Gippsland getaway

Take a seat in Warragul for cafe eats and deli treats, or venture north, east or south to find destination restaurants and food stores celebrating exceptional Gippsland produce in picture-perfect surrounds.

Warragul wonders

Savour seasonal cafe fare served with a creative eye at Warragul's Main St Cafe. The ever-changing menu has plenty for discerning meat-lovers and vegans alike, along with top-notch coffee.

For a special experience, drive 10 minutes south to Hogget Kitchen and dine in a bucolic vineyard setting. Let chef Trevor Perkins lead you through a paddock-to-plate inspired menu using the best local, seasonal produce, paired with exceptional wine by William Downie and Patrick Sullivan. Graze inside or on the deck with dreamy views of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Village plates

Venture 30 minutes south from Lardner Park over rolling hills to the quaint Prom Country village of Loch. Make a beeline for Gippsland favourite Olive at Loch for freshly baked cakes and pies, cracking pours of coffee and delish local jams and chutneys to take home as gifts. Follow up with a cheeky tipple at Loch Brewery & Distillery, which produces ales and spirits using natural brewing techniques.

Save some stomach space for nearby Korumburra's champion foodie The Borough Dept. Store, where you'll find an abundance of exceptional Gippsland comestibles. Enjoy your fill of fresh, local fare, from cheese to wine, sweets to meats.

A little further afield

Travel east into the Latrobe Valley to buzzing Traralgon. Stroll down tree-lined heritage avenues to Neilsons Kitchen, where fresh regional eats are exquisitely presented in unique flavour combinations, from all-day breakfasts to elegant dinners championing supreme produce.

Dedicate your travels to the region's wide world of culinary and quaffing delights on the Gippsland Food and Wine Trail.

Take your pick of stylish and romantic sleeps in nearby Warragul or in the most charming of Gippsland towns, winding down after the exhilaration of the ballet among the sounds of nature.

Wake in Warragul

Zip back to Warragul from Lardner Park to find an assortment of accommodation options. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Stay in the heart of Warragul at the award-winning hotel Mercure Warragul, conveniently located in the city centre. Contemporary room design, free wi-fi and spots for parking make things easy post-show for a quality night's sleep.

Or in peaceful villages

If you're happy to travel a little further after the performance, head for a laid-back experience in one of the many idyllic towns surrounding Warragul. Wake up to birdsong and enjoy slow breakfasts.

Less than 20 minutes north, Vue at Jindivick Eco Bed and Breakfast spoils with its unbeatable Mt Baw Baw views and top marks for sustainability. Bed down in queen ensuite comfort for a quiet country sleep. Nearby Vivere Retreat can't be beat for mesmerising countryside views from its elevated perch on 18 acres. Sleep in blissful comfort and enjoy back-to-nature respite over a gourmet breakfast hamper.

Just 40 minutes away from Warragul, your very own country cottage awaits at Loch Paper Scissors. Set on a half-acre of land, this sweet stay comes replete with kitchen garden and orchard for fresher-than-fresh self-catered breakfasts.

Lardner Park is located at 155 Burnt Store Road, Lardner – 14 minutes from Warragul and only 75 minutes from Melbourne.

From Melbourne

Take the first exit to Warragul and within 1km of the exit turn right onto Lardner's Track. Follow Lardner's Track for approximately 11km and then turn right onto Burnt Store Road.

From Gippsland

Coming from Traralgon, take the first exit to Warragul (Hospital Exit). At the end of the exit ramp there is a roundabout, proceed straight through, passing the hospital on your left. Follow Warragul-Lardner Road until you reach a T-intersection. Turn left onto Lardner's Track. Follow Lardner's Track along and then turn right onto Burnt Store Road.