What to Do When You Visit Ensay: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Ensay East Gippsland

Ensay, is nestled beside the Tambo and Little Rivers in East Gippsland, Victoria, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm. To visit Ensay from Melbourne you will need to drive approximately 4 1/2 hours, you travel via Bairnsdale along the Great Alpine Rd and turn left (which is a continuation of the Great Alpine Rd) in the quaint town of Bruthen on route to Omeo and the ski slopes of Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.

The drive from Bruthen offering some stunning scernery, which alone make it s worth the effort. Known for its high-quality beef cattle and boutique winery. Ensay, invites you to indulge in a glass of the “Devils Backbone” red or a crisp chardonnay at the Ensay Winery, all while taking in the stunning Tambo Valley scenery. As you plan your visit to Ensay, you’ll discover a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, local flavors, and serene retreats. Whether you’re here to explore its picturesque landscapes, enjoy local wines, or simply relax, your visit to Ensay promises a memorable experience. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this enchanting township.

Mitchell River National Park

Description: If you are looking for a stop on your travels to Ensay, just after you cross the reailway lines heading into Bairnsdale from Melbourne take a turn at the Bairnsdale Dargo Rd and head towards the Micthell River National Park. The Mitchell River National Park is a natural gem featuring diverse ecosystems and scenic river views. It’s perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Mitchell River National Park, on Brabralung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage
Highlights:
- Scenic walking trails
- Birdwatching opportunities
- Riverside picnic spots
- Camping
- Cultural Heritage
- Canoeing

Some of the Highlights on Your Visit to Ensay

Ensay Winery

Description: For wine enthusiasts, a visit to Ensay wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Ensay Winery. The winery, nestled in the beautiful Tambo Valley, offers a range of local wines, including the robust “Devils Backbone” red and a crisp chardonnay. Open most weekends (call ahead), daily during public and school holidays or by appointment. Other times by appointment, closed Christmas Day, enjoy the stunning scerny with a packed lunch on the outdoor picnic tables.

Address: 378 Ensay-Deddick Road, Ensay, Victoria

Highlights:
- Selection of local wines
- Scenic vineyard views
- Wine tasting

Historic Hotels

Little River Inn
- Description: Wondering where to stay in Ensay? This historic inn began as a simple shack in the 1840s and is reputed to be the oldest hotel in East Gippsland. It offers a classic pub experience with hearty meals and budget-friendly accommodation.
- Address: 445 Ensay-Deddick Road, Ensay, Victoria
- Highlights:
  - Historic charm
  - Traditional pub meals
  - Affordable accommodation
  - Caravan and camping options
Pub Gallery
- Description: Located at the other end of town, the former Ensay South Hotel, built in 1892, now serves as the Pub Gallery. It features Robert Logie’s oil paintings and drawings, offering a cultural touch to your visit.
- Address: 1 Ensay South Road, Ensay, Victoria
- Highlights:
  - Art gallery with local works

Bentley Plain and Moscow Villa Hut

Description: Take a scenic drive through the Ensay Valley to Bentley Plain, the Bentley Plains walk offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the sub-alpine grasslands and heathlands framed by snow gums. As you explore, you can marvel at the historic Washington’s Winch, once used by loggers to haul logs up steep slopes. Keep an eye out for wild brumbies roaming the Nunniong High Plains for a truly memorable experience.
Highlights:
- Sub-alpine grasslands and heathlands
- Historic Washington’s Winch
- Wildlife sightings

Ensay Recreation Reserve

Description: The Ensay Recreation Reserve is a great spot for camping and outdoor activities, offering ample space and essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Address: Ensay-Deddick Road, Ensay, Victoria
Contacts:
- Phone: +61 3 5157 1287
- Email: [email protected]
Features:
- Open grassy areas for tents and campervans
- Nearby picnic facilities
- Access to local walking trails
- Access to fishing on the Tambo River

Ensay Bush Nursing

The Ensay Bush Nursing Centre is a vital community health facility serving the township of Ensay and its surrounding areas. Dedicated to providing essential medical care in this rural setting, the Centre offers a range of services including general health consultations, emergency care, and preventative health programs.

Staffed by a team of dedicated health professionals, including nurses and support personnel, the Centre plays a crucial role in ensuring that local residents have access to quality healthcare close to home. It also provides important connections to larger regional health services, helping to coordinate more specialized care when needed. With its commitment to community health, the Ensay Bush Nursing Centre is a cornerstone of wellbeing in the region.

Conclusion

Due to its prime location it is well worth a visit to Ensay, it offers easy access to various attractions: just an hour from the Gippsland Lakes and the snowfields of Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham.

The bustling city of Bairnsdale is situated an hour to the south, providing a full range of amenities and services, including the Regional Health Service. A daily bus service operates Monday through Friday, offering convenient travel to and from Bairnsdale.

To the northwest, the small township of Omeo is about 35 minutes away and serves as the gateway to the snowfields. Omeo features a supermarket, hardware store, and the District Hospital with urgent care, acute, and aged care services.

Between Omeo and Ensay lies Swifts Creek, home to the region’s educational hub, which offers schooling from preschool through year 12. A school bus service picks up and drops off directly opposite the Ensay Bush Nursing Centre. Swifts Creek also boasts a general store, bakery, café, sawmill, community center, art gallery, and police station.

In Ensay, you’ll find essential services including a post office, an ambulance station staffed by Ambulance Community Officers, a volunteer Country Fire Authority station, an art gallery, a garage, the Ensay Winery, the Little River Inn, and a recreational reserve—all set against a backdrop of stunning views.