Across East Gippsland you'll find places to eat and drink that are more than just venues. They're meeting places, employers, community supporters. And this Buy Local Campaign we're asking you to support them by purchasing a meal, a drink, or a local product.
There’s never been a better time to eat, drink and buy local in East Gippsland. From freshly caught seafood and paddock-to-plate dining to award-winning wines, craft beer, local spirits and farmers’ markets, our region is filled with passionate producers, growers, makers and hospitality businesses serving up the best of East Gippsland every day.
The best part? Every meal, coffee, bottle of wine or locally made product you choose helps support local businesses, local jobs and the communities that make East Gippsland such a special place to live and visit.
Have you visited somewhere you’d love to recommend? Tag us on Instagram at @VisitEastGippsland and let us know why we should it include it in this article.
Shop local, then pull up a chair
Bairnsdale
Shopping in East Gippsland’s regional hub can work up quite an appetite, and thankfully Bairnsdale has plenty of local favourites ready to help. Grab a quiet coffee and catch-up at The Old Grain Store, pick up something fresh from Jarrods Bakery or Bairnsdale Bakehouse, or head to An Khang Bakery for a bánh mì. In fact, ask a local where to find the best bánh mì in town and you’ll likely start a passionate debate between An Khang Bakery, Benjamin’s House and Maison Sen’s.
For a casual lunch or dinner, tuck into a burger from 5ive Canarys, enjoy Mexican flavours at Zambrero or Oz Mex, or settle in for a meal at the Mitchell River Tavern, The Grand Terminus Hotel or The Main Hotel.
Support local farmers and producers by picking up your essentials at Lucke’s Fresh Food & Produce.
Looking for something a little different? The East Handy Store has earned a reputation for delivering a premium dining experience unlike anything else in the region, making it a worthy destination for food lovers travelling through East Gippsland.
Lakes Entrance
After browsing local shops along the Esplanade, you’ll have no shortage of places to refuel. Start the day with a coffee from Salty Groms Café, Funkey Monkey Café or Bones Café, then treat yourself to something sweet from Big Bear Donuts.
For lunch or dinner, favourites include Albert & Co, Sodafish, the vibrant new La Catrina Mexican, Fish-a-Fare, Boatshed Food & Wine and Sea Shanty.
Grab takeaway of your choice and enjoy it by the water, or keep it classic with fish and chips on the beach from one of the town’s many local takeaway venues around Myer Street.
Those looking to pair local produce with a wine tasting can head just out of town to Wyanga Park Winery.
Whether you’re after fresh seafood, waterfront dining, a relaxed brunch or sunset drinks, Lakes Entrance serves up plenty of delicious reasons to linger a little longer.
Metung
Paynesville
With its waterfront setting and relaxed village atmosphere, Paynesville is the perfect place to turn a shopping trip into a long lunch, coffee catch-up or leisurely dinner.
Stroll along the Esplanade and you’ll find plenty of local options to choose from, including SARDINE Eatery + Bar, Ferry Café Takeaway, Three Double Eight Zero Pizza Bar & Grill, Sips & Chips, Tham Dynasty Restaurant, Paynesville Art Café and Paynesville Butchers Block. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, pizza, coffee, a casual lunch or something sweet, there’s no shortage of great local spots to discover.
Heading across on the ferry? Be sure to make time for a visit to Koala Café on Raymond Island, where you can grab a bite to eat before or after spotting one of the island’s famous resident koalas.
Nicholson
Bruthen
Bruthen is a small town but it is full of personality. Stop in at the Bruthen Bakery and see what all the fuss is about with its famous vanilla slice, settle in for freshly baked scones at the Bruthen Heritage Tearooms, or enjoy a classic pub meal at the Bruthen Inn Hotel.
While you’re in town indulge in a honey tasting, enjoy a sit-down meal, and browse local products at Tambo Valley Honey, and swing by the Bruthen General Store for road trip essentials, snacks and supplies before continuing your East Gippsland adventure.
Orbost
Hungry? Orbost has you covered. Start the day with a coffee from The Bean Hive or Cafe One2Five, grab a fresh pie, sandwich or sweet treat from Orbost Bakery & Café, or settle in for a classic diner-style feed at John John’s Diner.
Looking for lunch or dinner? Pull up a chair at the Orbost Club Hotel or enjoy a meal at The Orbost Club (not a typo – two different venues!) or Leon Palace. Visiting in the warmer months? Keep an eye out for the seasonal Orbost Tiki Bar – open December to April.
While you’re in town, stock up on local ingredients and everyday essentials at Morrison’s Meat Shop and the Orbost FoodWorks.
Marlo
One of Victoria’s most scenic lunch spots. Enjoy a meal overlooking the water at the Marlo Hotel, grab your essentials from The Local Marlo, then continue exploring the coast.
Marlo is also close to the new Dunetown by Sailors Grave Brewing, showcasing local craft beer and a food offering built around regional produce
Mallacoota
Few places combine wilderness and waterfront dining like Mallacoota.
Refuel at local cafés, bakeries and favourites such as Lucy’s, Mallacoota Hotel Motel, Cafe 54, Scallywags, and Mallacoota Bakery, all while enjoying views of one of Australia’s great coastal landscapes.
Cann River
Buchan
Omeo
Swifts Creek
Raise a Glass to East Gippsland!
Buy Local. Eat Local. Support Local
Buying local isn’t just about what’s in your shopping bag. It’s about where you stop for coffee, who cooks your lunch, where you meet friends for dinner and which local drink you choose to take home.
Whether you’re heading out to explore a new corner of the region, sitting down for a meal made with local produce, picking up a handmade gift or stocking up on something delicious to take home, your choices can help support the local businesses and communities that make East Gippsland special.
So next time you’re here, look a little closer. Take the scenic route. Stop at the local shop. Meet the maker. Try something grown and stay at that tiny house overlooking the water. And when you find something you love, share it with someone else.
If you live here, try a weekend stay within the region but somewhere you’ve not been before. Is there something visitors always rave about that you’ve never actually seen? Maybe it’s time.
Explore local. Shop local. Eat local. Stay local. Love East Gippsland.
