Gippsland Weekend Part 1.

Sponsored by NuffNang.com.au

As part of a campaign for Destination Gippsland, NuffNang are sending bloggers away on a minibreak weekend to the Gippsland Area. Gippsland is only an hour and half drive from Melbourne so makes for a nice getaway for the weekend. I hadn't visited the area before so jumped at the chance to explore!

SATURDAY

Belle & Boo tags, Betty Jo Owl Clock, Stella Lives Here brooches.

We headed off early in the morning to make the most of the day. First stop was eclectic shop, Pink Fly in Yarragon. Run by Margret who has a real passion for handmade, environmentally friendly and fair trade goods.

Craft Kits by Dumpling Dynasty, Cheryl Maltby Faries, Diane Roberts lace & embroidery handbags

Margret showed us around her shop pointing out some of the local artists work including, Sally Everett, Diane Roberts, Stephanie Powell (Stella Lives Here) and a specialty to her store Faries based on the iconic Australian Fairy books of Peg Maltby. Peg's daughter Cheryl is bringing the characters from the book to life, handcrafting each in limited number and you can only find them for sale at the Pink Fly!

I loved the brooches by Stephanie Powell (Stella Lives Here). Stephanie creates each brooch from reclaimed fabrics and attaches a handwritten story about the brooch, so sweet!



Next stop was lunch at Brandy Creek Winery. I was very excited to see we were going for lunch at a winery. One of the things I've been wanting to do nearly the whole time I've lived in Melbourne was visit some of the wineries around the area.

Brandy Creek is famous for not only their award winning cool climate wines but also the traditional Spanish Paella they put on each weekend. We were lucky enough to be there on the day of the Paella, and it was delicious.... there were 5 different Paellas to choose from, with an entree of Tapas and dessert, of which I ate two.

The Paella is $59 a head for 3 courses and a glass of wine, but you need to book in advance as it has become quite popular.

Abstract Art by Kerrie Warren

After lunch we were off to meet local abstract artist Kerrie Warren. Kerrie lives and works on her property in Gippsland, her work is very influenced by her environment and what's happening in her life at the time. She recently did a series on the Black Saturday Fires which came within 3 kms of her property. I asked Kerrie lots of questions about being a fulltime artist and how she gets her work out there, also the logistics of sending works around the world. It was so interesting to hear about her career and see the space in which she works. I could see my sister living in the country with her own studio...that would be her dream!



Lastly we were off to our accommodation at SpringBank Bed & Breakfast, which is set on 20 acres of award winning gardens in a traditional style farmhouse. Kaye and Chris welcomed us and got the wood fire going in the sitting room. It reminded me of my Mums place, I miss sitting in front of the fireplace and reading a book on a winters night. Kaye also loves vintage shopping and has decorated the home in gorgeous teasets, dishes and vintage vases.....just my style. I snapped these few images in the morning before heading off. Oh and did I mention that Kaye made us the yummiest home cooked breakfast?!! I felt so spoilt!!!

So that's day one, wow!! and that's the short version, I seriously took so many photos and was exhausted by the end of the day. I needed more time to look around the area and take everything in, there's lots more bookstores, galleries and my favourite....COUNTRY OPSHOPS!!! to visit in the area, but that will have to be saved for next time.


Part 2: Mt Baw Baw (the snow) coming soon.