When spring arrives in Melbourne, the annual escapes begin. Cars stream towards the Mornington Peninsula as Daylesford fills with weekenders But head south, and the crowds quickly thin out.
About 90 minutes from Melbourne, in the green folds of South Gippsland, the tiny village of Loch offers a slower kind of country getaway—heritage buildings, independent shops, local food and plenty of open countryside, without the crush of the better-known weekend destinations.
A village that rewards slowing down
Loch looks plucked from the pages of a storybook. historic structures, mature trees and spring gardens line the main street, inviting you to park the car and explore on foot.
Instead of racing from attraction to attraction, visitors can spend a morning browsing antique shops and independent galleries, stopping for coffee or simply wandering beneath the leafy canopy.
The village’s charm comes from its tiny scale. Loch is small enough to explore without an itinerary, but there’s enough tucked into its main streets to turn a quick stop into a leisurely day trip.
At the centre of the village sits Loch Brewery & Distillery, occupying a former bank building on the main corner. The historic setting now houses copper stills and a small-batch drinks operation producing gin, single malt whisky and English-style ales.
On weekends, the cellar door offers tastings, making it an easy place to settle in for the afternoon rather than simply ticking another stop off the list.
Where to dine in Loch
South Gippsland’s agricultural landscape also gives Loch a strong local-food focus. Stop by Olive at Loch for brunch, lunch, coffee and house-made cakes, then swing past Loch Village Foodstore to stock up on locally sourced cheeses, relishes and artisan sourdough for the road.
For wine lovers, the Gippsland Wine Company adds another reason to linger, with local wines and tasting flights.
Spend the afternoon the way country towns are meant to be enjoyed: linger over a long lunch, pick up a bottle of local wine, grab something freshly baked and take the scenic route through the rolling hills.
Things to do nearby in Loch
Once you’ve had your fill of the main street, head out into the countryside. Cape Horn Lookout, along Loch-Wonthaggi Road, opens up to wide views across the surrounding hills and farmland.
For a gentler wander, cross the Loch Suspension Bridge and follow the paths around Memorial Reserve, where the creek and greenery offer a quiet place to pause. The Great Southern Rail Trail runs through the region too, with plenty of space to walk or cycle through the farmland and rolling hills.
Bringing the kids? Sunny Side Park and Loch Village Reserve make easy stops for families, with playgrounds, picnic areas and facilities for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Getting there
Driving is the quickest option, with the trip taking roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic. The village is around 106 kilometres from Melbourne.
Public transport is also possible, with bus services from Southern Cross Coach Terminal taking around two hours, depending on the service and connections.
