Barely an hour’s drive from Melbourne, West Gippsland is a little off the radar for those looking for a quick weekend break. While many head south to the Mornington Peninsula, west to the Great Ocean Road, or north to Central Victoria, there’s so much to discover in Gippsland.

The region is huge – roughly the size of Switzerland ¬– with postcard views from snowy mountains to rugged beaches. West Gippsland is the ideal starting point for exploring its rolling hills, lush bushland, gentle drives and some of the best produce in Australia. Knock off a bit early and make the most of the weekend. Here’s how.

Friday

5pm: grab a wine at Cannibal Creek

Don’t be put off by the bloodthirsty name – it’s named after Mount Cannibal, which rises over this boutique vineyard. The winery is run by husband-and-wife team Pat and Kirsten Hardiker, who make excellent French-style wines inspired by bordeaux and burgundy. There’s also a share-friendly restaurant fuelled by a kitchen garden, with snacks and wine flights to get the weekend started. And you can chuck a few bottles in the boot for later.
260 Tynong North Road, Tynong

6pm: check in at the Mercure Warragul

You’ll need a base for the weekend, and the Mercure is a well-located option in the centre of Warragul, just 100 kilometres from Melbourne. Rooms are priced around $200 a night, and they’re modern, clean and comfortable with the expected chain hotel mod cons. Luxe accom is still emerging in this part of Victoria, but you can check out local Airbnbs for a more personalised stay.
23 Mason Street, Warragul

8pm: dinner at Messmates

This gem is possibly the main reason to visit West Gippsland, and it’s worth building your weekend around a visit. It’s a sleek, sophisticated place that would be a hit in the inner city. Owned by siblings Chris and Jodie Odrowaz and their partners Jess and Michael, it serves the best Gippsland produce and stellar local wines in elegant, beautifully lit surrounds. Expect seasonal, Euro-style dishes such as fresh oysters, crudités and roast chicken. The name? Messmate is a local tree, and all the tables are made from the wood. Make sure to book ahead.
15 Palmerston Street, Warragul

Saturday

10am: drive to Noojee Trestle Bridge

Just outside Warragul you’ll find yourself in Windows 95 screensaver countryside: patchwork farms, rolling green hills, classic Aussie bushland. Around 40 minutes north is the town of Noojee, named after the Aboriginal word for resting place. West Gippsland’s best-known attraction is the Noojee Trestle Bridge, a majestic matchstick structure straight out of a storybook, 21 metres tall and 100 metres long. It’s a dramatic spot that brings to mind that legendary scene in 1986 film Stand by Me. But don’t worry, trains haven’t come over this bridge since the 1950s.
Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road, Noojee

1pm: lunch at the Toolshed Bar and Bistro

There are several lunch options in the mysterious mountain ash forests surrounding Noojee. The old-school Noojee Hotel (aka Nooj pub) sits on the banks of the Latrobe River, or the Little Red Duck Cafe gives quaint country vibes. But check out the quirky Toolshed, favoured by touring fleets of motorcycle and vintage car enthusiasts. True to the name, it’s an old converted shed with a sunny beer garden and an extensive parma menu, which elevates the schnitty to pizza territory with options such a Outback, Hawaiian and Meat Lovers.
38 Loch Valley Roadd, Noojee

3pm: hike to Amphitheatre Falls

A post-parma walk is in order, and there’s spectacular country around here to explore. A few minutes from the Toolshed, this gently challenging one-hour hike features viewing platforms for the Toorongo and Amphitheatre falls. Think breathtaking tiered waterfalls crashing through beautiful forest, mossy rocks, gurgling streams and verdant ferns.
Toorongo Falls Reserve Car Park, Noojee

5pm: beers at Bandolier Brewing

Head back to Warragul for a couple of beers. Across the road from the Mercure is Bandolier, a no-frills, maximum-fun brewery. There’s a loose Mexican theme to the food and some of the brews such as Number Juan, a lager made with malted corn. There are plenty more beers made on-site, including Like a Fucking Fairytale (a strong Belgian blonde), the Purple Static hazy IPA (named after a local metal band) and The Fallen 41 (a pale ale supporting war veterans). A sign on the wall indicates the house rules: No Dickheads, No Song Requests, Children To Be Tethered, Obedient Dogs Welcome. No surprise, it gets packed.
28 Mason Street, Warragul

7pm: dinner at Hogget Kitchen

A venture between chef Trevor Perkins and feted Gippsland winemakers William Downie and Pat Sullivan, this is the place for your big blowout. The glassy dining room on a property a few kilometres outside of Warragul overlooks cool-climate vines (tip: book a taxi to take advantage of the wine list). The set menu ¬– four or six courses for dinner; two or three courses for lunch – is a roll-call of the region’s best producers. Wild Food’s venison, Greenhill’s Farm cauliflower, Yarragon rabbit loin, Corner Inlet whiting, Wattlebank Farm oyster mushrooms, Noojee trout. The list goes on. Plus, Perkins does his own pickling, charcuterie, smoking and brining in-house, no shortcuts. It’s an underrated regional diner that will leave you in awe of the bounty and potential of Gippsland.
6 Farrington Close, Warragul

Sunday

9am: breakfast at Mainstreet Cafe

Dust off any natural wine hangovers with a slap-up breakfast at this place. It’s another venue that seems transplanted from Northcote or Marrickville, so it makes sense that it was set up by the crew behind Messmates. It delivers no-fuss, hearty brunch gear with big servings that will sort you out quick smart. Bacon and egg rolls, chilli scram, French toast, burgers, toasties, killer coffee and smoothies and juices. A big yes.
2/43 Smith Street, Warragul

10.30am: tour the garden at Broughton Hall

On the drive back to the city you’ll find this one-of-a-kind garden, plus the attached plant shop for rare and unusual species. Think Downtown Abbey-levels of ornate English-style gardens set over 300 acres. It’s closed during winter, so make sure to check the opening hours. It’s a civilised way to end the weekend before those Sunday scaries set in.
125 Palmer Road, Jindvick

The writer travelled as a guest of Visit Gippsland.