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The lively little town of Meeniyan is one of South Gippsland’s most popular places to visit. This picturesque and quaint village is consistently thriving with visitors coming to explore all the best things to do in Meeniyan.
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Featured article: 42 Ultimate Things to do in South Gippsland
Things to do in Meeniyan
1. Meeniyan Art Gallery
The Meeniyan Art Gallery and Gift Shop is a space of diverse and interesting artwork to see.
Each visit to the gallery is different depending on the current exhibition. Admire the paintings, sculptures, jewellery and other delightful pieces adorning the walls and display shelves.
Whether looking for a unique gift and simply stopping to browse, the art gallery has something for everyone.
Why visit: a diverse amount of items and artwork to see
Location: 84 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
Cost: Free entry
2. Community Garden
One of the best Meeniyan things to do is the community garden. It’s a quirky and fun spot located behind the main street. For those on the rail trail, you will pass it on your travels.
Walk through the many raised garden beds displaying some well looked after produce. You’ll come across many interesting garden pieces here, a testament to someone with a wonderful imagination. See the scarecrows that watch over the garden from different points, and the really cool sphere of bicycle wheels found here.
Made possible by members of the local community. the garden will certainly bring a smile to your face.
Why visit: A fun and quirky place
Location: Tompkins Rd, Meeniyan
3. Great Southern Rail Trail
Conveniently passing though the town of Meeniyan is the Great Southern Rail Trail. It begins some 55 km away in Nyora and passes through the towns of Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha, Koonwarra and Meeniyan. From here, the trail makes it way further toward Fish Creek.
The Koonwarra to Meeniyan section is approximately 8 km, and is one of the best rides of the trail. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous rural scenery along well maintained gravel tacks and pedestrian footbridges.
The Meeniyan to Fish Creek portion is a longer ride at 18 km and equally as pretty.
Why visit: scenic and well maintained trail
Location: access from behind the main street
4. Meeniyan Pantry & cellar
For the finest of flavours, mouth watering delights and all things delectable, you simply must visit Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar.
With a focus on our amazing local producers as well as the finest imports, the store houses an impressive range of products, This includes artisan breads and the sweetest pastries from the bakehouse, cured meats and other goodies from the delicatessen, and the biggest range of divine cheeses to try.
There’s also plenty for the pantry, plus chocolates and a considerable range of beers, wines, ciders and spirits to purchase.
The store also has ready made meals to take away.
Why visit: showcasing local produces from the area and beyond
Opening days and times: 9 am to 4 pm Thursday to monday
Location: 82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan
5. Meeniyan Cafes & Stores
Cafe life in Meeniyan is well and truly booming with visitors flocking the to the town every weekend and most other days too. It’s also a good chance to browse the shops where you’ll probably find something out of the ordinary to take home.
Be sure to drop by Meeniyan Square where everyone is hanging out, sipping coffee and eating gelato. Head to Moos, the towns popular cafe, or maybe the local pub for a decent feed.
Places to eat, drink and divulge
- Moos: the cafe with a strong local following serves up breakfast and lunch Thursday to Monday and also opens for dinner on weekends.
- Trulli: located in Meeniyan Square, the Italian inspired business is a restaurant, bake house and gelateria
- Meeniyan Store: the place for coffee lovers, the store also offers plenty of light bites and sweet treats
- Pandesal bakery: specializing in fine artisan breads,cakes, slices and all things sweet
- Bread and Pickles: for the best slow cooked pies, sandwiches are more
- Meeniyan Hotel: for decent pub fare and a good meeting place for those cold days
Places to shop, browse and admire
- The Outer Space: incredible hand made garden sculptures. Simply unique one off pieces.
- Lacy: the jewellery studio and gallery has a wide range of beautiful pieces to choose from.
- Mika and Max: Boutique store of Australian designed clothing, as well as homewares, skincare, candles and more.
- Swanlee: giftware: art supplies, framing, memorabilia and Christmas gifts and decorations
- Nice stack of Books: Independent book shop with local delivery
- Allforms of Design: range of clothing, accessories and interesting pieces for the home.
- Meeniyan and Community Shop: local op shop
Why visit: amazing cafe culture with unique stores to browse
Location: Whitelaw Street , Meeniyan
6. Great Southern Ride
Still wondering what to do in Meeniyan? Why not explore more of the area on 2 wheels.
Great Southern Ride is the local e-bike store where you can hire or purchase e-bikes to explore the beautiful region along the Great Southern Rail Trail. With over 100 km of trail to cover through gorgeous countryside, the electric assisted bikes will get you further than ever before.
Conveniently passing through the towns of South Gippsland, you’ll be able to visit beaches, wineries, galleries, cafes and much more as you ride Victoria’s best rail trail.
Bike hires start from $70 for 4 hours and include helmet.
Why visit: adventurous day out for the whole family
Location: 91 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
Office hours: 9 am to 5 pm Thursday , Friday. 9 am to 4 pm Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm Sunday. 9 am to 4 pm Monday
7. Meeniyan Bird Hide
One of the towns newer attractions is the Meeniyan Bird Hide. Just a short 2 km drive from the man street, the hide can also be accessed from the rail trail.
Bird lovers can leisurely spot of a variety of bird life found here from the undercover lookout. Make sure to bring your camera for some epic wildlife shots.
Why visit: bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts
Location: Stony Creek Road, Meeniyan
8. Tanderra Park
This neat little park is an easy walk from the shopping precinct of Meeniyan. The community garden and rail trail also both back onto it. Tanderra translates to “resting place”.
The park has plenty of shade with well established trees plus an expansive lawn to enjoy picnics.
Why not make it a gathering of family and friends by enjoying a BBQ, all undercover. There is also a couple of picnic tables and a cute little rotunda to utilize.
Why visit: neat park with BBQ facilities
Location: 142 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan
9. Stony Creek Go Karts
Feel the “need for speed’ by grabbing some friends and hitting the tracks at Stony Creek Go Karts.
Let’s shift up a gear with an adrenaline rush behind the wheel. Participants can race each other around the 800 mt track, the longest hire kart in Victoria. Located only a minutes drive out of Meeniyan heading toward the town of Foster.
Reaching speeds of up to 70 km per hour with hire starting from only $35, what better way to spend an action packed day out. There is also a cafe on site for those who prefer to watch instead of ride.
Why visit: adrenaline pumping action perfect for individuals or groups
Location: 2000 South Gippsland HWY, Stony Creek. Check the website for race days when the track is closed.
10. Avonleigh Farm Fine Dining
Enjoy one of the most glorious settings for a day of indulgence. Avonleigh Farm is an experience of elegant fine dining,
The beautifully presented Victorian home and dining room is the setting for an afternoon of sumptuous delights. Enjoy a grand affair of high tea served with champagne, fruit punch, tea & coffee.
You might prefer the formal luncheon or dinner, or why not go all out with a 5 course Degustation. Either way, it is sure to be an intimate and glorious event made possible by the wonderful hosts and first class cuisine.
Bookings are absolutely essential on 03 5664 7264
Why visit: treat yourself and loved ones to an elegant and fine food experience
Location: 42 Thorsons Rd, Meeniyan
11. Meeniyan Rec Reserve
The rec reserve is where you’ll find the local footy ground and netball courts. There is also a children’s playground here with slides, swing and jungle gym. For the older kids, there’s a skate ramp.
The reserve also welcomes campers to set up on the grassy grounds complete with undercover picnic tables. There are public toilets and dogs are welcome.
Located close to the main street and steps away from the rail trail, be sure to bring your bikes.
Why visit: play and stay close to town
Location: 15 Hanily Street, Meeniyan
Amazing places to stay around Meeniyan
Why not stay the night and explore the township of Meeniyan
