CENTRAL GIPPSLAND

Go your own way

The Woodside Beach Hotel is a classic country pub revived after years of neglect – beautifully renovated, the pub is back to serving refreshing drinks and delicious meals for beach-bound travellers.

Perched in the forest atop the Strzelecki Ranges, Carrajung Estate has relaunched an impossibly beautiful winery, restaurant and accommodation at the former Toms Cap winery.

Tucked away in peaceful parkland in Traralgon, heritage-listed Stellina is a boutique Italian restaurant with a sunny courtyard for summertime brunch and a crackling fireplace to warm the winter blues.

Oh-so-good Good Land Brewing Co, in Traralgon, have got 10 taps of beery goodness on the go, plus specialty brews, guest taps - and tasty food trucks on weekends.

First up, coffee. Those on the go should hit hole-in-the wall coffee connoisseurs One Shot Double Shot. Or savour your morning brew in an out-of-the-way second-hand bookstore, linger longer at Bodhi Specialty Coffee

Enjoy pancakes in the sun-dappled garden of Food Co On Franklin, chilli scrambled eggs at humming urban Frankie’s or decadent waffles in the broody interior of MOMO Traralgon, who can take you from breakfast to cocktails on their rooftop deck.

For something delightfully different, treat yourself to an indulgent high tea with a backdrop of gorgeous pink floral-adorned walls at Portraits Cafe and Tearoom.

Dishes hitting the table at Little Prince Eating House & Bar would not be out of place in an inner-city queue-at-the-door eatery. Famous for their cocktails and ‘Feed Me,’ a seven-course degustation consisting of a range of Asian fusion tapas, a main meal and dessert. Nearby, A Red Dot offers up authentic Japanese fare worthy of its rave reviews, try the melt-in-your mouth salmon sashimi.

Sophisticated, charming and elegant, Neilsons

Kitchen prides itself on its innovative, Gippsland focused menu. From breakfast through to dessert, their sumptuous dishes are prepared with finesse and flawlessly presented.

Or step back in time at authentic Italian gem, Stellina, where the huge sun-drenched courtyard is just perfect for a cheeky afternoon rosé, and the lamb ragu with conchiglie simply melts in your mouth.

In the industrial east of Traralgon, Good Land Brewing are slinging sticky wings and more-ish beer food to accompany their innovative local brews.

Just out of town, in Glengarry North, you’ll find one of Gippsland’s big drawcards. Narkoojee is a 5 Red Star Winery as rated by James Halliday. Critics consistently praise their bold reds and complex chardonnay, which you can enjoy with a meal in their restaurant overlooking the vines.

As the sun goes down, indulge with classic cocktails in the luxe interiors of The Benjamin on Franklin, then make your way over to The 3844 for tapas, more cocktails, and DJ dance-offs.

• The Source Traralgon has over 350 bulk products including nuts, seeds, grains, herbs, spices, dried fruit, pasta, chocolates and sweets.

• Manny’s Market has a wide range of the freshest fruit and vegetables, along with groceries and deli items.