48 Hours in East Gippsland

East Gippsland can be described as idyllic, panoramic and tranquil. A three-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne, the region is home to Lakes Entrance and the biggest inland water system in Australia, as well as a diverse range of native wildlife. Bairnsdale is the charming and quaint town located in the heart of the East Gippsland – the perfect escape from the hustle of the city. Looking for ideas for your next weekend getaway? Milk Bar Mag has put together the ultimate guide to get the very best out of East Gippsland. 

Friday evening 

Check in: The Riversleigh 

The Riversleigh has lived many lives. Built in 1884, the site was originally two family homes known as the Heatherlea and the Riversleigh. Now it is the leader of the Bairnsdale accommodation scene. The Riversleigh has all the charm of a Victorian homestead and many of the finishings remain, including the cast-iron balcony, terrazzo-paved front verandas, and decorative interior features. Spacious deluxe rooms are fitted with all the modern comforts, heightening your getaway to a level of luxury you can expect from boutique accommodation. 

riversleigh.com.au
1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale

Dinner: The Grand Terminus Hotel 

The Great Terminus Hotel is located just off the main street of Bairnsdale and is short walk from The Riversleigh. Established in 1889, the local watering hole has served beverages for over a century and is the perfect venue for an intimate Friday night pub meal. For entrees, it is hard to go past oysters (either natural or Kilpatrick). According to urban legend, it is the local custom to finish a round of oysters with a shot of tequila. (This custom was not questioned, and was whole-heartedly embraced, and we, in no way, shape or form condone this.) 

The menu features all the usual suspects – chicken parmas, fettuccine with Napoli and fresh basil, and grilled barramundi – but their steaks are where they really impress. Pair it with a fine glass of red from locals Lightfoot & Sons or Sarsfield Estate. Or if beer is more your thing, choose from a selection of brew, either on tap or bottle. For dessert, order the lemon verbena panacotta drizzled with vanilla bean syrup and biscotti. 

grandterminus.com.au
98 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale

Saturday

Morning: Lakes-Explorer Sea Safari and Water Taxi 

Skipper Pete is something of a local icon. Despite retiring from an extensive tenure protecting national parks at the government level, he maintains his love of the land in his four-person sea-safari. Listen to volumes of knowledge about the regional ecosystem or the competitive fishing industry, and you will see his love for Lakes Entrance runs deep. A master of the seas, Pete can transport you to remote beaches, jetty along expansive waterways, or cruise past neighbouring towns. During the tour, you have the opportunity to see a plethora of native birds, fur seals, dolphins, deer and goats – yes, deer  – and binoculars are available to get a closer glimpse. Popular drop-off destinations include Metung, where you should definitely lunch and booze at the waterfront pub, or Barry Landing. The sea-safari is $60 per hour per group of four and we recommend spending two hours on the open water. 

lakes-explorer-sea-safari-water-taxi.business.site
287 The Esplanade (Post Office Jetty), Lakes Entrance

Lunch: Albert & Co 

Popular hotspot Albert & Co exudes vacation chic and it’s easy to see why. Warm, attentive service and a “bright and light” Hamptons aesthetic make for a peaceful and relaxed space. Located right in the heart of the township, scan the menu till you find Pop’s lunch, an incredible share platter containing chilled local smoked meats, Gippsland cheeses, grilled sourdough, house dips and pickles. A fine alternative is the char-grilled chicken, a vibrant plate accompanied with carrot hummus, house pita bread, lindenow lambs lettuce, pickled bonaccord farm onions and a drop of herb yoghurt. It really is a feast for the senses. Select from their range of local craft and ciders including Sailors Grave, a micro-brewery from Orbost.

facebook.com/albertandcocatering
201 The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Dinner: Sardine eatery + bar 

Sardine Eatery + Bar was recently nominated in Financial Review’s Top 500 Australian restaurants. Located in the scenic town of Paynesville, the emerging favourite is established by award-winning chef Mark Briggs and his partner, Victoria Hollingsworth. Opening its doors in October last year, Briggs brings his acclaimed experience of working in three Michelin star restaurants across the UK and Melbourne’s Vue de Monde to his latest eatery. ‘With Sardine eatery + bar, we wanted to create a destination restaurant for East Gippsland using fresh local produce from the region,’ says Briggs. 

The menu is extremely seasonal and is modified every few days, depending on what local fish and produce is available. Many dishes are designed for a shared-dining experience, and might include various charcuterie meats, charred octopus served with chorizo and lemon aioli or the pork belly with watermelon shiso (a perfect mix of sweet and salty). Are you thinking about sardines yet? The jewel of the menu, Lakes Entrance whole sardines, are served on a flat plate, garnished with fingerlime and coriander. 

sardineeaterybar.com
3/65–69 Esplanade, Paynesville

Sunday: 

Milk Bar Mag attended the inaugural East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival at the Bairnsdale Racecourse. The event had a buzzing atmosphere, but maintained its community feel. You can spend the day lying on a picnic rug, grazing on local cheeses or gourmet fish and chips from the lads at Albert & Co, with a glass of prosecco in hand at all times. Dates for the 2019 festival are yet to be confirmed, but watch this space.

eastgippslandfoodwinebeerfestival.com.au

With so many options to explore and activities to do, East Gippsland is a pocket of paradise that will stay in your heart long after you’ve returned to Melbourne.