Earn your cleansing ale with on-the-water pursuits, alpine country hiking, camping and fishing.
Many wineries of East Gippsland are clustered around the Gippsland Lakes, perfect for leisurely days spent exploring the towns of Bairnsdale, Metung and Lakes Entrance.
Wineries and breweries are peppered along the Great Alpine Road, tucked into the gentling sloping foothills and magnificent peaks. For those adventurous in spirit, towns along the way make the perfect base for hiking, camping, fishing and even rafting down the mighty Mitta Mitta. With all these physical pursuits, you’ll be in need of a cleansing ale. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Start the journey at Lightfoot Wines’ stylish cellar door. The tasting space connects beautifully with the region, using reclaimed timber from the old Calulu Bridge and Gippsland Lakes jetties. The exposed position on a limestone cliff creates both exceptional views and excellent conditions for producing fine wines, which can be enjoyed with a local tasting platter on the deck.
Sarsfield Estate Vineyard & Winery is popular with the locals, they don’t do tastings but you’ll find this wine on most local wine lists and it’s worth making an appointment and is worth a visit to grab a few bottles for home.
At Nicholson River Winery, the wines reflect the unique character of the area while paying homage to a European style.
Just down the way is Tambo Wine. A long hunt and a lot of research brought owners Bill and Pam Williams to this very spot, their “warm site in a cool area,” allowing them to produce fine wines with a sense of place.
Wyanga Park Winery is Gippsland’s oldest winery, where a range of award winning wines, including the famed frozen muscat, are served at the cellar door. The winery can be reached by road, or by Wyanga Park Winery Cruise, departing from Lakes Entrance.
The scenery becomes more dramatic as you make your way up the Great Alpine Road. Call in at Ensay Winery’s rammed earth cellar door to taste the shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and pinot noir, which are grown and made on the estate.
Take a little high-country detour off the Great Alpine Road and you’ll be rewarded with a tasty tipple of wines and a select range of ciders produced from the orchards at Cassilis Estate Wine and Cider.
Back toward the coast, you'll find Dunetown - much-anticipated flagship brewery of craft brewing legends, Sailors Grave. Located between Marlo and Cape Conran, this game-changing experience will feature 16 taps showcasing an ever evolving selection of artisanal beers brewed from farmed and foraged ingredients. With a sunny beer garden, Mexican-leaning menu and laid-back beach-town vibes, it's a must visit. You can also find them at their tap shacks in Orbost, Meeniyan, The Slipway Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.
BARS & PUBS
THE MITCH, BAIRNSDALE
Cocktail Bar with live music & DJs at the Mitchell River Tavern
BUCHAN CAVES HOTEL, BUCHAN
The town’s only pub has a big heart, rebuilt with funds raised by the community
ORBOST CLUB HOTEL, ORBOST
Serves up a great parma and local Sailor’s Grave beer
GRAND TERMINUS HOTEL, BAIRNSDALE
A popular local pub with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and fantastic bistro meals
GOLDEN AGE, OMEO
This splendid Art Deco hotel oozes with the warmth of Gippsland’s high country
THE CENTRAL HOTEL, LAKES ENTRANCE
Local seafood, waterfront views, and an extensive local wine list
MARLO HOTEL, MARLO
The elevated sun-drenched deck boasts views over the Snowy River estuary
METUNG HOTEL, METUNG
Absolute waterfront views of the lakes to go with your beer
SARDINE CANTINA, PAYNESVILLE
A wine bar and deli store, serving the finest wine, cheese, charcuterie and conservas
LAKE TYERS BEACH TAVERN, LAKE TYERS
The views don’t come much better than from the deck of this country pub
