Phase one of Gippsland's new opening includes a gorgeous restaurant and renovation of one of the cabins, The Nest.
Gippsland’s brand new destination spot Carrajung Estate is set to launch today, on Friday March 31, when the restaurant doors will open, together with bookings for ‘The Nest’ from 7 April onwards.
The Carrajung Estate is the new owners of the old Tom’s Cap winery, a 40ha property surrounded by the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges, the Ninety Mile Beach at Woodside, and the Tarra Bulga National Park, one of the four major cool-temperate rainforests regions in Victoria.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Delivering a stunning makeover across the property, the first phase of the new winery spot includes the launch of the restaurant and renovation of one of the cabins, The Nest, which can be booked through the Carrajung website. This cozy and intimate space has long been a favourite for guests, offering a perfect romantic getaway with views of the serene rolling hills, and now, with a full makeover, The Nest is more inviting and luxurious than ever.
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With one step inside you’ll be met with a beautifully appointed interior complete with a traditional wood fireplace, comprehensive kitchen and breathtaking sunset views which can be enjoyed from a new outdoor bathtub on the deck, allowing guests to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
As for the restaurant, this will be led by head chef Patrick Haney, a master of his craft with more than 20 years culinary experience, and will showcase the unique flavours of the region’s bounty, from heirloom vegetables to pasture-raised meats and artisanal cheeses.
Carrajung Estate co-founder Ivy Huang explains, “With an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, our dishes feature fresh ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms that celebrate the natural beauty and culinary richness of Gippsland. Through our food, we want to share these growers’ stories.”
Honing his skills across a collection of USA and Australia’s much-loved kitchens including Sydney’s Opera Bar and Cruise Bar’s Dinner in the Sky, and most recently, The Growers in Shoalhaven, Haney’s dishes are a feast for the senses, with a focus on bold flavours, vibrant colours, and elegant presentation. Expect to indulge in the likes of garlic bay bugs, duck breast, ricotta gnocchi and beef short ribs, among many other tantalising options.
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The first-ever release of Carrajung Estate wines will be served as part of the restaurant opening, which is a culmination of two years of vine management between Carrajung Estate co founder Adrian Critchlow, Toms Cap founder Graham Morris and Marcus Satchell, an iconic award-winning Gippsland winemaker of Inverloch’s Dirty Three Wines fame, which will include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
The first phase opening of Carrajung Estate is just the beginning of an ambitious vision by Ivy Huang and business partner Rebeka Morgan of BuildHer Collective fame, together with Rebeka’s husband John Morgan of Beirin Projects, to create a one-of-a-kind travel destination in the heart of Gippsland.
The team plans to renovate the remaining four cottages at breakneck speed in order to have all five renovated and ready for wedding bookings for the summer of 2023/24.
Find out more and book your next visit here.
