News Rail Towns of West Gippsland
Take a nostalgic journey through the rail towns of West Gippsland, surrounded by quintessential countryside and fragrant bush.
This stretch of 8 towns spans 60 kilometres along the Gippsland railway line, from Melbourne’s outer reaches heading east toward the Latrobe Valley. From snack-sized towns to buzzing regional centres, each town has its own unique character.
The town centres are within walking distance from the railway stations, however this is intended as a driving itinerary so you can reach some of the best locations, which are not always in the town centres.
Nar Nar Goon
Things to do
Wander the small town keeping an eye out for the unique murals that depict life in the area throughout history. Faces from decades past peer out at the viewer – from mechanics at the motor garage to turn-of-the-century citizens visiting the general store.
Where to eat & Stock Up
Head to the Butcher with the Chef to stock up on fresh meat, sausages, Gippsland cheeses, sauces, gourmet salts and more.
Tynong
Things to do
The tranquil town is surrounded by green pastures and nearby bushland of the Bunyip State Forest. Hit Gumbuya World for the young and young-at-heart with rides, wildlife and water at the exhilarating amusement park. Visit nearby Cannibal Creek Vineyard for a tasting of award-winning, low-intervention wines, then head to the Pakenham Racing Club for an exciting evening of country racing.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Eat a decadent breakfast at Granite Café, taking your pick from tasty treats like caramel Biscoff pancakes, or brekkie burgers with bacon. Dial things up a notch with lunch at swanky Cannibal Creek Vineyard, pairing the braised ox cheek with a delightful merlot.
Garfield
Things to do
Take a stroll through a bygone era, where you can’t help but feel charmed by the heritage buildings and inviting shop fronts. Browse the luxurious homewares at Impodimo, update your wardrobe with the fabulous fashions at SOHL Store then look to expand your bookshelf at Just One More Page. While you’re in town, check out the heritage Garfield Picture Theatre’s program of concerts. Follow up your retail therapy with a breathtaking hike on the Mt Cannibal Walk.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Brewsters Foodstore & Café offer more than coffee and lunch, they also stock a range of fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and free-range eggs, plus delicious take-home meals. In an old converted garage you'll find Luna's Garfield, with breakfast faves gracing the all-day brekki menu alongside heartier feeds. Pop into Country Style Meats Butcher & Smokehouse for gourmet sausages and smoked meats. Open for lunch and dinner six days a week, The Garfield Hotel offers friendly country pub meals in their spacious dining room or beer garden.
Bunyip
Things to do
Have a wander through the Sherwood Park Orchard and pick some fresh apples before patting the adorable pet donkeys.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Small and cosy Biddy Martha’s Café is the place to go for a fantastic range of tasty salads, toasties and more, while Lady Lavender’s Tea Room is an excellent setting for fresh scones, served on delicate antique crockery. New kid on the block, Lost Mexican, is perfect for indulging in a menu of tacos, nachos, paella and frozen margaritas.
Drouin
Things to do
This humming town centre offers a smattering of cafes, local artists and open, green spaces. Corymbia Dreaming and Three Kurnai Women sculptures at the start of the Two Towns Trail will inspire the creative and history-minded, and the wonderful walking trails feature informative signage. Enjoy a spa day at Brandy Creek Estate, complete with Hammam and a menu of luxurious massages, facials and treatments. Visit local artist, Helen Timbury, who offers linocut workshops in her printmaking studio.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
The French Pear Café features flamboyant wall murals by local artist Craig Fison and serves delicious meals. Or enjoy a mouth-watering dinner at Middels Tapas, with a flavourful menu that caters to meat eaters, vegans and coeliacs alike.
Warragul
Things to do
Learn from expert cooks at String + Salt by booking into a hands-on cooking class, stock up on a glorious range of spices while you’re there. Down the road, the Warragul Art Studios Gallery hosts contemporary exhibitions of oil paintings, photography, pottery and more.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Located in the green rolling hills just out of town, Hogget Kitchen is a one-hatted restaurant that features the best of Gippsland produce. Bandolier Brewery is a proudly independent, family owned brewery inspired by breweries and classic beer styles from all around the world. A Restaurant Guru award winner, Everything’s Better with Wine boasts a menu of local wines and lavish bites.
And don’t forget that Warragul is a gourmet heaven – visit Lean & Green for farm fresh produce, boutique beers and local wines at Press Cellars, or Stella’s Pantry for an array of award-winning Gippsland artisan cheeses, cured meats and a range of fine foods to create your own picnic hamper.
Yarragon
Things to do
A dreamy town full of charming alleyways and shops to browse, Yarragon is surrounded by fertile Gippsland countryside. On the grounds of the Station Gallery sits the iconic Pat the Dog. After supporting local artists, browse the many wonderful Yarragon shops, such as Pennyworth O’Lollies Shop for some sweet treats, Gippsland Food & Wine for fresh produce and The 3 Cheeky Monkeys for a creative range of kids’ toys, games, puzzles. Your next favourite artwork is waiting for you at Town & Country Gallery.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Tucked away in the Village Walk, Café Piccolo’s fresh cakes and delicious lunch offerings are hard to resist. Enjoy a refined pub lunch At the Yarragon Hotel or sample some of the 300+ local and international craft beers at the Yarragon Ale House.
Trafalgar
Things to do
The quirky Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates Australia's Holden heritage from the 1850s – explore an exhibition of vintage cars, saddles, military artefacts, golf carts and aero engines. Go for a stroll in the lush Uralla Nature Reserve, where you can find moss-covered logs and ferny glades.
Where to Eat & Stock Up
Sweet Treats by Jamie-Lee is a boutique studio café in the heart of Trafalgar that offers tasty pastries, custom cakes, cookies and bakes. Sampson’s Bar & Grill has a decadent menu of grilled, seared and smoked favourites, alongside loaded burger options and delicious desserts. Criterion Hotel is the place to go with a group of friends for fan-favourite pizzas.
Published on under: General News