Instead of purchasing gifts online this year, and travelling out of the region, we are encouraging locals to drop in and support their local shops, businesses and tourism right here in East Gippsland.
Celebrate Where You Live is a campaign brought to you by East Gippsland Marketing Inc (EGMI) and is an initiative designed to showcase the many fantastic local businesses we have in our backyard and to 'Celebrate Where We Live'.
We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful businesses here in East Gippsland. So we want an opportunity to showcase them all in one spot and remind people to shop locally before they look online and out of town.
CAFE'S & RESTAURANTS
Albert & Co Coffee, Food & Catering - We pride ourselves on building relationships with local produce suppliers within East Gippsland and creating connections with the customers who visit us. Albert & Co serves breakfast, lunch, coffee & dinner. Together with a Cocktail Bar, Corporate & Private Conference and Events Centre, as well as offering offsite catering.
Anywhere Espresso - As the name suggests, Anywhere Espresso can be found anywhere in East Gippsland. A mobile coffee van can be found somewhere different all the time. Stay up to date with where they are located via their facebook page.
Aroma Cafe Eastwood - At Aroma we pride ourselves on great quality food and beverages, wonderful service, and exceptional value in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We proudly support local Gippsland producers such as Gippsland Jersey Milk, Forge Creek Free Range Eggs, Seasalt Bakery (sourdough) , Forge Creek lamb, Flooding Creek Funghi (mushrooms), Lightfoot & Sons Wines, Tambo Wines, Meristem Micro herbs, Tambo Valley Honey and Bulmer’s Farms.
Aroma Cafe Metung - Recently opening in Metung, Aroma Metung offers the same great service and mouth watering meals that you get at Eastwood, but located on the village green in tranquil Metung.
Book Nook Cafe - Come and sit in our very own unique book nook, which was previously a large 3 metre bookshelf. We serve light lunches, hot pies, gourmet dim sims, sandwiches, cakes, kids meals and delicious homemade specials.
Brew Bar Lakes Entrance - Located on the Esplanade, it is one of the most central coffee locations to the 90Mile Beach. With amazing coffee, food and service - it is worth dropping in and checking it out
Bruthen Inn Hotel - Perched on top of the hill overlooking the town and river, it is the perfect place to stop on your "Rail Trail" journey for a bite to eat and a pot of beer (if you fancy).
New Leaf Cafe - Located within Dahlsens Garden Centre, New Leaf Cafe is a must to visit. With a wide variety of meals to eat in or take away, delicious tea, coffee, cakes and the savoury scones are divine. There is also a range of meals that can be purchased to reheat at home. Also stocking locally made preserves and bread - there is something for everyone at New Leaf Cafe
Northern Ground - Located in Bairnsdale, Northern Ground is a modern, stylish day time cafe and evening restaurant that wouldn’t look out of place in the heart of Flinders lane, located in the heart of rural Bairnsdale. Surrounded by the incredible food bowl of Gippsland, chef and owner Rob Turner takes produce, sourced from the immediate area to create a menu of fresh, seasonal and inventive takes on breakfast and lunch staples that are beautifully executed and presented. Using fresh and seasonal Gippsland produce. along with local wines and beers, is central to our philosophy, to provide our customers with a memorable experience and also highlight the incredible efforts of our local producers.
Sardine Eatery Paynesville - The ever-changing, menu of Gippsland's finest produce by award-winning chef, Mark Briggs compliments the beverage list of local and international wines and beers. Whether you head here for lunch or dinner to experience it for yourself, or purchase a gift voucher for a loved one to enjoy - Sardine is a must to come and see.
Sodafish - Having the Lakes Entrance fishing fleet as your neighbours means there is never a shortage of fresh seafood. Executive chef and owner Nick Mahlook has created a restaurant that is all about supporting his local community but also showcasing what this amazing region has to offer. Think Nostalgic charm meets modern classics.
The Grand Terminus Hotel - Refurbished to blend modern-day beauty with the building’s original fixtures, the Grand Terminus offers turn of the century charm with modern comforts. Our warm hospitality, Old World beauty and endearing character are sought by locals and out-of-town travellers alike.If you’re after a hearty meal, relaxed drinks with friends, or restful nights – we’ve got you covered for any occasion.
The Long Paddock - Located in the heart of Lindenow, overlooking the flats The Long Paddock is the place to go for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or even morning tea. With desserts that are too hard to turn down - you may even eat them before your main meal. If you are lucky enough to score one of their "Long Paddock @ Home' meals on a Saturday night, then count your lucky stars as they are delicious. Share them with loved ones, or gift someone close to you a voucher to enjoy.
GROWN, CAUGHT OR MADE EAST GIPPSLAND
Basically Local, Lakes Entrance - For adventurous foodies, biltong lovers & supporter of local products.
Bullant Brewery, Bruthen - The concept for the Bullant Brewery Bruthen is simple: to pair the best onsite brewed beer with the best regionally sourced food. The key word here is “balance” A destination rather than just another boutique brewery.
Ensay Winery - Ensay Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned small business nestled in the picturesque hills of the Tambo River Valley in East Gippsland, uniquely situated midway between the Gippsland Lakes and Mount Hotham on the scenic Great Alpine Road.
Forge Creek Free Range - A small family run farm based in East Gippsland, proudly producing beautiful eggs from truly free range, pasture raised hens.
Lakes Entrance Fishing Co Op - Off The Wharf - The iconic Fishermen’s Co-Operative’s retail fish shop supplies the freshest fish that is landed from the wharfs of our fishing fleet direct to you, our customer.
Lightfoot Wines , Calulu - Vineyard, Winery & Cellar Door. An intimate, indoor space for wine tastings, tailored for groups of 2-8 people - and designed to be an immersive experience set at your own pace.
Nicholson River Soaps - Specialising in Artisan made Goat Milk Soaps, Buffalo Milk Soaps, Camel Milk Soaps and Hemp Skincare Products, handmade in-store in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria
Nicholson River Winery - Visit our Cellar Door for a tasting and a chat Local cheese and antipasto platters are available at Cellar Door. Bookings are appreciated. Nicholson River Winery welcomes group bookings and functions.
Red Bluff Brewers - Lakes Entrance's first brewery has a wide range of unique boutique beers that can be enjoyed by anyone. Enjoy a meal out at the brewery!
Sailors Grave Brewery, Orbost - A craft brewery located in the deep sou' east, brewed on the banks of the Snowy River
Sirens of the Lake - Follow our Sirens Song for Bespoke pieces, Art & Craft Classes plus custom pieces for all occasions
Tambo Valley Honey , Bruthen - A place not only producing fantastic honey, but working towards education and understanding of the bees and beekeeping industry. So when you are thinking of gifts that are meaningful for someone close to you, please support local business this holiday season.
The Farmer & The Cook Metung - Combining a passion for fine food and gourmet products, The farmer & the cook is a gourmet store bringing you a farmers market experience in a convenient one stop shop. We source and stock local products as well as the finest of Australian made.
The Servo Lakes Entrance - Come and kick back to some local musos and cocktails! Opposite the footbridge in the heart of town.Try our famous authentic Mexican tacos, perfect for sharing with friends or family, you can even bring the doggo
EXPERIENCES
East Gippsland Variety Tours - A service like no other, touring you around the country side, experiencing the region like a local. Winery, Brewery Tours and much more!
H20 Tours & Adventures - Relax and Explore the Gippsland Lakes. Our Tours to the Ninety Mile Beach, Sperm Whale Head, Paynesville including the Canals and Metung can be found here along with our Special Events such as our Christmas Lights Cruise.
Lakes Explorer Tours & Taxi Service - WILDLIFE TOURS & WATER-TAXI service. Based at Lakes Entrance.
Lakes Entrance Helicopters - Lakes Entrance Helicopters (LEH) is a premier provider of helicopter services in the East Gippsland region offering a range of Scenic Flights, Heli-Experiences, Charters and tailored helicopter services for events and special occasions.
Metung Hot Springs - Set on a natural undulating site overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, our new wellness destination is now open and taking bookings. Start planning your tranquil hot springs experience today. Gift Vouchers also available.
Venture Out - Venture Out is in the business of adventure, offering tours, rentals and packages so you can get out and enjoy Lakes Entrance and surrounds. Lakes Entrance is most famous for being the Entrance of Ninety Mile Beach, but there are plenty of sights to see and fun to be had off the long stretch of sand.
Yoga with Jodie - Give someone the Gift of Yoga this holiday season. With a range of classes for both adults and kids this summer period, be sure to check out Yoga with Jodie in Lakes Entrance.
RETAIL
Bairnsdale Camping & Outdoors - An independent store which stocks everything locals and visitors will need to best enjoy their camping and outdoor adventures, holidays and leisure time in the beautiful East Gippsland region.
Dahlsens Garden Centre - Surround yourself in beauty! The team are making sure our range of trees, plants, shrubs and seedlings are the best you can find. There’s every piece of gardening gear possible to help your landscape thrive and the qualified advice that goes with it. We have inspiration for you at every corner. And, you’ll find fresh flowers from our House of Bloom florist as well as a vast array of gift ideas galore. Drop in for coffee or lunch at our ever-popular New Leaf Café.
Forget Me Not Studios - is committed to creating beautiful flower arrangements and floral gifts for any occasion. From Anniversary and Birthday flowers, to Valentine’s and Mother’s Day flowers, they have the best selection of floral designs for every unique occasion.
School Works Supplies - A locally owned small business and a leading supplier of Educational Books and Back to School stationery.
Seven Sundays - located in Bairnsdale and Metung. Stocking a beautiful selection of fashion and lifestyle labels of clothing, handbags, jewellery and body products. It's where everyday feels like Sunday.
Toyworld Bairnsdale - Your speciality toyshop stocking everything you can think of for the children and those kids at heart. Drop in and see the lovely team today.
EMPLOYMENT
Workways - It is our mission to deliver positive economic, social and environmental benefits to the community by enabling people to participate in the workforce, develop their potential and contribute to society. If you’re looking for employment or staff, our team can help!
ACCOMMODATION
Captains Cove - Is all about great accommodation, service excellence & a celebration of the magnificent East Gippsland region.You have found a special place to relax, unwind & enjoy with waterfront apartments.
Down to Earth Farm Retreat - This is a secluded hideaway. Explore the diversity of this special landscape, wander through the vegetable gardens and enclosed orchards and relax in the environmentally friendly, innovative underground accommodation that may be a blueprint for the future.
Esplanade Resort and Spa - Perfectly located between two pristine stretches of water forming the eastern end of the Gippsland Lakes at Lakes Entrance. Whether you are looking for family and couple packages or corporate traveller options - our modern accommodation is ideal to suit everyone's needs. Resort pool and indoor heated pool and spa pool, Day Spa and onsite Restaurant complete the resort experience.
La Riva - Luxury Retreat & Experiences. All Kinds of wonder awaits you here. Luxurious Mediterranean style Homestead on 7 acres of gardens nestled in East Gippsland, providing a gateway to showcase the raw magnificence of this area.
Mariners Cove - Absolute Waterfront Motel and Fully Self Contained Apartments in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes at Paynesville, the Boating Capital of Victoria.
Rivendell Farm Estate - Situated among the majestic, sweeping hills of the Tambo Upper farmlands and river. Resting on 110 acres, with panoramic views, we can bring your wedding or special occasion ideas to fruition. Our picturesque venue and catering team offers everything you can dream of to ensure a memorable experience for you and your guests.
The Bellevue Lakes Entrance - 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 fleet in the Southern hemisphere from the guest rooms. When you leave, you will feel like you wish you had another day to stay, relax and enjoy....
The Riversleigh - A sense of tranquil relaxation so close to the town centre. Stay at The Riversleigh to enjoy the warmth of a country hotel combined with the luxury you expect from contemporary boutique accommodation.
