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Three incredible food and drink destinations in Victoria – that aren’t Melbourne

Melbourne has the reputation as Australia’s foodie mecca but this doesn’t mean you should stay within the city limits for great food and drink experiences.

Here are three top destinations sure to get your taste buds going and have you reaching for that ‘book’ button.

Staff standing behind counter with Four Pillars Gin bottles and glasses
Image credit: Wine Victoria

Yarra Valley (1 hour from Melbourne Airport)

According to TripAdvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice awards, one of the top wine experiences in the world can be found just one hour from Melbourne CBD.

Glasses of wine on ledge overlooking vineyard at Chandon Winery
Image credit: Visit Victoria

Head to the Yarra Valley and taste your way around the cellar doors of well-knowns such as TarraWarra Estate, De Bortoli, and Giant Steps. Be sure to finish with some sparkling at Domaine Chandon from the grand Champagne house Moët & Chandon.

The Yarra Valley is no one-trick pony though; it’s also home to more breweries, cideries and distilleries than you can shake a stick (hoof?) at. It’s summertime so grab some mates and a tasting paddle of mini-G&Ts and head to the Gin Garden at Four Pillars Gin, International Gin Producer of the Year 2019 & 2020.

 

Bendigo (1.5 hours from Melbourne Airport)

Greater Bendigo recently became the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Australia and you can expect incredible things from these understated champions.

Dish at Masons of Bendigo
Image credit: Visit Victoria

Celebrate any occasion while you indulge your senses with a seasonal tasting menu at Masons of Bendigo, awarded TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveller's Choice Best Everyday Dining in Australia.

Chasing some cheap eats? Head to Bridgewater Bakehouse to get an award-winning sugar rush with their vanilla slices.

Vanilla slice at Bridgewater Bakehouse
Image credit: Bridgewater Bakehouse

You need to sample the cheesy delights at Long Paddock Cheese, recipes which have been perfected at Australia’s only private “cheese university”!

After that, get ready to join Australia’s best pie debate with a visit to Country Cob Bakery in Kyneton. This place cleaned up at the Baking Association of Australia’s 2020 pie championships and we can’t wait to try their American BBQ Whiskey Pork & Quail Egg pie.

 

Otways

Next, it’s time to head to the Otway Ranges to join the Otway Harvest Trail. 

Dish at Brae Restaurant
Image credit: Brae Restaurant

Discover ancient forests, spectacular waterfalls and delicious local produce in this spectacularly lush part of Australia.

Peruse the makers and growers markets, make some friends at Australia’s largest ostrich farm, and taste some unique gin combinations on this PYO berry farm.

Got a sweet tooth? Head to Apollo Bay for some award-winning ice cream at Dooleys. Cool off with a scoop or two of your favourite flavour or be brave and sample their Vegemite ice cream!

For something truly decadent, spoil yourselves with a fine dining feast at Brae Restaurant. Expect to be surprised by reinventions of organic, seasonal produce at this Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year.

 

Getting there

 


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