Fresh Air And Rolling Hills

The Sunday Age

Sunday November 13, 2005

Paul Edwards

For a quiet time in a sleepy hollow, head to South Gippsland. By Paul Edwards.

WHY GO NOW?

This is the best time of the year. The rolling hills and coastal plains of South Gippsland are as green as Ould Ireland. Spring produce is available at local markets and farm gates, and the waters of Bass Strait are starting to become bearable.

WHAT'S THERE?

Some of the best farming land in Australia, stunning coastline, gentle hills, dense forest, sleepy little towns and some excellent tourist attractions.

SEE AND DO

Coal Creek Heritage Village is firmly based in the 19th century. Original buildings and treasures from the coal mining era will prove fascinating for adults and fun for kids. Open 10am-4.30pm every day except Christmas Day, phone 5655 1811.

The South Gippsland Tourist Railway operates on Sundays and more often during holiday periods. Currently running between Korumburra and Leongatha, call 1800 442 211 or visit www.sgr.org.au.

Stroll around Korumburra's mining cottages and the grand old houses, check out the railway station behind the main street and shop for hand-thrown, wood-fired stoneware at Gooseneck Pottery. The kiln is one of the largest in Australia, phone 5655 2405.

Loch Village, just seven kilometres from Korumburra, is a thriving craft community with cosy cafes, charming curios, antique stores and galleries.

NEARBY

Leongatha is an interesting town, Koonwarra has a big name for produce, and if you haven't been to Inverloch for a while, it's just 20 minutes from Korumburra. Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower and Foster are a little farther.

WINERIES

Djinta Djinta Winery, Kardella South, phone 5658 1163, open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. Claire De Lune Vineyard, Kardella South, phone 5655 1032, open daily 11.30am-5.30pm. Paradise Enough Wines, Stewarts Road, Kongwak, phone 5657 4241, open 10am-5pm (not Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

I'M HUNGRY

The Age Good Food Guide recommends Koonwarra Food, Wine and Produce Store (5664 2285) as having poised, modern food and an idyllic mood. The guide also suggests Watsons at Meeniyan (5664 0088) for a French and Italian influenced menu. DeVine overlooks Djinta Djinta Winery and is open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-6pm, Friday and Saturday 6pm till late (5658 1163). Divas @ the Burra has contemporary Australian cuisine and is open Wednesday to Sunday; dinner Thursday to Saturday (5658 1139).

I'M TIRED

Cypress Hill is a new B&B nestled on 20 hectares between Korumburra and Bena (www.cypresshillbnb.com.au). Bentleys B&B between Korumburra and Leongatha has cottage accommodation with a basket breakfast (5655 1592). Rolling Hills Country Retreat is a self-contained cottage between Korumburra and Inverloch (www.rollinghills.com.au). Coal Creek Motel is near the Heritage Village, spa rooms available (5655 1822).

MORE INFORMATION

www.promcountrytourism.com.au.

WHERE?

Korumburra is 120 kilometres from Melbourne on the Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Highway.

EVENTS

Tomorrow and Tuesday are the annual sheepdog trials. The Leongatha Garden and Lifestyle Expo is on November 19-20.

© 2005 The Sunday Age

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