Hidden Treasures Await

Less than half an hour’s drive from Geelong are the rolling hills of the Moorabool Valley – a wonderland of wineries. This is sublime grape-growing country and there’s no shortage of award-winning drops to try, accompanied by superb food and sweeping views of lush green countryside.

Paired with activities for the more outdoorsy-inclined, it's the perfect blend of indulgence and sweaty fun.

Top Drops

The hills and valleys are dotted with boutique vineyards which produce rich, intense low yield fruit and scoop big awards every year.

Enjoy magnificent countryside views from the friendly cellar doors as you try hand-crafted wines paired with tasting platters; or stay a while and indulge in a long, lazy lunch.

Austin’s Wines has a superb cellar door in a converted shearing shed and hosts a variety of top chefs in rotating kitchen residencies. Lethbridge Wines is among Australia’s most environmentally sustainable vineyards and served at top restaurants across the globe. Charcuterie platters accompany their personable cellar door tasting experience at their European-inspired property.

At Clyde Park the vista across Bannockburn’s green valleys is magical. Try a guided tasting of their 5-star rated wines and wood-fired pizza while you take in the views.

All the estate grown grapes at Barwon Ridge Wines are vegan and available to try at their intimate and welcoming cellar door. It's a unique experience that feels truly off-grid.

Crafted in limited quantities Spence Wines are released with some bottle age, best-suited for cellaring and treasuring. All grapes are hand-picked and resident geese help weed the grapes during the growing season.

And then there's the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective where three award-winning wineries have joined forces to showcase the quality cool climate wine produced in this region. Head to Rowsley Fault Wines to sample their wines alongside Empire of Dirt Wines and Mulline Vintners on the first weekend of each month. Like most of the wineries in these parts, the views of the rolling hills and quiet surrounds are truly something else.

A haven for tasty treats

The Moorabool Valley is sprinkled with makers and growers, quietly cultivating delicious produce. Local restaurants embrace what’s on offer in their own backyard and you can too at the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market in Bannockburn, held on the first Saturday of each month, except January.

Don’t leave without stopping in at Moorabool Valley Chocolate – it’s a must for any sweet-tooth travellers. Let the rocky road melt in your mouth or try the chocolate fondue and sit on the deck watching the horses in the paddock.

Good grub in comfort

It wouldn’t be country-living without the creature comforts of an old school pub. Head to the townships of Meredith, Inverleigh and Batesford and you’ll find great options to settle down with a hearty pub-feed and refreshing beverage.

Top tip: It's a parmi and chips here. We'll have none of that parma business.

Cheese, festivals & natural beauty

Located roughly halfway between Geelong and Ballarat, Meredith township may have less than 1,000 residents but it’s known across the country for its festivals and cheese. Meredith is the home of the much-loved goats’ cheese (named after the town) that’s scooped up big awards and has been served in dishes at some of the best cafes and restaurants – you can try it right here in town at their cafe.

Twice a year music lovers flock to Meredith’s rolling hills to enjoy Meredith Music Festival and Golden Plains Music Festival at The Supernatural Amphitheatre, or The Sup’ as festival goers call it. These multi-day festivals have a diverse genre-crossing line up with the events so popular they often sell out through a ticket ballot system.

Be sure to take a look around this rural slice of paradise, which has two pubs, a café, servo and general store. It’s located a short 11-minute drive to the natural beauty that is the Brisbane Ranges. Meredith serves as the perfect pit stop to fuel up (you and your car) before a few hours of hiking and exploring.

Lace up

A somewhat hidden secret north-west of Lara, the Brisbane Ranges National Park is a preserved piece of wilderness and beauty, with the richest wildflower habitat on Wadawurrung Country in Victoria. The geology of the area - hills, ridges and gullies - has protected the plant life and wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, possums and gliders plus 170 species of birds have all been spotted.

There are several walks, from easy family-friendly strolls to multi-day hikes. Picnic areas abound, some with electric or BYO wood barbecues. There are campsites at Boars Gully and Fridays, some are suitable for trailers and caravans and all must be booked.