Bringing art to the streets of regional Victoria

The small towns of Gippsland in Victoria host a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year, making the region a popular weekend getaway destination.

Neerim South, in West Gippsland, will transform into an open-air gallery from February 28 to March 15 this year as the fifth biennial Neerim Artsfest brings a range of striking sculptural artworks to the heart of the region. 

Celebrating contemporary sculptural art in a regional setting, Neerim Artsfest invites visitors to explore artworks displayed throughout the town - in parks, along streets and inside local venues - all free to enjoy.

The 2026 theme, The Spirit Soars, challenges sculptors to create works that evoke freedom, wonder and visual excitement, resulting in a diverse and imaginative collection set against Neerim South’s leafy streetscapes and country charm.

Neerim South has a long-standing connection to the arts, particularly sculpture, famously marked by the seven-storey Neerim Bower that welcomes visitors at the town entrance. Just 100 kilometres from Melbourne, the town offers an easy cultural escape. 

Festivalgoers are encouraged to begin their visit at Algie Hall, open daily from 10am to 4pm during the festival, where indoor sculptures are on display and maps of artwork locations are available. 

From there, visitors can wander at their own pace through the town’s parklands and streets, discovering exterior works along the way.

Beyond the sculptures, visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail, sample local brews and live music at Five Aces Brewing Co., dine at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar & Kitchen, or immerse themselves in nature at rainforests, wetlands and waterfalls.

The festival also coincides with the Rokeby Market on March 14, slated to feature more than 100 stalls showcasing handmade, homegrown and locally produced goods.

Images: Nicky Cawood

Premier wine tourism operation hits the market

A leading wine tourism operation in regional Victoria has just hit the market.

Cannibal Creek Vineyards in West Gippsland, just an hour south-east of Melbourne, is being sold by the Hardiker family.

The property includes an award-winning cellar door and restaurant, a fully equipped winery plus a renovated three-bedroom home with a pool.

Sitting on 27.9 hectares, including 4.3 hectares under vine, it is surrounded by its namesake Cannibal Creek, Mount Cannibal and Bunyip State Park.

The vineyard comprises chardonnay and pinot noir vines, along with sauvignon blanc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

Kirsten and Patrick Hardiker planted the vines 28 years ago and told GoTR they hope to sell the business in its entirety on a walk-in, walk-out basis, saying the property has become too much for them to manage.

"Pat has had a series of operations over the years: hips, shoulder, back and most recently knees and it has become too much for us," co-owner and manager Kirsten said. "Unfortunately our adult children have pursued different professions. 

"We still love the process of growing grapes and making wine, less so the selling of it. The restaurant (below) and cellar door are well patronised, but it is time for a different, and possibly younger, outfit to take it on."

The property is being sold by Matt Rice from Facey Commercial and Ben Rose, from Castran, who is also a vineyard consultant.

Among the suggested possibilities, subject to council permission, are expanding the size of the vineyard and winery operations, and/or the restaurant and cellar door, as well as extending the opening hours.

There is also the idea of building accommodation on the site and capitalising on its scale and scenery to become a destination for weddings and events.

"This unique lifestyle property provides the opportunity to be creative, social and active in a beautiful environment,” said Rice.

“You can do as little or as much as you choose with options to contract out the winery operation or lease out the restaurant, if running and growing the operation is not your preference.”

Tynong North is on the edge of West Gippsland in the Port Phillip wine region, which is in easy day-trip distance for Melburnians and visitors to Victoria.

For details see https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/acclaimed-vineyard-restaurant-cannibal-creek-for-sale-1387757/

How an old country pub is helping lift spirits

For three thirsty years you could not even get a beer at the local pub in Thorpdale, West Gippsland. Now the pub is on the cusp of opening the region's first distillery.

A devastating fire tore through the 80-year-old Traveller’s Rest Hotel in 2017 and caused such extensive internal damage that many locals feared this would be the end of their much-loved local.

Enter Jill Jepson and Sean McCarthy, who bought the grand Art Deco hotel and set about restoring it to its former 1937 glory, eventually reopening to happy locals and parched drivers in late 2020.

Fast forward a few years, and a few more hurdles, now the Traveller’s Rest Hotel is counting down the days to opening its brand-new distillery.

Initially starting with vodka, the focus will be on using local produce and working toward utilising Thorpdale’s famous potatoes.

The distillery is in the basement of the building, with the keg room converted into a tasting room and bar.

Visitors will be able to sample several vodkas sourced from different ethanol bases, with flavours including plain, apple and coffee to start.

Seasonal supplies will give the distillery the opportunity to shelf a range of flavours during the year.

The Traveller’s Rest Hotel has a bar, restaurant, function area and accommodation and opens five days a week from Wednesday to Sundays. It is a country pub and a community hub.

See https://www.travellersresthotel.com/

To plan a visit to Gippsland, see https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/

Image: Nicky Cawood