Page 26 - Flipbook

THE MURRAY
Known as Victoria’s food bowl, the rich soils, sunny climate and irrigated water means there is a seemingly endless supply of fruit and vegetables, gourmet cheeses and freshwater fish in this area.
The Echuca Moama Food and Wine Trail has more than 40 wineries, restaurants and pubs to satisfy your appetite. Throw a line into the river and snag a freshwater fish for dinner, including the famous Murray cod.
Roadside stalls and farmers markets sell olives, nuts, jams, fresh fruit and vegetables. The Hume Murray Farmers Market in Wodonga is a favourite as is the fortnightly Sunraysia Farmers Market in Mildura.
Jim McDougall in Stefano’s Cellar in Mildura has been a destination for foodies for more than 20 years and is committed to local produce with a rustic touch.
Further south in the Murray is Swan Hill, home to Australia’s stone fruit industry. Its farms offer nectarines, peaches, pistachios and almonds.
WHERE TO STAY
The Murray Valley Resort (Property ID: 0953) is the perfect spot for exploring
the region’s boutique producers and restaurants. With pools, tennis courts and mini-golf, this is where you can wind down after a day of feasting.
THE GOLDFIELDS
A blend of quaint townships and rolling countryside, the Goldfields area boasts fresh regional produce, excellent dining and some of the best wine in the state.
Savour the bull-boar sausages, locally pressed olive oil and creamy goat cheese. The Taste of Gold Trail is perfect for exploring the area’s fresh produce and wineries.
THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Not just a coastline of wineries, the Mornington Peninsula offers hidden eateries, local markets, olive groves and roadside stalls. Melburnians love the local providores, including Merricks and Somers.
The famous Red Hill and Montalto farmers market are the place to stock up on free-range eggs and organic vegetables.
COAST TO COUNTRY: (from above) Hire a paddle boat on Lake Daylesford; take in the sea breeze and some fresh seafood at Apollo Bay; try homemade delights from a farmers market or gourmet fair in Kyneton.
YARRA VALLEY
Generations of immigrants brought a distinct flavour to the region’s food, which includes pasta, cheese, chilli, capsicum, smoked fish and salmon.
The monthly Yarra Valley farmers markets are bursting with fresh produce. Why not pick your own berries from the berry farms and finish the day with a sweet indulgence from the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
CRAFT BREWERIES
Regional Victoria is now home to more than 30 independently owned craft breweries that produce up to 15,000 litres of beer each week. With a focus on ales that range from red and brown to cloudy wheat styles, porters and stouts, they have quickly become mandatory stops on the food and wine trail.
The Mornington Peninsula Brewery is recognised as one of Australia’s leading craft breweries with six award-winning beers on tap as well as daily specialties.
The Yarra Valley has a rich history of beer due to the farming of hops in the early 1800s and it remains part of its gastronomic identity. Here you will find the popular Coldstream Brewery, which opened its doors in 2007. Watch the microbrewery in action from its adjoining
restaurant and see the Coldstream beers being brewed in small, carefully made batches.
The Yarra Valley is also known for its ciders, including Kellybrook’s cider, which has been in the area for 50 years.
Never one to be left behind, the Murray also dabbles in craft beer with the Mildura Brewery which produces six naturally brewed beers, as well as seasonal brews.
WHERE TO STAY
Sunraysia Resort (Property ID: 1179) in the Murray is great for family holidays. Tennis, mini-golf and swimming pools will keep the kids entertained as you enjoy the resort’s bar and bistro.
With so much to choose from, you’ll never cover Victoria’s entire food and wine trail in one weekend. Whether you choose the wild and spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road or head up to the Macedon Ranges for Australia’s best sparkling, you can
be sure this region will lure you back more than once.
24 SEPTEMBER 2014