Raising Your Glass Around Inverloch
Food, Drink & Live Music This Melbourne Cup Weekend
Just two hours from Melbourne, Inverloch and the surrounding Bass Coast are ready for a long weekend of local flavours, vineyard views, great company and live music. Come for the day, stay a night or two, and make a holiday of it!
There’s something rather lovely about a long weekend with nowhere much to be, something delicious on the table and a good tune drifting through the afternoon. And with Melbourne Cup weekend approaching, Inverloch is the perfect excuse to swap city traffic for coastal roads, fresh sea air and a glass of something local.
Just two hours from Melbourne, Inverloch and neighbouring Wonthaggi offer a tempting mix of wineries, craft spirits, welcoming pubs, great food and live entertainment. Add beautiful beaches, coastal walks and a relaxed country atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for a very enjoyable escape.
🍷 A little vineyard wandering
Just a short drive from Inverloch, Harman Wines is a wonderful place to settle in for a leisurely lunch, enjoy cool-climate wines and soak up the peaceful vineyard setting. Pair your glass with wood-fired pizza or seasonal shared plates featuring local and homegrown produce.
Make Sunday, 1 November, a date in your diary: Eric Collier will be playing live tunes from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, enjoy a long lunch and let the afternoon unfold. Bookings are recommended. Read More
🍷 Just awarded Gippsland’s Best Pinot Noir
Dirty Three Wines, Inverloch
Just awarded the 2026 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge Regional Trophy for Gippsland for their 2025 “Dirt 2” Pinot Noir, Dirty Three Wines Inverloch offers another opportunity to explore the best in local wines without venturing far from town. Drop by the cellar door, discover the wines on offer and enjoy a relaxed tasting as part of your Cup weekend wanderings. PLUS Hot Tub - everyone’s favourite cover band will be in the winery Sunday 1st November 2-5:30pm.
🍸 A gin stop with a local twist
Mates Gin, Wonthaggi
Fancy something a little different from wine? Head to Mates Gin in Wonthaggi and discover a local distillery bringing its own spirit to the region’s drinks scene. It’s a great addition to a Gippsland food and drink adventure, particularly if you enjoy discovering the people and stories behind what’s in your glass. Read more ALSO - Enjoy live music with String Theory Sat Oct 31st from 7-10pm.
🍻 Pull up a stool at a local watering hole
Sometimes a long weekend calls for a proper pub meal, a relaxed drink and a little atmosphere. Inverloch and Wonthaggi have several welcoming spots where you can catch up with friends, enjoy a meal and see what’s happening.
The Esplanade Hotel, Inverloch, affectionately known as the Espy, is right in the heart of town. Make it a stop for a meal, a drink or an evening out, and keep an eye on its program for live music and entertainment over the long weekend.
The Inlet Hotel, Inverloch, is another local favourite for relaxed pub hospitality. Whether you’re gathering for lunch, meeting friends for a drink or settling in after a day exploring the coast, it’s an easy addition to your Inverloch itinerary.
A little further afield, Wonthaggi Workers Club offers a welcoming place to enjoy a meal, a drink and a catch-up, while Wonthaggi Club is another option for those exploring the town’s dining and social scene. Check their current programs for any special Melbourne Cup weekend entertainment.
🍽️ Coastal dining and a drink with a view
RACV Inverloch Resort
For a dining experience with a little extra coastal sparkle, head to RACV Inverloch Resort, where beautiful views of Bass Strait accompany the food and drink offering.
Radius Restaurant is the place to settle in for à la carte dining, showcasing regional produce with a contemporary menu and an extensive wine list featuring local favourites. Whether you're planning a leisurely lunch or a special dinner, it’s a lovely way to celebrate the flavours of Gippsland.
Prefer something more relaxed? Zenith Lounge offers a welcoming lounge and bar setting where you can enjoy a drink, tapas and sweeping coastal views. It’s an inviting spot to unwind after a day exploring the region, catch up with friends or ease into a long weekend afternoon.
With both options at the resort, you can make your Melbourne Cup weekend as casual or as indulgent as you like.
Bookings are recommended for Radius Restaurant. Check the resort’s website for current menus, opening hours and booking details.
🎶 Make a weekend of the music
One of the best ways to experience the region is to follow the music. From live tunes among the vines at Harman Wines to entertainment at local pubs and clubs, there are plenty of ways to add a soundtrack to your getaway.
Keep an eye on venue announcements as the long weekend approaches, as performance times and entertainment line-ups can change. You might discover a new favourite local musician along the way.
🚗 Leave the driving to someone else
Planning a few stops? Gallivanting Gippsland and Cruising with Kylie may be able to help you organise transport for your regional adventure. They’re worth contacting to discuss your plans, availability and options for getting between venues.
It’s a lovely way to explore the local food and drink scene without having to nominate a designated driver from your group. Remember to arrange transport in advance, particularly over a busy long weekend.
🌊 Stay a little longer
Of course, there’s more to Inverloch than what’s in your glass. Spend the morning walking along the beach, explore the coastline, browse local shops or take a bike ride before heading out for an afternoon of wine, food and music.
And why rush home? With accommodation options across Inverloch and the wider Bass Coast, you can turn a day trip into a night or two away and enjoy more of what the region has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a vineyard lunch, a gin tasting, a pub dinner or a Sunday afternoon listening to live music, Melbourne Cup weekend is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and discover the flavours of our corner of Gippsland.
Just two hours from Melbourne. A world away from the everyday.
Come for the day, stay a night or two, and raise a glass to a long weekend well spent.
Planning tip: Check opening hours, menus, bookings and live entertainment details directly with each venue before heading out.