Episode 32: Metung

There is something special about the Gippsland region of Victoria and this week, the Postcards team explore Metung and Paynesville. Giaan stays in luxury, strolls along the lakeside and winds down at the Paynesville Wine Bar, Grant tastes olives at the Sunny Banks Vineyard and gets gourmet advice at the Culinaire cooking school, Glen cruises on the water, Brodie heads to One Off Two gallery and Bancroft Bites, and Shane has an adrenalin rush with Aquamania sports before a seafood lunch and a good night's rest.

Paynesville
The two luxury properties at the Gippsland Lakehouse in Paynesville have four bedrooms that can comfortably sleep 11 guests. Each has an open plan kitchen, and a dining and living that opens onto an expansive timber deck overlooking the canals and Lake King. Children are welcome, and there's even a Wii for them.

If you're staying for a few days, there's plenty of time to explore the area's history and you'll learn a lot on the Sunset Cove Walk. Start at the Raymond Island ferry terminal and stroll along the edge of Lake Victoria. When you know you deserve a rest and a cooling drink, there's the Paynesville Wine Bar, which stocks wines from seven local wineries.

Gippsland Lake House
Gippsland Lakes Escapes
Ph 03 5156 0432
www.gippslandlakesescapes.com.au 

Paynesville Wine Bar
Ph 03 5156 1395


Lakeside relaxing
Metung is about a 4-hour drive from Melbourne, but the journey is worth it as you're guaranteed to slip back a gear as soon as you arrive. Metung is all about being close to the water, and there are fantastic views from the boardwalk. The Metung boardwalk was completed in 2010 and the half-hour walk stretches around Bancroft Bay from the village centre to Chinaman's Creek.

If you want to really hit the water, the team at Rivera Nautic will help you enjoy the wonders of the lakes.

And for a great feed and old-fashioned hospitality, you'll fall in love with the Metung Hotel. Right on the water, it's the centre of the town's activity with a friendly atmosphere and great food.

Metung Hotel
Kurnail Avenue Metung
Ph 03 5156 2206
www.metunghotel.com.au

Riviera Nautic
185 Metung Road Metung
Ph 03 5156 2243
www.rivieranautic.com.au


Metung
One Off Two is a workshop and gallery in Nungurner, a ten-minute drive from Metung, that showcases handcrafted jewellery from designers Dore Stockhausen and Marcus Foley.

Next, it's back to the town for a bite at Bancroft Bites. In the heart of the village, this family business will welcome you with homemade favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Then curl up for the night at Metung Waters between Lake King and Bancroft Bay, a short walk to the shops and opposite a playground. Choose a motel room or a self-contained apartment and indulge at the on site day spa.

One Off Two
96 Kleinitz Road, Nungurner
Ph 03 5156 3270
www.oneofftwo.blogspot.com

Bancroft Bites
Ph 03 5156 2854
www.bancroftbites.com.au

Metung Waters
Ph 03 5156 2166
www.metungwaters.com.au


Sunny Banks olives and Culinaire
Among the rolling Johnsonville hills is Sunny Banks Vineyard and Olive Grove, where Gail Simpson specialises in preserving lingurian olives, lemons and lemon-based vinaigrettes. Although they are not open to the public, you can buy the products at the Metung Visitors Information Centre or at the monthly farmer's market.

If you're looking to challenge yourself in the kitchen with your jar of olives, there's the Culinaire Cooking School with chef Chris Philip. The kitchen garden is also open for visitors to walk through and you can pick up some delicious goodies at the gift store.

Sunny Banks Olives
available at the Metung Visitor Information Centre
Shop 3, 50 Metung Road, Metung
www.sunnybanksolives.com

Culinaire Cooking School
51 Cunningham Court, Swan Reach
Ph 03 5156 4091
www.culinairecookingschool.com.au


Aquamania, Fisherman's Wharf, Captains Cove
Paynesville is one of Australia's biggest and most beautiful expanses of inland waterways, with over 400 square kilometres of lakes, rivers, lagoons and islands.

To really make the most of the lakes, take a water skiing class with the friendly folk at Aquamania. Rookies use a learner boom bar before moving out the back to use the rope.

For an amazing meal and spectacular views, head to Fisherman's Wharf where owner Chris Bibby took over a year ago and is passionately bringing this charming restaurant to its full potential. Chose indoor or deck seating, then chefs Jason Kowolsky and Philip Archiball will prepare your feast. The seafood platter is packed with the area's best or there's rack of lamb with Mediterranean flavours and the chocolate indulgence platter lives up to its name.

For laid back waterfront accommodation, Captains Cove has 18 apartments that are great for groups of friends who want to holiday together but still have some privacy.

Aquamania
Ph 0417 163 365
www.aquamania.com.au

Fisherman's Wharf
70 The Esplanade, Paynesville
Ph 03 5156 0366

Captains Cove
13 Mitchell St, Paynesville
5156 7223
www.captainscove.com.au

Postcards diary

The Elegance of Embroidery
If you're heading to the Mornington Peninsula, don't miss this showcase of beautiful work from the Embroiderer's Guild of Victoria.

Where: Toorak College, Mount Eliza
When: 30 September – 2 October 2011

The Royal Melbourne Show
It's spring show time everywhere and time for the country to head to the city for Melbourne's annual show

Where: Melbourne Show Grounds, Ascot Vale
When: to 4 October 2011
More: royalshow.com.au