traveller’s Rest Hotel, where you can tuck into a hearty meal and enjoy a fresh ale in the courtyard. Pretty soon there will be a brand-new gin distillery to explore on the premises, so stay tuned!

Just across the road from the hotel is the beloved Thorpdale Bakery, which is famous for its mouthwatering vanilla slice. Grab a coffee to go and explore the rest that this bucolic region has to offer.

Loop back towards the Princes Highway on your return to Melbourne via Sunny Creek Berry Farm, which has a farm gate store selling delectable jams, chutneys, cordials and jellies. Time your visit well and you can pick your own – berry picking season starts in November with the strawberry crop.

Don't forget to swing by The Spud Shed on the outskirts of Trafalgar to stockpile produce and deli goods for home.

Thorpdale to Melbourne: 1:37 hours | 138km