Gippsland Getaway: Loch: A Vibrant Village

The countryside comes alive as you drive from lush pastures into the small but vibrant village of Loch.

Mature trees and colourful blooms line the wide, welcoming roads into the hidden gem.

Friendly locals greet you with a wave or enthusiastic smile- after all, welcoming new visitors to town is an expected aspect of residing in such a picturesque place.

Situated in foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges and surrounded by rolling hills and rural views, Loch’s roots stem back to the early 1880s when the town was surveyed and named after Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Loch, (1884-89). The first land allotments went on sale in 1887.

Shortly after settlers arrived, the first store in Loch was built, an Anglican Church was opened, a local newspaper began, and a hotel was constructed.

The town has transformed through the years, but it still rich with history. Several heritage cottages and old buildings still remain standing.

It’s now also home to gorgeous gift and speciality shops,  antique stores, boutique restaurant and bustling cafes serving up the best coffee, slices and meals with quality ingredients from local farmers and purveyors.

If shopping and eating isn’t your thing, then perhaps enjoying a few bevvies might be. Loch is part of the South Gippsland Drink Trail- with several towns in the region well-known for their abilities to grow grapes, distil spirits and brew beer and ciders.

Visit the Loch Brewery & Distillery and try their traditional craft ales and popular gin, vodka and single malt whisky.

If you prefer to move your body with a fun workout, then visit Amanda and her team of instructors at the stunning Loch Pilates Studio or conquer part of the Great Southern Rail Trail which links several unique towns, celebrating the best of what the region has to offer. Nyora to Loch is a 5.5kilometre trek, while Loch to Korumburra stretches nearly 16 kilometres.

Nature lovers may want to go for a scenic stroll over the suspension bridge crossing, check out the views from the Cape Horn Lookout or relax with friends and family at Sunnyside Park with a picnic packed with local goodies, including an array of artisan cheese from Loch Cheese Merchant.

Don’t miss out on special events held at Loch including unique exhibitions, crafty workshops, markets, the annual The Loch Village Food and Wine Festival and Christmas in Loch Village- which will be held on 28 November from 5pm until 8pm.

There is something for everyone at Loch, which makes it the is the perfect destination for a family getaway, a weekend trip with friends or a much-needed ‘me-time’ break. 

Unwind In Good Spirits- The Loch Brewery and & Distillery is the perfect place to sip and chat with good company

A stop in Loch isn’t complete until you’ve enjoyed a famous ale or gin from one of Gippsland’s best breweries and distilleries

Known for its incredible range of spirits, beer and beautiful location- The Loch Brewery & Distillery is situated inside a beautiful historic grand bank built by an English architect and opened in the early 1900s.

Owners Craig Johnson and Mel Davies moved to Gippsland from Thornbury to develop the business, which was born out of a workplace discussion about whisky.

‘Craig had a workplace discussion with an older colleague who corrected him about Single Malt. He immediately purchased a bottle of Bowmore Whisky, fell in love and soon knew he wanted to make it,’ Mel said.

‘Craig is quite a driven person, his itch for knowledge and learning took him to Distillery’s and Brewery’s in the UK, as well as Tasmania, where he spent time at Lark Distillery. Bill Lark was leading the charge for the Australian Distilling industry, which was then in its infancy.

‘I had been involved in start-up businesses in Melbourne and can’t ever resist a good project! ‘

After purchasing the building, commissioning the production facility and bottling the drinks, Mel and Craig opened the doors to the public in June 2014. Since then, they have continued to grow both their delicious products and their gorgeous venue.

‘The history of the building sat so well with the style of products we planned to make, traditional English Ales and Single Malt Whisky,’ Mel said.

‘The grounds were beautifully planted and established as well as outbuildings including a Manager’s cottage to the rear, so there was room to grow.’

Mel and Craig also bought the former Butcher Shop next door, which was well suited for their production space.  They designed and custom built the Brew House and installed the copper stills for Distilling their spirits – Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Rum and Whisky. 

‘We have added to this building several times over the years, as we have grown. Our Cellar Door is located in the former Banking Chamber where visitors can check out the old Vault, taste their way through our products, sip cocktails in the garden or enjoy a pint or two and a chat in the old bank!’

To learn more, visit lochbrewery.com.au

A Sanctuary of Movement in the Heart of Loch: The Loch Pilates Studio

Tucked amongst bustling cafes and gorgeous giftshops is a special sanctuary to stop, sweat, stretch and connect.

The Loch Pilates Studio really is a loved community within a loved community.

Shortly after Amanda Odrowaz moved to the small town, she laid eyes on a Victoria Street venue and inadvertently manifested her future goals.

‘Within the first week of living here, my partner and I were taking a walk through the town when I spotted the cutest little building and said to him that if that space ever becomes available, I’d love to turn it into a Pilates Studio,’ Amanda said. ‘Who would have guessed that almost twelve months later, that is exactly what we did!’

Amanda initially hoped Loch Pilates Studio would be a space of sanctuary for people to move and breathe properly within their busy weeks- the studio’s core values are community, connection and fun, and she’s been successful in providing all of the above.

She has watched friendships form and witnessed client’s evolving connections to their inner self.

‘Being a millennial, something I’ve admired of the younger generation is their level of prioritization to self-care and self-love.

‘Learning to say nice things to yourself, to rest when you need, to even set new boundaries has such an impact. So, part of our intention for connection was to provide a safe space where people can learn (at their own pace) how to love and appreciate their bodies better.

‘It looks different for every person, but I believe it’s really transformative,’ Amanda said.

‘Having fun is also important to us – everything feels better when you can let your guard down and have a really good laugh!’

Fun comes in many forms at The Loch Pilates Studio- including themed classes such as Cowgirl Disco, 80s, Halloween Dress-up and the Christmas Bingo Challenge (which is an annual favourite).

‘In two years of operation, I realise that providing a sanctuary for people to move can be both fun and relaxing.’

Having started her own Pilates journey in a class with tightly packed reformers and little support, Amanda knows first-hand the importance of having knowledgeable instructors who are focused on supporting the client’s needs and goals.

‘I actually didn’t love my first ever class. It was in a large studio in Melbourne, it was super overwhelming and the level of care/support in understanding the reformers and how to use them safely was minimal,’ she said.

‘It was a few years until I came across a smaller studio where the environment was cosy, people were really friendly, the head instructor was generous in her teachings, gave hands on corrections if needed and made it feel fun! The classes left me feeling energized, I felt better in my body and loved everything about it.’

At Loch Pilates Studio, there is a maximum of four people per class, allowing instructors to spend more time offering support and providing hands on feedback, modifying individual movements and tailoring the classes.  

‘We do our best to continue developing as a team too by providing workshops for our instructors to support their growth alongside our community,’ Amanda said. ‘We have an amazing team who all hold such differing strengths. Most of them have other careers and Pilates is their side passion which I think is very cool – we have a few farmers, a Birth Doula, hospitality, Support worker, a nurse and some are also trained in yoga too!’’

Amanda is also passionate about yoga as well as other forms of movement and self-care. She has a Friday night ritual of a long bath, reading a book and lighting an incense stick or candle

She meditates several times a week, prepares healthy meals, and is mindful of not spending too much time on her phone.

‘Some days or weeks, it can feel difficult to stick to these practices, but they often bring me back to being myself,’ Amanda said.

She’s also loves to walk, read, travel, practice yoga and explore her beautiful town.

‘The buildings and gardens here are charming, the range in shops and cafes are diverse and it feels like you’re further away from Melbourne than you actually are,’ she said. ‘Loch has a bit of magic about it, which I’m sure most people who live and work here would agree.’

To learn more about Loch Pilates Studio visit the website lochpilates.com.au or follow them on Instagram @lochpilatesstudio

Cheese-Heaven is a Place in Loch- Loch Cheese Merchant

If you are feeling a bit blue and after a gouda time, then there is one place you need to brie.

Okay, no more cheesiness, promise.

Loch Cheese Merchant really is the go-to-destination when you are looking for the perfect treat to pair with your wine, add to your charcuterie or simply need a delicious treat or a unique gift.  Because if you want to say sorry, thanks, or I love you- what better way than to say it with cheese?

The popular store is owned by  trusted Gippsland cheesemonger Stacey Wagner, who specialises in selecting and selling cheese when it’s in peak condition.  But for Stacey, her business is much more than just buying and selling cheese. It’s a passion that runs deep.

‘Growing up, my pa used to milk a cow every morning. And good cheese starts with good dairy,’ she said.

‘But I didn’t really develop an interest until I was working in a fruit and vegetable shop and the owners put a deli in. I spoke to the cheese reps every week and was just so intrigued by the history behind each cheese and all the amazing flavours coming through in artisan cheese,’ Stacey said. ‘Twenty years on and I’m still intrigued!

Stacey and her best friend Bella opened their first deli in Warragul more than ten years ago, but Stacey sold the business in June 2022, shortly after her son was born.

She spent the following years learning the skill of cheese making to deepen her knowledge.

‘I learned as much as possible about how each style of cheese was made,’ Stacey said. ‘I wanted to open a shop focusing solely on cheese, sharing all of my knowledge but also really promoting artisan cheese and keeping the traditions alive.’

Stacey did just that, opening Loch Cheese Merchant in November 2024.

‘I love everything about (my work), from tasting through the seasonal changes in each cheese and sharing that with customers, to introducing customers to a new style of cheese that they had the perception they didn’t like!’

And her cheese store has been embraced and loved by locals, visitors and cheese-lovers from all over the region.

‘Everyone has been so welcoming and lovely. I’ve met so many amazing people, many of whom I now call friends,’ Stacey said. ‘The town has a beautiful vibe, it’s quiet yet vibrant and has so many visitors on the weekends.’

As for what’s next for Stacey and Loch Cheese Merchant?

‘I’d love to make me own range of cheese with the milk from my small herd of Fleckvieh Simmental cows and build an aging cave in the side of one of my hills in Strzelecki, but who knows what the future will bring!’

For more information, visit www.lochcheesemerchant.com.au