Weekend in Meeniyan: What to see, do, eat and drink in 48 hours

Most have never heard of this small South Gippsland community. With wineries, beaches and jaw-dropping scenery at its doorstep that’s all about to change.

The beautiful landscape around Meeniyan.

You might have passed through Meeniyan on your way to Wilsons Promontory — but chances are that unless you’re a local, you may not have thought about stopping.

Next time you’re in the area you should linger a while longer.

This small South Gippsland township, 144km southeast of Melbourne, is well worth an extended stop.

It has award-winning wines, fresh produce and stunning scenery (and it’s not far from some of Victoria’s best beaches).

Here are our top picks for things to do, eat and see over a weekend in Meeniyan and surrounds.

PANDESAL BAKERY

Start the morning with a coffee and pastry from Pandesal Bakery (124A Whitelaw St), and grab one of their artisanal sourdough loaves, which are baked daily after a 36-hour fermentation process.

Children's author and illustrator Alison Lester was Australia's inaugural children's laureate from 2011 to 2013. Picture: Andy Rogers

ALISON LESTER GALLERY AND BOOKSHOP

Before creating some of Australia’s most beloved children’s books, author and illustrator Alison Lester spent her childhood on a Fish Creek farm about 15 minutes south-east of Meeniyan.

In fact, she still lives close by the Alison Lester Gallery and Bookshop (1 Falls Rd, Fish Creek).

Discover her world and the landscape that inspired classics such as My Farm and Magic Beach.

Other creative types hidden in nearby hills include independent galleries Gecko Studio Gallery (15 Falls Rd) and Ride the Wild Goat (5 Falls Rd).

Grab a slice at Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria.

TRULLI WOODFIRE PIZZERIA

Authentic southern Italian-style pizzas await at Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria (93 Whitelaw St).

The tempting menu features family recipes handed down over generations, which can be washed down with a vino or birra.

Diners can enjoy indoor or al fresco dining, with takeaway also available.

Dirty Three Wines is a pleasant drive from Meeniyan.

PICK A PINOT

For fans of pinot noir, it does not get much better than the wines created in this region, thanks to its cool maritime climate.

Visit Waratah Hills (20 Cottmans Rd, Fish Creek), about 20 minutes from Meeniyan, and sample award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay made by local winemaker Marcus Satchell over a long lunch with a view in the converted tractor shed.

If you are still wanting more, Satchell’s own cellar door, Dirty Three Wines (64 Cashin St, Inverloch) is less than a half-hour drive away.

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HIT THE HAY

Retire for the evening at Ross Farm, which is being lovingly converted into three luxury escapes with Japanese and Scandinavian influences and handcrafted finishes.

Bookings are being taken for the Cabin, while the Barn and Dairy are due to open in June.

It is the brainchild of interior designer Andrea Moore, who worked with local craftspeople to create a contemporary rural aesthetic that is raw and refined.

TAKE A WALK

Stretching from Leongatha to Port Welshpool, the Great Southern Rail Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of South Gippsland at your own pace.

Walk or ride part of the 72km trail and stop in at each town — including Koonwarra, Stony Creek, Buffalo, Fish Creek, Foster and Toora — along the way.

CIDER TIME

We may be in wine country, but Gurneys(343 Fish Creek-Foster Rd, Foster), about 20 minutes from Meeniyan, is putting the region’s cider scene on the map.

Take a break from the rail trail and refuel with a tasting paddle of craft ciders, made from the orchard’s 3000 cider apple trees, while taking in views of Wilsons Promontory.