Central Gippsland has quietly built a reputation for its diverse and considered drinks scene. From cool-climate wines to small-batch beers and regional ciders, the Central Gippsland beverage experience is less about rushing between stops and more about taking your time. It’s a region that rewards a slower approach, where a tasting can turn into lunch, and a quick visit becomes a full weekend away.
For those looking to explore it properly, staying within the landscape makes all the difference.
Central Gippsland’s Bars & Pubs
Here’s a wrap up of our favourite bars and pubs. Each spot has its own unique charm, offering an array of drinks from locally brewed beer to cocktails crafted with finesse.
The Benjamin on Franklin
The Benjamin on Franklin (Traralgon) brings a more energetic feel, with cocktails and a lively local crowd.
The Benjamin on Franklin has a lively atmosphere and friendly banter. This fun cocktail bar, located in Traralgon, features a selection of local beverages that spans locally crafted and imported beers, creative cocktails, and a variety of wines. In the Benjamin, the spirit of Gippsland truly comes alive.
Address: 58 Franklin St, Traralgon VIC 3844
Little Prince
Step into the charming confines of the Little Prince in Traralgon and experience the fusion of laid-back ambience and eclectic drinks menu. Whether you fancy craft beer or an exotic cocktail, this gem of Central Gippsland has got you covered. The Little Prince is a testament to the region’s vibrant beverage culture.
address: Ground Floor, The Prince Hotel, 2 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182
The Star Hotel Sale
The Star Hotel Sale, an iconic establishment in Sale, has long been a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. With its wide-ranging drinks menu featuring everything from local beers to international wines, it offers a beverage for every palate. Enjoy your drink (and a great feed) in the comfortable and welcoming setting of this historic pub.
address: 173 Raymond St, Sale VIC 3850
Tinamba Hotel
At the fantastic, hatted Tinamba Hotel, you’ll find an emphasis on locally sourced drinks, perfectly mirroring the region’s commitment to support local producers. Sample from a curated selection of Gippsland’s finest wines and beers in an establishment that prides itself on providing an authentic taste of the region. A must try when visiting the area!
address: 4-6 Tinamba-Seaton Rd, Tinamba VIC 3859
Seaspray Lifesaving Club
Enjoy a cold brew with a side of breathtaking beach views at the Seaspray Lifesaving Club. This unique venue in Seaspray not only offers a range of refreshing beverages but also contributes to a noble mission, making your visit all the more meaningful! A great stop for a visit to 90 Mile Beach.
address: 1A Foreshore Rd, Seaspray VIC 3851
Central Gippsland’s Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries
Embarking on the Central Gippsland wine trail and visiting the region’s breweries and distilleries is a journey of discovery. These establishments embody the art of crafting outstanding beverages that mirror the natural richness of Gippsland.
Carrajung Estate
Amidst the undulating vineyards of Central Gippsland, Carrajung Estate stands as a pillar of the region’s growing list of wine destinations. Enjoy the refined flavours of our locally grown wines, crafted with a dedication to sustainability and quality. Combined with a new restaurant featuring local produce and a series of cottage offering luxe accommodation, Carrajung Estate makes for an excellent home base from which to explore all that Gippsland has to offer. Explore Carrajung Food & Wine
address: 322 Lays Rd, Willung South VIC 3847
Good Land Brewing Co.
A Central Gippsland’s beer destination – The Good Land Brewing Co. in Traralgon is a testament to Central Gippsland’s thriving craft beer industry. Their beers, brewed with an emphasis on quality, offer a unique taste of the region. Experience their range with a tasting paddle along with a delicious pizza at Good Land Brewing Co.
address: 12 Standing Dr, Traralgon East VIC 3844
Maffco Brewery & Taphouse
As one of Central Gippsland’s newest additions, Maffco Brewery & Taphouse offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers. From pale ales to lagers to farmhouse ales, each pint is a toast to the region’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
Gurney’s Cider
Address: 343 Fish Creek – Foster Rd, Foster VIC 3960
Located in Fish Creek (not technically in Central Gippsland but we’ll take it!), Gurney’s Cider offers an extensive range of craft ciders that celebrate the region’s diverse apple varieties. Their cider-making process, which emphasises natural fermentation, results in a product that is refreshing and authentic. Gurney’s Cider, with their gorgeously landscaped venue, is a must-visit stop on your Gippsland beverage trail.
Stay among them: vineyard accommodation in Gippsland
At the heart of the Central Gippsland beverage trail, Carrajung Estate offers a seamless way to experience the region.
This is vineyard accommodation in Victoria designed for longer stays rather than quick visits. Set across a working estate, guests can move easily between their accommodation, the cellar door and the restaurant – no driving, no planning around bookings, no need to leave.
The experience suits a range of stays, from couples seeking a quiet weekend getaway in Victoria to groups seeking luxury group accommodation. Open spaces, thoughtful interiors and uninterrupted views across the vineyard create a setting that feels both elevated and comfortably grounded.
For those travelling with pets, the availability of dog-friendly accommodation in Victoria adds another layer of ease, making it possible to truly settle in.
Wine as the starting point
Any Central Gippsland beverage experience naturally begins with wine. Carrajung Estate is a single-estate winery, producing cool-climate wines shaped by Gippsland’s altitude and conditions. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sit at the core – expressive, balanced and designed to work alongside food.
Wine tasting here is intentionally relaxed. Rather than a structured or rushed format, it’s an opportunity to explore the range at a comfortable pace, often with insight from the people who make it.
For visitors searching for wine tasting in Gippsland or wineries with lodging in Victoria, the ability to taste and stay in one place shifts the experience entirely – from a day trip into something more immersive.
Plan your Central Gippsland stay
With winery accommodation packages in Victoria, on-site dining, and a cellar door experience shaped by place and season, it’s designed to bring everything together in one setting.
Stay a night or make a weekend of it. Once you arrive, the pace tends to take care of itself.
So why wait? Come and discover Central Gippsland’s pubs, bars, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Each sip offers a taste of the local flavour and spirit, making this beverage trail an unforgettable journey through the heart of Gippsland.
Still thirsty for more? Check out our wrap up of the Best Wineries in Gippsland too
