The Macedon Ranges in Victoria’s north west is the perfect spot to enjoy walks as a family. From ferny forests and luscious lakes, to monolithic rocks and clutches of mystical bushland, the diverse landscape offers it all. Pack a backpack, get out in the fresh air and explore some well worn tracks in the country…
Victoria
Given we're constantly telling you about amazing places to visit in regional Victoria, it feels only right to give you some recommendations on where to stay as well. A little home base for you and your fellow travellers while you check out all the amazing things in our regions.
Given there are so many great…
Nestled between the coastal town of Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles rock formations along Victoria’s world-famous Great Ocean Road is the stunning beach nook known as Loch Ard Gorge. Part of Port Campbell National Park, on Kirrae Whurrung Country about 230 kilometres from central Melbourne, the gorge is named after the most famous of…
It usually takes decades of residency or generational legacy to be considered a true local in small country towns. But husband and wife pub owners Alex and Ashleigh Gorman fast-tracked their local status by taking over not one but two country pubs in northwest Victoria and entrenching themselves in their adopted community.
“We bought the…
The iconic Portsea Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula is set to host a refined Japanese dining experience this summer. From 3-19 January 2024, the historic venue will transform its secluded Bertrand Bar into an intimate pop-up, featuring a set-menu by Chef Yukio Ozeki of Towsville’s acclaimed Terasu restaurant. With a breathtaking backdrop of Port Phillip…
Big cat tales abound in several states of Australia. From panthers and pumas to leopards and living thylacine, fervent fans of folklore will tell you that much of our countryside is riddled with predatory big cats of various shapes and sizes.
Sometimes called Phantom Cats, or even Alien Big Cats (ABCs), sightings of big cats…
The classic country motel is not only a nostalgic road-trip classic and often one of the few remaining untouched examples of the aesthetics of times gone by, but also a more affordable way to travel throughout regional Australia. Although there are many more hidden gems around and certainly a lot of renovated mid-century motels that are…
Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Victoria's Yarra Valley, a haven of Yarra Valley pubs awaits, each embracing the region's unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. Beyond the renowned vineyards and sweeping vistas, the Yarra Valley boasts an inviting array of pubs, some even dog-friendly. These Yarra Valley pubs are more than mere…
The iconic Murray River has always held a special place in the hearts of many Australians, and according to National Geographic, it's about to become special to a lot more people over the coming year.
Each year, National Geographic profiles special places around the world that people should visit the following year. In this year's…
From an unassuming shop front in a business centre in the heart of Gisborne—the gateway to the Macedon Ranges in Victoria—Stephanie Zhou and her husband, Stephen Rocard, run an Asian fusion eatery with a difference. Positioned about 50 kilometres from Melbourne and 100 kilometres from Bendigo on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, The Flying Pigeon offers…
The Yarra Valley’s food and wine scene will take centre stage at the Road to Food Discovery Festival, a brand-new event set to kick off on Saturday, 9 November at the picturesque CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream. This one-day festival, hosted by Warburton Valley CEDA, promises a feast for the senses as it brings together the…
The highly anticipated Victorian cherry season is just around the corner, set to kick off in early November and run through to mid-January. This year, the season promises to be one of the best in recent memory, with orchards already in full bloom and some tree varieties flowering up to two weeks earlier than usual.…
Victoria's National Trust has launched a series of immersive driving trails, inviting travellers to explore the state's rich heritage and natural beauty. One such trail takes adventurers on a scenic journey from Melbourne to the Otways, weaving through National Trust-preserved properties, unique accommodations, and unforgettable food and wine experiences. From the rugged coastlines and towering…
The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to enjoy the great outdoors this summer by offering free camping across all national parks and state forests in the state. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos made the announcement at Leanganook Camping Area in Mount Alexander Regional Park, with the initiative kicking…
Juice has always been a treat for me, so much so that even now, I rarely grab a bottle off the supermarket shelf. Similar to the rebranded Cookie Monster's statement that cookies are a "sometimes food", for me, juice—more specifically apple juice—is a "sometimes drink".
If I'm honest, I don't remember drinking a lot of…