East Gippsland has a growing reputation as an emerging foodie hotspot, with the region showcasing a selection of award-winning restaurants, local produce, cool-climate wines and locally crafted beer.

There are dozens of foodie gems dotted throughout the region, as well as boutique brewers and wineries. Gastrology recently visited the stunning region to discover some of the culinary delights and foodie hot spots in the region, while enjoying breathtaking scenery. Here’s what we got up to during our gastronomic weekend away.

DAY 1 - Lakes Entrance

1pm - Lunch at Albert & Co

Located overlooking the stunning Cunningham Arm that hosts the southern hemispheres largest fishing fleet, Albert & Co prides itself on building relationships with local produce suppliers within East Gippsland. We loved the wonderfully fresh lunch menu and excellent coffee on offer. An absolute highlight was the colourful Mexican bowl with a mix of grains, corn and avocado all brought together with a beautiful lime dressing. The lemonade scones are also a must-try – deliciously short and crumbly in texture.

201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

P: (03) 5155 1209

https://www.albertandco.com.au/

2.30 pm Visit and tasting at Wyanga Park Winery

Established in 1970, Wyanga Park Winery is a family owned and operated winery and restaurant located between the Colquhoun Forest and the North Arm, 10km from the township of Lakes Entrance. It is also the only winery in East Gippsland to produce a Prosecco.

We recommend you unwind and relax of a wine flight while indulging in their popular Gippsland delight platter which is made up of a delectable mix of local meats and cheeses, house made pear paste, pickles, fresh fruit and crostini.

Whatever you do, do not leave without trying the winery’s delicious muscat which entices with its intense flavour and excellent length. Try serving it directly from the freezer for a whole new experience!

248 Baades Road, Lakes Entrance

P: (03) 5155 1508

https://www.wyangapark.com/

4pm Check into Bellevue on the Lakes

Bellevue on the Lakes is an excellent place to stay in the area. Expect resort facilities, right in the heart of Lakes Entrance with North Arm Lake views from the apartments and Cunningham Arm Lake views, across one of the largest fishing fleets in the Southern hemisphere from the guest rooms. The hotel is also walking distance to quality restaurants, clubs and town facilities.

We loved staying in their elegant executive spa sweet which boasts modern comforts and was equipped with a spa bath – perfect to relax in after a day of exploring.

201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

P: (03) 5150 9488

www.bellevuelakes.com.au

7pm Dinner at Sodafish

Former The Atlantic chef, Nick Mahlook, has returned to his hometown of Lakes Entrance to breathe new life into Sodafish, a floating restaurant in the heart of town - which actually began its life as the iconic Raymond Island Ferry.

The restaurant is making waves in the food scene, having recently been awarded a Chef’s Hat in the AGFG (Australian Good Food Guide) Chef Hat Awards in 2021.

We loved tasting our way through the menu which reinvents this laid-back holiday town’s humble fish & chips offering, taking it up a notch with fresh seafood sourced from neighbouring fishing boats.

Our top picks from the menu include the beautiful dish of BBQ sardine, fig lead and black garlic aioli, the scorched Lakes Entrance octopus served with white bean chorizo “cassoulet” as well as the whole grilled Corner Inlet Greenback Flounder with capers, parsley and lemon.

For sweet tooths the chocolate hazelnut parfait with hazelnut praline and a splash of heady Frangelico will round off your visit perfectly.

Middle Boat Harbour, The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

P: 0477 567 581

https://sodafish.com.au/

DAY 2 - Metung and Paynesville

10am - Site visit at future site of Metung Hot Springs to open in mid-2022

We met Co-Founder Rachel Bromage for an update on the very exciting impending opening of Metung Hot Springs. Set on a natural undulating site overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, this new wellness destination expects to welcome its first guests in June 2022. Metung Hot Springs will help guests reconnect with nature as they check into the day spa or soak up the benefits of geothermal bathing. There will be seven hot springs pools of varying depths, two cold plunge pools, geothermal showers, saunas, a reflexology walk, relaxation lounges and domes. For the ultimate couple’s getaway, guests will be able to book a glamping experience in one of 10 premium glamping tents with a private bathroom and geothermal barrel baths on the deck.

73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung 3904

P: (03) 5141 2300

https://www.metunghotsprings.com/

1pm - Lunch at Aroma

At Aroma, the team pride themselves on great quality food and beverages, wonderful service, and exceptional value in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant supports local Gippsland producers so guests can expect to see beautiful wines, dairy and produce from the region shining through in the menu. It was a rainy and cold day, so we opted for hearty pasta dishes. Both the seafood tagliatelle and the mushroom risotto were lovely. Good, honest and unpretentious food done right. Aroma also has a delicious array of sweet treats on display which we could not resist enjoying over a hot cup of coffee. PS: The caramel slice is a winner!

8/50 Metung Rd, Metung

P: (03) 5156 2685

https://www.metung.aromaeatery.com.au

3pm - Check into Mariners Cove

Mariners Cove’s is located in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes. The hotel is conveniently located within a short 50 metre level walk to the shops, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacy and ferry to Raymond Island, where Koalas are abundant in their natural environment.

We loved staying in one of the fully self-contained 2-bedroom apartments which was modern and wonderfully spacious and spread over 2 levels. The apartment came equipped with a kitchen and even washing machines and dryers for your convenience.

2-8 Victoria St, Paynesville

P: (03) 51567444

https://www.marinerscoveresort.com/

6pm - Charcuterie and wine at Sardine Cantina

The team behind popular hatted restaurant SARDINE eatery + bar, have just recently opened Sardine Cantina - a simple yet stylish wine bar and food store, serving up cheeses, charcuterie and conserves from Gippsland producers and across the globe. Think delectable platters of exotic cheeses, nibbles as well as quality conservas from Portugal that are perfect to enjoy with a glass (or bottle!) of local wine.

3/69A Esplanade, Paynesville

P: (03) 51567135

https://sardinedining.com.au/cantina

7pm - Dinner at Pier 70

Situated in an iconic waterfront location on the Esplanade in the heart of town, Pier 70 offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy modern Australian cuisine made from seasonal and local produce.

Highlights include the melt in your mouth 250g Grass-fed South Gippsland Beef fillet with bordelaise sauce served with twice cooked baby potatoes, fresh bok choi finished with Murray River flaked salt. For sweet tooths, make sure you try the sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce. You can thank us later!

On the drinks front, Pier 70 boasts a commendable list of hand selected regional wines as well as some national and international options.

70 Esplanade, Paynesville

P: (03) 5156 1199