We’re all holidaying a little closer to home these days… which is actually totally FINE when there are so many wonderful places to visit on our doorstep! For Victorians, South Gippsland is one of the most picturesque destinations within close proximity to Melbourne (two hours, give or take). We recently spent a day there, capturing some of the area’s top spots to visit.
Our guide was interior designer Andrea Moore, who actually grew up in the town of Meeniyan, and moved back here from Melbourne three years ago to be closer to her Dad, and to transform her family farm into a unique boutique accommodation offering. With three distinct buildings that have been re-imagined by Andrea, her Dad and a host of local craftspeople, Ross Farm is a truly unique place to stay, and a great base from which to explore South Gippsland.
We hope you enjoy our little guide to A Perfect Day in South Gippsland!
Ross Farm, Meeniyan
The creation of boutique accommodation Ross Farm is very much a family project, and represents a close collaboration between Andrea and her Dad, Lindsay. The father-daughter duo worked closely with local craftspeople to update three disused farm buildings on this property, converting them into boutique accomodation.
The property features a striking mix of rustic, textural materials such as charred timber, marine plywood, travertine and raw brass, alongside recycled elements, such as a Japanese-inspired concrete bath – created from a repurposed agricultural water trough!
Ross Farm has earned rave reviews since opening in 2018 – and is such a unique, beautiful place to stay all year round.
Moo’s at Meeniyan
Moo’s is one of Meeniyan’s best loved cafes, and has been here for more than a decade. However, last year, the place underwent a major re-design, with new interiors by Andrea. Whilst the interior layout, furnishings, lighting and branding have all been refreshed, the cafe still has the same excellent food and ambience locals and visitors have come to love. Pop in for an excellent coffee, breakfast or lunch, and on Friday and Saturday nights it’s open for dinner, too.
89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan
Udder and Hoe, Loch
Udder and Hoe is a grocer, providore and coffee shop, selling a wonderful array of fresh produce and locally made preserves, wines and more. They have two outlets – this one, in Loch village (one of the prettiest towns in the area), and another at Kilcunda.
It’s a gorgeous little store that resembles a modernised, rustic tin shed – with its distinctive pitched roof and corrugated iron facade. Pop in for a great coffee, stock up on provisions, and have a little wander through the historic Loch village whilst you’re here.
37 Victoria Rd, Loch
Waratah Hills Vineyard, Fish Creek
Waratah Hills is one of many fantastic wineries in the area, and is one of Andrea’s favourite spots for lunch and a glass of wine. Pop in to the cellar door and try their famous pinot noir, and/or settle in for a delicious casual lunch of shared plates, tasting platters and cheeseboards, overlooking the vineyards. Situated in Fish Creek, Waratah Hills is just under an hour away from the spectacular beaches of Wilson’s Prom, and is open Friday through Sunday.
20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek
Picnic Bay, Wilsons Promontory
You really can’t go to South Gippsland without visiting Wilsons Promontory National Park. These are some of the most pristine beaches in Australia, and the views really do take your breath away! Andrea took us to one of her favourite spots in the Southern section of Wilsons Prom – the look out point between two stunning beaches at Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay. It’s easily accessible by car – park in the Picnic Bay carpark, and it’s a five minute stroll to the viewing platform pictured in the video. Seriously spectacular!
There’s never been a better time to explore regional Victoria. Stay close, go further and plan your next getaway here. Remember, tourism and hospitality businesses have doing it tough lately so, keep in mind, to #travelkind.
Designer Andrea Moore at Ross Farm, the boutique accomodation she designed in Meeniyan. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Ross Farm, Meeniyan. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Lucy and Andrea enjoy a coffee at Moo’s at Meeniyan. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Moo’s at Meeniyan is one of Meeniyan’s best cafes, and occupies a former heritage butcher shop! Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Udder and Hoe is a grocer, providore and coffee shop in the historic Loch village. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
The rolling hills of South Gippsland! Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Whiskey Bay at Wilson’s Prom. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Picnic Bay at Wilson’s Prom. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Lucy and Andrea take in the views! Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
