Kristy’s Countryside Day Trip: Exploring the edges of South Gippsland
- Kristy Plumridge
- Apr 28
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Looking for a beautiful weekend getaway from Melbourne or planning your stay at The Ridge House, our luxury Gippsland accommodation? This is one of my favourite countryside day trips to recommend.
Explore three charming West Gippsland towns, picnic at a waterfall or in a park with a playground, take a scenic hike, taste craft beers or artisanal gins, and (highly recommended) eat all the delicious gourmet goodies. Then stock up on treats to bring back to your private bushland retreat at The Ridge House.
Total drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes round trip from The Ridge House (minus the many leisurely, must-see stops) back to The Ridge House. It's absolutely fine to also just leave The Ridge House and head to Thorpdale or Mirboo North and then use the same route back to come home. Make it your best day trip in Gippsland buy adding your own magic.
“We absolutely loved the itinerary Kristy created for exploring the back roads of Gippsland. It took us to parts of the region we never would have discovered on our own. The drive was beautifully scenic, and the day felt like a true adventure, with so many wonderful spots to stop along the way.” Ana E (guest with her hubby and gorgeous lab, Missy)
Getting There from The Ridge House (Yarragon, Gippsland)
Plug Lamezleigh Cafe (62 Ridgway, Mirboo North VIC 3871) into your GPS.
Turn right at the top of The Ridge House driveway
Follow the road until you get to Sunny Creek Road
Turn left, then a sharp right onto Haynes Track
At the end, turn right onto Mirboo North–Trafalgar Road (you are now on your way to Thorpdale.
Fuel Up in Thorpdale (A Must-Stop on Any Gippsland Foodie Trail)
Give in gracefully to an award-winning vanilla slice from the famous Thorpdale Bakery. Honestly, resistance is useless. Pick up some pies for a picnic lunch or an easy dinner back at The Ridge House. Prefer fresh rolls and sandwiches? The staff will happily make something to order—perfect for a relaxed day exploring Gippsland’s countryside.
Stop in at the Traveller’s Rest Hotel
If you’re anything like me and love discovering those proper country pub gems, make a little detour to the Traveller’s Rest Hotel in Thorpdale.
This historic pub has been part of the West Gippsland landscape since 1908, and it still feels like the kind of place where locals gather, stories are shared, and you’re instantly made to feel welcome.
It’s a great stop on your Gippsland day trip, especially if you’re ready to slow things down for a bit.
Head inside (or their beer garden if a nice day) for a classic pub meal, think generous parmas, steaks, burgers and a proper “you won’t need dinner later” kind of feed. On weekends, their Big Breakfast is a bit of a local legend (and well worth planning around if you’re heading out early from your The Ridge House).
But what makes this place a little bit special is what’s happening downstairs.
Hidden beneath the pub is their small-batch distillery, where they produce handcrafted vodka and gin using local ingredients. You can head down for a tasting in the cosy underground space, or join a tour and learn a bit about the building’s history along the way.
It’s one of those unexpected finds that makes exploring this part of Gippsland so much fun.
And honestly, after a long lunch or a distillery stop like this, heading back to The Ridge House for an afternoon by the fire feels even better.
📍Side Trip Narracan Waterfall
If you feel like a little detour, Narracan Falls is well worth it, especially in winter and spring when you can hear the roar before you’ve even stepped out of the car. It’s one of those reliable Gippsland waterfalls, with a steady flow year-round, and a perfect little picnic spot to pause, stretch your legs and soak up the surrounding bush.
See 'NOTES' below about access.
Head to Mirboo North (Nature, Coffee & Slow Moments)
A 30-minute drive takes you to the charming town of Mirboo North, one of my favourite stops on any Gippsland day trip.
First stop: Lamezleigh Coffee House & Eatery. Great coffee and dangerously more-ish housemade cakes (I have a serious thing for their coffee cake). If you’re still recovering from that vanilla slice, maybe start savoury, but leaving without trying the cake? That’s probably a crime. Coffee here is St Ali (so you know it is Melbourne 'gold standard' good) and the menu is seasonal and local where possible. A kids menu, vegan and vegetarian options and a drinks list of local beer, wine or cider has all bases in your group covered. Poached eggs on organic sourdough with pesto is only $18.00*. That is a good deal for quality made with love food!
If you've eaten all your Invy Baker sourdough from your breakfast provisions we provide at The Ridge House, it is a great place to pick up a loaf of Trulli Pantry's (baked in Meeniyan) bread.
Right across the road, Baromi Park is perfect if you’re travelling with kids or just want to stretch out in nature:
Adventure playground
BBQ area
Shady picnic spots
Clean Public Toilets
If you’re feeling energised, this is also a great spot to explore a section of the scenic Grand Ridge Rail Trail, a beautiful way to experience a nature escape in Gippsland. Starting at the corner of Strzelecki Highway and Couper Street in Mirboo North, this easy 13km trail winds through towering forest and open farmland, following the path of the old railway line all the way to Boolarra.
You can commit to the full walk or ride, or just wander in as far as you like before turning back. It's one of those slow, peaceful experiences that makes your Gippsland day trip feel just right. And if you’ve brought your dog along on your pet-friendly Gippsland getaway, they’re welcome to join you on the trail too, just keep them on a leash.
Best Coffee and housemade treats at our local favourite Lamezleigh Coffee House & Eatery
Korumburra: Breweries, Browsing & Local Produce
Next stop, Korumburra, about 20 minutes from Mirboo North, and a must if you love local produce and artisan food in Gippsland.
Start at Burra Brewing Co. and taste your way through their craft, small-batch beers. If you’re ready for lunch, their crowd-pleasing menu features wood-fired pizzas with plenty of options for kids, vegans, dairy-free and vegetarians. I’m a big fan of the roast pumpkin and feta pizza!
Then head to The Coterie, a former department store turned café, bar and homewares space. one side has a Japanese cafe called Tsuko and the poke and noodle bowls here are excellent! It’s one of those places where you walk in and immediately want to stay awhile, especially by the roaring woodfire.
Support local and visit The Burra Pantry and Larder. It’s perfect for stocking up on delicious local and regional Gippsland produce to take back to The Ridge House, ideal for a slow evening by the fire after a big day out.
The owner Steph and her husband Joel also run the South Gippsland Garlic Festival held in late February. We, as farmers of Green Hills Farm, bring our garlic and sometimes our growing garlic talks here. Hint hint: book you weekend in at The Ridge House early to catch this event!
📍Side Trip Gooseneck Pottery
Robert Barron creates beautiful hand-thrown, wood-fired stoneware in one of Australia's largest kilns— an awe-inspiring bit of kit that’s fired up only once a year. Besides being special, Robert’s pieces are also scarce. Browse and buy directly from the pottery; it’s just five kilometres from Korumburra.
See NOTES about opening times
Last Stop: Loch (A Gippsland Foodie Favourite)
A short 20-minute drive brings you to Loch, one of the most picturesque and food-filled towns in South Gippsland. Indulge in a gin tasting at Loch Brewery & Distillery, then wander the antique stores and galleries before settling into one (or several) of the local cafés. There is a lot to choose from here but my favs are Olive at Loch (has a lovely gift store attached), The Loch Grocer (stunning glass A-frame building and local produce store) and Just a Teaspoon (the cutest Tiny House/Bake Shop)
You must visit The Loch Cheese Merchant (cheeseboard back at The Ridge House, anyone?). Stacy Wagner is the owner and friend so say hello if she is serving - she is always happy to give you a taste of what 'the best cheese right now'. This Gippsland cheese shop is focusing solely on selling local & international artisan cheese when it’s in peak condition.
Kongwak Market, The Loch Grocer and Loch Brewery & Distillery. These are just some of the highlights on my Gippsland backroads day trip.
Head Home to Your Ridge House Retreat
This scenic detour takes about 50 minutes and avoids the backtrack through Mirboo North, and the views are honestly breathtaking.
When you’ve had your fill of Loch:
Enter The Ridge House address into your GPS
Choose the route via Poowong and take the C432 route home through Strzelecki. Map here.
By the time you arrive back at your luxury accommodation in Gippsland, it’s time to slow right down. Light the fire, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy everything you’ve gathered along the way. Feel warm and fuzzy that you have supported local business and taken the backroads to explore this part of secret Gippsland.
If You Love Farmers’ Markets (and Really, Who Doesn’t?)
If your stay at The Ridge House lines up, these are well worth visiting:
Mirboo North Market (last Saturday of the month)
Korumburra Coal Creek Farmers Market (second Saturday)
Kongwak Market (every Sunday 10-2)
Expect fresh produce, handmade goods and a true taste of the West Gippsland region. Always check market website/socials to check dates. Public holiday and seasonal weather can affect open times.
TIP: You'll find some market bags in the bottom drawer beneath the microwave. Use one for your trip to help cut down on plastic packaging.
Go Your Own Way
Use this itinerary as a starting point. Customise it, follow your nose, and go wherever your curiosity leads you. Make a short verion - Thorpdale or Mirboo North and back to the Ridge House - or a full day outing of morning tea, brisk nature walks, a long country village lunch and a visit to a farmers market or artist studio.
Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway in Victoria, a group weekend away with family and friends, or simply a chance to disconnect and reconnect in nature, this part of Gippsland always delivers.
Capture the Moment
Share your postcard-worthy moments with us and the extended Ridge House family using:
#RidgeHouseGetaway and tag @the_ridge_house and to help support local tourism and tag @visitgippsland
NOTES: *Price listed as of 28 April 2026. Menu and prices may change
Narracan Access: On 28th February, Narracan Falls Bridge Road was temporarily closed for repairs and as of 28 April, the road is still closed. Check with your host Kristy (hello@theridgehouse.com.au) if road is open.
Gooseneck Pottery is open 10:30am - 5:00pm Most week days, Weekends, Public Holidays. Call Robert on 0403 023 761 confirm.
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