Business Details
Award-Winning Dining in Gippsland
At Tinamba Hotel, we pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled dining and hospitality experience rooted in Gippsland's rich agricultural heritage. Since taking ownership in October 2020, Simon and Tania Johnson have continued the legacy of excellence established by previous custodians, drawing on Tania's deep family connections to the region and Simon's extensive fresh produce industry expertise. Our commitment to sourcing ingredients locally, including herbs and vegetables from our own hotel garden, ensures every dish showcases the finest seasonal produce.Recognised with a Chef Hat in the Australian Good Food Guide for three consecutive years and awarded Best Regional Hotel Restaurant at the AHA VIC Awards for Excellence, our team crafts memorable experiences across our dining room, Amba Bar, and outdoor veranda. We specialise in creating bespoke weddings and events for up to 200 guests, combining exceptional cuisine with genuine country hospitality that has earned us a reputation as Gippsland's premier destination dining venue.
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Weddings & Events
Local Produce Catering
Extensive Beverage Menu
Private Functions
Highlights and features
- We source 100% locally grown produce from Gippsland suppliers
- Three consecutive years as AGFG Hatted Restaurant
- Award-winning team with generations of regional hospitality experience
- Custom-designed menus for weddings and events across Gippsland
- Heritage-listed venue combining historic charm with modern culinary innovation
Associations and certifications
- Australian Good Food Guide
- AHA VIC Awards for Excellence
What people say
Award-winning dining
Locally sourced produce
Exceptional hospitality
Memorable events
Chef Hat recognition
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Our restaurant delivers exceptional culinary experiences using locally sourced Gippsland produce. Menus feature modern Australian cuisine with seasonal ingredients from our hotel garden. Diners enjoy three-course meals, tasting menus, and la carte options in elegant dining rooms or relaxed bar settings. The restaurant has maintained a Chef Hat in the Australian Good Food Guide for three consecutive years.
Weddings & Events
We specialise in creating memorable weddings and corporate events for up to 200 guests. Services include venue hire, custom menu design, and full-service coordination across multiple Gippsland locations. Our team manages sit-down dinners for 90 guests or cocktail functions in historic venues like Mewburn Park and Sale Memorial Hall.
Local Produce Catering
Our catering division extends Gippsland's finest ingredients to events across the region. Using partnerships with local farmers and producers, we create tailored menus that reflect seasonal availability. The service combines Tinamba Hotel's culinary expertise with flexible venue options for private and corporate occasions.
Extensive Beverage Menu
The bar offers an extensive selection of local and international wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Featuring Gippsland's best vintages including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, our beverage program complements the dining experience. The menu includes over 20 cocktail options and a curated list of non-alcoholic beverages.
Private Functions
Our venue accommodates private functions in multiple atmospheric settings. The dining room, lounge, conservatory, and outdoor veranda provide diverse options for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Full-service packages include table service, custom menus, and event coordination for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
People
Simon Johnson
Co-Owner
With extensive experience in the fresh produce industry, Simon Johnson brings culinary expertise and business acumen to Tinamba Hotel. He co-owns the establishment with Tania, leveraging his industry knowledge to maintain exceptional food standards.
Tania Johnson
Co-Owner
Tania Johnson's family heritage in Tinamba spans generations, including her grandfather's role as the last station master. She co-owns the hotel with Simon, combining local knowledge with hospitality leadership to preserve the venue's legacy.
Questions
How do I make a reservation at Tinamba Hotel?
Bookings can be made through our website or OpenTable platform. We recommend reservations for dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 5:45pm and lunch Friday to Sunday from 11:45am.
What dietary options are available on your menu?
Our menus include gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options clearly marked on all dishes. Please inform us of any allergies when booking.
Do you cater for large groups or special events?
Yes, we specialise in weddings and events for up to 200 guests with custom menus and venue options across Gippsland.
What awards has Tinamba Hotel received?
We've won Best Regional Hotel Restaurant at the AHA VIC Awards for Excellence and maintained a Chef Hat in the Australian Good Food Guide for three consecutive years.
Are there accommodation options near Tinamba Hotel?
We recommend local stays including Happy Days Accommodation, Mewburn Park Homestead, and Maffra Motor Inn located near our venue.
What is your beverage selection like?
Our bar features Gippsland wines, craft beers from local breweries, and signature cocktails using regional ingredients like Shiraz Gin and native botanicals.
Reviews (6)
Terry Sweeney
Jan 23, 2022
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Amazing pub, great friendly staff, & very helpful. Ambiance of this place is magnificent & food is beautiful. Definitely coming back.
Jonathan Tickner
Jan 12, 2022
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Outstanding service and the food was faultless. We sat outside and shortly after we sat down one of the staff bought a bowl of water for our dog, which we had brought with us. Staff were very friendly. Food was exquisite and well priced. Definitely recommend this to travellers looking for a quality lunch or dinner experience.
J. L. Marshall
Dec 23, 2021
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We had an amazing meal, excellent service and it's just a really comfortable space. Highly recommend!
Victoria Mansour
Nov 27, 2021
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Would highly recommend Tinamba hotel, was absolutely beautiful.. amazing atmosphere! Compliments to the chef our food was beyond beautiful and tasty. The staff were very prompt and lovely to deal with. Will definitely be back!
Anthony Patterson
Nov 25, 2021
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An incredible experience.
Tinamba Hotel was flexing its muscles when my partner and I came over for lunch on a Saturday. With impeccable service to boot, some standouts on the meal included a perfect duck dish that had all the makings of a classic that cannot be removed from the menu. To a refreshing take on a classic crme brulee that boasted the use of aged beef fat alongside a perfect splash of whisky. We devoured both of the courses above and four more, each with its highlights. If anyone is looking for Gippsland's best when it comes to approachable fine dining, Tinamba Hotel is a place
Tinamba Hotel was flexing its muscles when my partner and I came over for lunch on a Saturday. With impeccable service to boot, some standouts on the meal included a perfect duck dish that had all the makings of a classic that cannot be removed from the menu. To a refreshing take on a classic crme brulee that boasted the use of aged beef fat alongside a perfect splash of whisky. We devoured both of the courses above and four more, each with its highlights. If anyone is looking for Gippsland's best when it comes to approachable fine dining, Tinamba Hotel is a place
Julie Kowalski
Nov 22, 2021
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First meal out of lockdown. Yay! The beautiful Tinamba Hotel is located in a small country town near Maffra. Decor is elegant; service warm and hospitable; food and wine delicious; great attention to detail. A lovely fine dining experience.