Make the most of Gippsland's hospitality along The Weekender route by exploring our favourite foodie finds including, coffee, cake and bakery stops!
While the ride is fully supported with lunch and nutrition stops on-route, if you’re looking for an extra treat or to explore the local area and support local communities this list is for you! We’ve even incorporated a cheeky pit stop at Burra Brewing Co micro brewery.
Day 1
Inverloch
After the first 36km of ride you will be ready to enjoy a coffee stop and what better way to enjoy your morning coffee than soaking up the coastal views in Inverloch.
Our top picks are The Local on William St for coffee, or if you are looking for your first taste of country hospitality head over to Paul the Pieman Bakery on Abeckett St. With an array of silver medals in ‘The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition’ our personal favourites were chunky beef or honey chicken. If a pie isn’t your thing check out Vaughans Café and Deli just around the corner on Abeckett St for something a little more gourmet.
Gelato al mare on William St serves up refreshing smoothies, shakes, juices, and sweet treats and of course gelato. If you’re feeling organised (and indulgent) you could pre-order one of their Morning Tea grazing boxes to takeaway and enjoy before heading off on the next leg of Day 1.
Wonthaggi
Wonthaggi is just past the halfway mark and a great spot to fuel up before tackling the main hills for the day. Pop into Little Wren Sandwich Bar on Graham Street for a cheese and ham toastie. Or if you weren’t ready for something more substantial when you passed through Inverloch The Coffee Collective, on McBride Avenue, gets our vote for brunch (and whilst you're there it will be hard to resist one of their homemade doughnuts!)
A short 1.5km detour along Andersons Inlet Road between Kongwak and Korumburra is The Prom Country Cheesery and worth a stop. Here they handmake a range of traditional cheeses including natural-rinded semi-hard cheese, soft cheese, marinated and blues, pop in for a taste or look out for their range in the local area.
Korumburra
With 25km left for the day you might be ready to enjoy a cold one at Burra Brewing Co micro brewery as you enter Korumburra. Rolling Hills Korumburra on Bridge Street is the place for a burger or check out the ‘Coffee and Sweet Deal’ of the day at Luscious Café on Commercial Street. Take the time to enjoy the hazy glow of the afternoon and appreciate the beautiful Gippsland scenery before the final 100m of elevation and down hill roll back down to camp for the evening.
Leongatha
Enjoy the campsite or explore our host town of Leongatha for dinner. Serafino’s Pizza on Blair Street is a popular choice, the ‘Jules’ or ‘Henpecker’ caught our eye – we’ll let you continue the pineapple on pizza debate! Check out Chao Phraya Thai River Restaurant on Smith Steet, or Bair’s Otagao Hotel will hit the spot with a hearty parma and a pint.
Day 2
With some rewarding climbs and beautiful Gippsland views our cake and coffee recommendations will be very welcome on Day 2 of The Weekender.
Leongatha
If you are looking to fuel up in town before you roll-out, Leongatha has a plethora of cafes. We opted for a sweet potato waffle from Shady Oaks Cafe but the breakfast toastie from Sweet Life Café and Cakes or homemade crumpets from Number 9 Dream Café (only open on Saturday morning) on Bair Street also caught our eyes!
Mirboo North
After a stunning ride along the Grand Ridge Road you will be ready for a lunch stop in Mirboo North. Lamezleigh’s Café on Ridgeway was our top pick. Serving up St Ali coffee and a seasonal menu of breakfast, lunch and everything in between it’s a delight.
If you’re on the bakery trail, stop by the Strzelecki Bakery just up the street for a pie or bacon and egg roll.
Dumbalk
Following a downhill stretch you will find yourself cruising into Dumbalk, the last country town on the ride. A short 3km detour will get you to Blue Tree Honey Farm. Overlooking the Tarwin River you can enjoy some honey ice cream, a devonshire tea or a slice of homemade cake whilst overlooking the stunning valley before setting off on the last 20km home to Leongatha.
As you return to Leongatha you may like to enjoy a late lunch in the local area before heading home and back to reality.
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