Finding Gippsland

The Citrus Grove house is surrounded by citrus trees and hills as far as the eye can see. Like a home away from home, the house offers warm and comfortable beds, a fully-equipped kitchen for meals large and small, and plenty of space to lounge and relax. Every window and opening leads you to wide and beautiful outdoors.

The deck was our favourite and most used part of the house; it was the perfect place to salute the rising sun while practising morning yoga, and for us to enjoy meals together. As we watched the sun rise over the hills from the deck, we couldn't ask for a more spectacular way to start the day. Our evening spent by the fire was quiet and peaceful. During the sunset, we felt like the only ones in the world as we shared stories and drank wine, watching the vast sky transform above us.

Our weekend exploring this wonderland was a Foodie's dream. We were astounded by the numerous options for food and drink in the area. In Korumburra, we swooned upon entering The Borough Dept Store. This 1930s-era building serves as a host to a handful of local businesses. We enjoyed delicious pastries, including their heavenly and famous custard doughnut. The bookstore next door, Hare & Tortoise, had a hand-picked selection of books, Australian puzzles, and candles. Meeting Hilary, the owner, was also a special treat.

We had lunch at Burra Brewing Co, where we enjoyed wood-fired pizzas with pints of beer. Some might say putting pineapple on a pizza is a sin, but we loved every bite (and yes, they have plenty more conventional toppings for all to enjoy). Afterwards, we stopped at Loch Distillery and Brewery for a gin tasting, marvelling at Loch's quaint charm.

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Gippsland without at least experiencing the Great Southern Rail Trail and a few lookouts over rolling hills and open farmland. Before heading back to Melbourne, we caught the treasure-filled Sunday market at Kongwak, where we also discovered a Secret Garden. No photo will do it justice - just go there and see the magic for yourself.

There's nothing quite like a weekend escape from the city: exploring new places, supporting local businesses and being surrounded by the beauty of nature.