Scattered through the valleys and rolling hills of Central Victoria's Great Divide and hidden along the banks of the majestic Goulburn River are Victoria’s undiscovered treasures - ancient vines, abundant fresh produce, fine dining, the Kelly legend and more…
GOULBURN RIVER AND RANGES
With its granite-topped mountains, wide, slow rivers, fertile river flats, beautiful lakes and open plains, the Goulburn River and Ranges region is undoubtedly one of Victoria’s most diverse and ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Less well known, but equally impressive, is the area’s amazing abundance of fresh produce, the quality of its wines and, increasingly, the restaurants and food stores that are taking advantage of all the good stuff being produced around them. It is an easily accessible region – an easy 75-minute drive up the Hume Freeway from Melbourne - with the promise of a delicious hidden treasure around every corner.
It is hardly surprising, given its remarkable geographical diversity – from the abundant red soil around Dookie in the north to the renowned Nagambie Lakes area in the centre and the lush beauty of the Strathbogie and Tallarook Ranges – that the region surrounding the Goulburn River should produce such an array of great food and some of Australia’s most unique and best-loved wines. Against this beautiful, constantly changing backdrop, the hunt for cellar doors, farm gates, restaurants and produce stores becomes an even more pleasurable experience.
Ask the producers and winemakers you meet for further clues and then head out into this lovely, surprisingly undiscovered region. Just make sure you have plenty of room in the back seat – it’ll fill up rapidly with all the treasures you will find.
PRODUCE A slow and leisurely picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the remarkable scenery of the Goulburn River and Ranges. Grab a blanket and some brilliant local produce and you’ll really understand how special this region can be.
CELLAR DOOR & WINERY From some of the oldest continuously producing vines in the world to the recent colonisation by a new wave of wine makers, this region offers some seriously good fun for wine lovers.
FOOD & DINING If you’re after a slick city-style dining experience when eating out in the Goulburn River and Ranges region, you’ve probably come to the wrong place. The cafes, pubs, restaurants and produce stores that are dotted throughout the region are more about warm hospitality, simple tasty food and enthusiasm for good regional food and wine than they are about attitude. It is an approach that matches the area perfectly.