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Discover West Gippsland's east end on a road trip in Yarragon, Trafalgar, and Thorpdale

Discover West Gippsland's east end on a road trip featuring boutique shopping, local art, fresh produce, and stunning landscapes in Yarragon, Trafalgar, and Thorpdale.

By news@gippsland - 28th September 2024 - Back to News

Take a road trip through West Gippsland's up-and-coming east end and discover new artists, the freshest produce and rolling hills to die for. It's easy to get swept away by the village charms of Yarragon, where the secret is out about the hot spot for boutique shopping, galleries and eateries. Take in the lesser-known towns of Trafalgar and Thorpdale to add some more hidden gems on your list. The three towns are within a stone's throw of each other, making an easy itinerary from Melbourne.

Yarragon offers a delightful mix of gourmet food, boutique shopping, vibrant arts, and cozy cafes, making it a must-visit country town experience

Melbourne to Yarragon

The big sister of the three east-end towns, Yarragon has everything you want in a country town. If you are a bit of a gourmand, then a tour through the region's food and wine destinations is essential. We're talking a smorgasbord of cheeses, wines and tasty takeaways at Gippsland Food and Wine, a stalwart of the area.

Follow it up with dinner at the Yarragon Hotel, where you can enjoy some bistro dining over crisp white linen tablecloths and silverware - choose from a menu of gastropub dishes and traditional pub favourites.

And if you are after cafe culture, check out The Shot House - these legends roast their own coffee beans and perfect them with a range of organic milks. There are also fresh, healthy meals served at Cafe Piccolo and Fozigobble Cafe to complement their smooth coffees (or green smoothies).

Yarragon's creative gems

No visit to Yarragon would be complete without saying hello to Pat the Dog. This adorable statue guards the Station Gallery & Community Arts Hub, the creative heart of town. You also can't go past the new kids in town, Yarragon Studio - this incredible space combines music and visual art. Take in a moving classic concert and explore their gallery, full of local artwork.

If you are looking for some retail therapy, Wardrobe in the Lane is overflowing with gorgeous homewares, women's apparel, jewellery, handbags and pottery to choose from. Just around the corner you'll find Nickelby's for hand-made clothing from natural fibres, as well as homewares, art and jewellery. For antiques, vintage pieces or retro collectables, check out Yarragon Vintage Market and Utter Clutter.

Trafalgar, a charming town along the Princes Highway, boasts fresh farms, artist studios, and unique attractions like the Trafalgar Holden Museum

Yarragon to Trafalgar

Meanwhile, a tinsy-winsy bit further east along the Princes Highway, you'll find Trafalgar. This tiny town has a lot going for it - from fresh fruit farms to artist studios. En route between Yarragon and Trafalgar you'll pass The Spud Shed - a West Gippsland institution. Here you will find a heavenly array of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as local spuds, homemade cakes and vegan and gluten-free sections.

Drop in to the quirky Trafalgar Holden Museum, where you can wander through Australian history via horse-drawn carriages, military equipment, racing memorabilia and stunning vintage cars. Refresh yourself at the cafe and take home a Holden-themed souvenir.

If you are visiting Trafalgar this November, don't miss Open Studios West Gippsland. Local oil landscape artist Graeme Myrteza will be participating, opening up his studio to curious art aficionados on the 23rd and 24th of November. Step inside and ask questions about Myrteza's creative process - and maybe go home with a brand-new piece of art.

Thorpdale, a charming potato-farming town, offers delicious dining, stunning scenery, and delightful stops like the bakery and Sunny Creek Berry Farm

Trafalgar to Thorpdale

The littlest sibling, Thorpdale, is no slouch. This lovely little town is deep in potato farming country, surrounded by endless green hills. As you're driving from Trafalgar you'll pass beautiful Narracan Falls, an easy place to while away an hour or two with a picnic.

An essential Thorpdale stop is the aptly named Traveller's Rest Hotel, where you can tuck into a hearty meal and enjoy a fresh ale in the courtyard. Pretty soon there will be a brand-new gin distillery to explore on the premises, so stay tuned!

Just across the road from the hotel is the beloved Thorpdale Bakery, which is famous for its mouthwatering vanilla slice. Grab a coffee to go and explore the rest that this bucolic region has to offer. Loop back towards the Princes Highway on your return to Melbourne via Sunny Creek Berry Farm, which has a farm gate store selling delectable jams, chutneys, cordials and jellies. Time your visit well and you can pick your own - berry picking season starts in November with the strawberry crop.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com