Three ways to explore the natural beauty of Murrindindi Shire this autumn

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

Proclaimed as Melbourne’s closest natural playground, Murrindindi Shire’s rich landscape is made up of lush national parks and state forests, the iconic Lake Eildon, Lake Mountain and the Goulburn River, as well as some pretty darn awe-inspiring locations right on the city’s doorstep. The gateway to the High Country, the region’s natural beauty is vast and varied – from the Goulburn River flats to the rugged peaks and cool-climate rainforests of the Great Dividing Range.

The Aboriginal word for Murrindindi translates to mountainous, misty place. This in itself should be cause enough to lure in the discerning nature lover. Imagine then such a mountainous place during autumn, where the trees are boasting leaves of auburn, yellow and brown, and the rolling vistas are cast against a temperate background.

While the region’s natural wonders are worthy of exploration any old time of year, there’s no denying that autumn is especially special in Murrindindi. Tree-lined streets in the towns and villages are resplendent with stunning deciduous trees, and many of the highways that connect the townships feature historic plantings of poplars, oak and maple trees

So if you’ve got a few days, a weekend, or even a day to spare, then Murrindindi Shire should be on your autumn to-do. Here’s three ways you’ll be able to tour the region once you’re there as you discover all the hidden beauty for yourself.

Drive

Black SpurThe historic and quaint township of Yea is one of Murrindindi Shire’s most-loved and boasts historic buildings, a thriving main street and a strong arts culture. It’s also a key town on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. With a range of award-winning restaurants, wineries and accommodation options on offer, you can start your journey in Yea and reap the benefits of a gorgeous scenic drive while you’re at it – exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Yea Wetlands as well as the historic sites.

Yea is adjoined by a series of hamlets including Glenburn, Murrindindi, Limestone, Highlands, Strath Creek, Kerrisdale, and Flowerdale, each with their own distinct natural charms and landmarks – making the town the perfect base for a weekend of exploration.

Can only afford a one-day road trip? We get you. The cruise along the Maroondah Highway from Alexandra to Marysville offers the perfect scenic Sunday drive. You’ll pass by stately country estates with the imposing Cathedral Ranges, and the Gould Memorial Drive is a most impressive gateway to Marysville with its avenue of brilliant yellow poplars. Both Alexandra and Marysville also offer great dining options, and local produce stores, breweries and cellar doors along the route feature the best of Murrindindi’s autumn harvest so you can stock up for the trip back and the week ahead!

Another option if travelling from Melbourne is to start or finish your journey by cruising along the Black Spur Drive and enjoying views of the tall mountain ash and lush green tree ferns that the region is known for.

Walk

Rubicon Trestle BridgeIf you prefer to feel the earth move under your feet, Murrindindi’s cool, misty mornings and mild, sunny days are perfect for gentle riverside rambles, day treks through the rolling hills or more challenging overnight hikes.

Don your hiking boots and wander through historic locations and villages such as Yea and Alexandra; discover the beauty of ancient forests at the likes of the Toolangi Tanglefoot Loop; explore the many majestic waterfalls dotted throughout the shire and the lush fern gullies in the Yarra Ranges National Park and Marysville State Forest or; hike to the Lake Mountain Summit for spectacular mountain views.

If you’ve got young ones in tow, the Beauty Spot Nature Trail at Marysville is a good option, showcasing some of Marysville’s most beautiful flora and fauna – including an abundance of birdlife – as is the Eildon Pondage Walk.

Ride

Lake MountainFor the avid cyclists, Murrindindi Shire also offers some fab autumn cycling experiences. For family-friendly riding, jump on the Great Victorian Rail Trail running from Tallarook, through Yea and Yarck, with a spur line to Alexandra, and all the way to Mansfield. Pack a picnic lunch, admire the natural wonders and seasonal colours along the route, and make a day of it!

If you want to get your heart rate up, the region has some of the best cycling trails and mountain bike tracks in the North East region – and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the smooth flowing trails at Eildon, Buxton and Lake Mountain.

 


THE DETAILS

WHAT: Murrindindi Shire in autumn
FIND OUT MORE: discoverdindi.com.au

We wish to acknowledge the Taungurung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

A new season long festival of food, wine, art and adventure is launching in the Pyrenees

Words by Richard Cornish 
Images Supplied

It stands almost 20 metres high, has razor-sharp talons, a flesh piercing beak and has eyes that glow in the dark. The Barking Owl mural by renowned artist Jimmi Buscombe covers the north side of a steel grain silo at the historic Avoca Train Station and will be officially opened to the public at a stunning outdoor concert held onsite on Saturday, April 2.

Called ‘Silobration Under the Stars’ it will be one of the biggest outdoor events in regional Victoria this season.

“We have this outdoor celebration of this magnificent piece of silo art,” says organiser Hugh Forster.

‘Silobration Under the Stars’ starts at 4pm with local acts followed by headline acts featuring the powerful vocals of Jimmy Cupples and his band, the bad boys of 90s rock The Badloves and then the sultry and soulful sound of Kate Ceberano.

Silobration Under the Stars sees this historic site turned into a one-night celebration with food trucks and Pyrenees wineries pouring their wines at popup bars.

This is part of a raft of outdoor events and adventures called Play in the Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees is a stunning region west of Ballarat and covers forest, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, historic towns, rolling farmland and scores of small and medium wineries.

One of the big events is the end of vintage winemakers’ celebrations held on Saturday, April 9 on the banks of the Avoca River at Avoca from 11am-5pm. Called ‘Pyrenees Unearthed’, this wine and food festival sees the best of the region’s winemakers pouring their latest and favourite wines all day long with plenty of great plates from a curated collection of food trucks. Together with bands, children’s activities and non-alcoholic drinks this is a popular day for families. Held all day under the shade of the ancient river gums in the middle of this beautiful historic town, ‘Pyrenees Unearthed’ has become a regional icon.

On Friday 18 March, ‘Beaufort by Twilight’ will see the whole town brought to life with music and circus performances, kids’ activities and late-night trading. Come along and see what Beaufort has to offer from its main street to an art gallery at the old railway station, and a pop-up venue in a 1950s service station.

The region’s wineries are also celebrating the season and outdoor lifestyle with a series of music and art events. Taltarni in the hills outside historic Moonambel has artist Dawn Lim teaching painting in their vineyards on Sat March 5, vocalist Riley Mason singing on Sat March 26 and cabaret performer Aimee Brulee performing renditions of classics and her own compositions on Sat April 23. Meanwhile at Dalwhinnie Wines in Avoca, singer Laura Fitzgibbon will be performing her hauntingly beautiful music on the deck overlooking the ranges on Sun April 3, and Pyrenees legends Cal & Pickles will have you swaying on Easter Saturday, April 16.

In Beaufort at the southern end of the Pyrenees Ranges, a little old 1950s servo is being transformed into a shrine to the inventor of Australia’s black breakfast spread. The ‘Cyril Callister Pop Up Museum’ celebrates the ingenuity of this locally born man who not only invented Vegemite, but who changed the way we see nutrition in Australia. It is held on the fourth weekend of every month.

Another great adventure in The Pyrenees this autumn is ‘Bob Jenyns on the Lawn’ at Mrs Baker’s Still House at Glennpatrick. Three of the late artist and sculptor Bon Jenyns’ oversized ‘Meccano’ sculptures have been loaned to Mrs Baker’s Still House for several weeks for visitors to enjoy their beauty, ingenuity and artful, almost cheeky playfulness including a ‘Meccano’ jet and ship. That art of playfulness continues in the cosy cellar door where Mrs Baker serves up a $15 tasting tray of small serves of her five gins, three liqueurs and her vodka along with a range of garnishes from her garden and mixers.

Then there are the 4WD tracks of the Pyrenees to explore. Consider doing it within an exciting two-day self-guided navigation event in the Pyrenees Range and Mount Cole State Forests for a driver and navigator (more if you like) who love the environment, history, culture and the places a well-equipped 4WD can get them. Check out the ‘Harrison’s Navrun 4WD Challenge’ on March 18-19.

Or else just pack a picnic and head to the beautiful Pyrenees this Autumn. Unfurl your rug by the banks of the Avoca River or sit in the shade of the Chinese Pavilion in the stunning Avoca Chinese Gardens. Lunch under an ancient elm and enjoy the tranquil waters of Lake Beaufort. Take the scenic Ferntree Gully Road in Mount Buangor State Park to the aptly named Ferntree Falls Picnic ground. There are scores of beautiful places to picnic in the Pyrenees, the most popular listed on the Visit Pyrenees website. Bring your own picnic or order a picnic from local businesses listed on the website below.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Play in the Pyrenees
MORE INFO: playinthepyrenees.com.au

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

An endless field of sunflowers is about to bloom just outside of Ballarat

Sunflower season is almost upon us, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to put on your Birkenstocks and get down to Dunnstown Farm for a new instagram picture (and to pick a flower or two).

The family-owned farm has announced that in a week or so the field will be ablaze with the canary yellow flowers just waiting to be photographed, picked and frolicked amongst.

England-born, Ballarat local Laiken Britt transformed what was once a dry 15-acre field at the “dodgy end” of their farm into a 200,000-strong sunflower paradise, which has been serving Melbournian’s a whimsical, cottagecore day out for several years now. Take a gander through their Instagram and you’ll see just how much joy these sunflowers have spread.

For Britt, it started with the simple desire to “do something pretty” on the farm and pay homage to her childhood drives through the sunflower fields in France. Now, she explains, “it’s just the best thing ever. Little kids are running around saying they’re having the best day. We call it our slice of paradise.”

Entry is a very respectable $5 and each stem you pick is $2. There’s a coffee cart to stay energised, plenty of space to put your picnic rug, bay bales to pile onto and best of all, no time limit.

Just like all good things, sunflowers don’t last forever so make sure you get down before they say farewell around early-March.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Dunnstown Sunflower Farm
WHERE:  420 Navigator-Dunnstown Rd, Dunnstown
WHEN: Mid February, 2022 (any day now really)
MORE INFO: Dunnstown Sunflower Farm

Gippsland’s Creative Harvest festival January 2022 – growing from strength to strength

Words by Amanda Kennedy
Images Supplied

Did you buy some indoor plants over the last couple of years? Maybe you planted out a window box with a few herbs for your pandemic cooking sessions?  Perhaps you got the kids out into the backyard and started a no-dig garden. Not for nothing, did garden centres sell out of seedling and potting mix in early 2020.

The Covid pandemic has highlighted the tenuous nature of our food systems, prompting many people to invest in growing some of their own food. Whether your harvest was small or grand, there’s no denying the simple joy of eating something you’ve grown.

If that has left you hungry for more, Creative Harvest Festival (January 22nd  & 23rd ) could be the weekend event you’re looking for. Now in its fifth year, the group behind the event – Baw Baw Sustainability Network – are hoping to top last year’s record-breaking number of attendees, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to get you there.

There are 15 gardens open to visitors, from small suburban backyards to larger family-run farms. But it’s not all about growing your own food. The weekend also brings together more than 30 local artists and producers across a number of locations, showcasing their work and practice. Because as we also all learnt over the last couple of years to tap into our own creativity, when we’re not buried under the day-to-day busyness of commuting, working and socialising.


Creative HarvestGIVEAWAY

To celebrate the launch of Creative Harvest 2022 – the first weekend pass ticket purchases, will receive a tote bag designed by Helen Timbury Design valued at $30.

 


Creative Harvest Committee Chair, Wendy Savage sums things up perfectly.

Making our event more accessible to broader communities is a celebration of connectedness and creativity in all forms. It is fundamental to our wellbeing, especially in these uncertain times, and it is wonderful to see how a day out in the garden can inspire and create positive change.

So, here’s a taste of just some of the growers, makers and producers featured across the weekend.

  • AgriSolutions will be on hand to help gardeners get the most out of their soil and composting with their targeted approach to soil health management.
  • Join Come Fly With Me Beekeeping with their hives at Green Hills Farm in Yarragon South and learn what bee colonies have to teach us if only we pay attention.
  • Green Hills Farm produces grass-fed beef and garlic, as well as an orchard and vegetable plot that supplies local cafes & restaurants.
  • Based at the Butler Garden in Warragul, print-maker Helen Timbury will be displaying her work which celebrates the Australian landscape in all its wild, natural beauty.
  • Paul Stafford, self-taught tree craver and chainsaw sculptor will be on hand at Paul & Maureen’s Patch in Warragul, along with Kouark Wines and their wild-ferment pinot noir.
  • In Neerim South, you’ll find Kay Lancashire and her permaculture garden creating all manner of jewellery and wearable art, inspired by the natural shapes and textures she finds in her garden.

Children 17 and under are free and what better way to encourage the next generation of gardeners to get their hands dirty. There are plenty of treats and refreshments to keep you going throughout the day.


THE DETAILS

WHAT: Creative Harvest
WHERE: Various locations across West Gippsland
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday 22-23 January 10am-4pm
MORE INFO: creativeharvest.org.au

We wish to acknowledge the Bunurong and Gunaikurnai people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Six secluded picnic areas for your post-iso getaway

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images Supplied

As the end of lockdown approaches and our love of the humble picnic reaches its triumphant peak, we have taken it upon ourselves to round up some of the lesser known picnic areas you can unfurl your rug on once restrictions ease. Here are six spots to soak up the spring air, munch on cheese and biscuits and enjoy your newfound freedom.

Sanatorium Lake
Mount Macedon #onehourout

Untarnished bush land, a bright shimmering lake, and ample space to spread out, Sanatorium Lake is a hidden gem within the Macedon Ranges for picnics, nature walks and wildlife watching. A man-made lake originally constructed for a nearby hospital (which was actually never built), the lake is now shrouded by towering eucalypts and a wet fern gully that gives it a fairytale feel. Thanks to the picnic facilities and public toilets nearby, you could practically stay all day.

Check out the facilities here

Mount Franklin Reserve
Hepburn Springs #onehourout

Fancy picnicking in a volcanic crater? Here’s your chance. Deeply sacred to the traditional owners the Djara Wurrung people, Mount Franklin Reserve is one of the more unique locations to enjoy a day on the green. In spite of it’s proximity to Melbourne, this spot is still off the beaten track and mostly enjoys the company of resident kangaroos and wallabies. If you’re lucky, you may get to meet a few while you enjoy some nibbles.

Click here for more info

Kennett River
Great Ocean Road #twohoursout

On the banks of the Kennett River lies this idyllic picnic spot just a stones throw away a rainforest walk, a pristine beachfront and best of all, glow worms! Sit amongst the leafy reserve, drink a kombucha and keep an eye on the eucalypts for koalas in the daytime, and if you’re feeling up for a nighttime adventure, look out for the glow worms on the embankment near the bridge. The perfect day out.

Tips for how to get there

Blue Rock Lake
Moe #twohoursout

One of the larger picnic spots on this list, Blue Rock Lake is the family’s dream locale. There’s plenty of wide open grassland for the kids to run around, water sport access (we’re talking kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating) and oodles of shady spots to take refuge in and crack open a cold one. If you happen to catch an Australian Bass, you may even be able to cook it up at one of the BBQ’s dotted around the place. Delish.

Find out more here

Dunkeld Arboretum
Dunkeld #threehoursout

Find your inner peace at Dunkeld Arboretum, the botanic garden overflowing with giant red gums, birdlife and picturesque viewpoints to settle for a few hours. The arboretum is centred around a pristine lake and features walking trails, a jetty to while away the time and even a labyrinth for walking meditation! We recommend bringing a rug and picnic kit, as there are no tables here just yet.

Click here for more

Lions Park
Lakes Entrance #threehoursout

For the lovers of a salty breeze, Lions Park along Eastern Beach Road could be the ultimate picnic spot. With the ocean in front and parkland all around, good views abound – which we all know make the picnic a whole lot sweeter. The park itself features a playground (with a built-in trampoline!), picnic tables and toilet facilities. Once you’ve finished picnicking, wander through the boardwalks and sand dunes and brave a dip in the ocean.

More information here

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Kristen Proud shares how her bookstore sheds warmth amidst the crisis

Words by Della Vreeland
Images supplied

Kristen Proud had just completed Grade 4 when she learned how to read.

‘I come from quite a tumultuous background, so I moved schools eight times in primary school,’ the bibliophile says. ‘That meant the schools and teachers couldn’t support my learning.’

While Kristen didn’t learn to read adequately until later in primary school, it didn’t wane her desire to open a bookstore when she grew older. But it wasn’t until four and a half years ago that her dream was finally fulfilled.

Driving along Kyneton’s High Street (while on maternity leave), she and her partner saw an empty shopfront and jokingly remarked that maybe it was time to open up shop. ‘We joke now that if I hadn’t been so sleep deprived it probably would never have happened,’ Kristen laughs.

And so it was, after the birth of her daughter Vega, that Squishy Minnie was also born. Located in the heart of Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges, the indie bookstore conjures up feelings of warmth, community, nostalgia and connection.

Kristen says one of her venture’s primary aims is to connect with individual hearts through the power of stories.

‘Stories connect us and reflect ourselves, but also they help us understand other people’s experiences,’ she says.

‘Regional people, in particular young people, don’t have as much access to literature to have that connection with books. So they might be coming to Squishy Minnie and going through the books like a library, or we might have authors come to the store because they want to share their love (of books).

I want for young people and kids to have access to literary events and leave here feeling nourished.

Kristen says she hopes young people will also be inspired by her own story, and realise you don’t need to be an advanced reader to lead an enriched life. Immersing herself in The Baby-Sitters Club and books from the likes of John Marsden at a young age, she says there were specific authors that particularly resonated with her and helped form her passion for books.

‘Life wasn’t easy as a teenager, so I found solace in John Marsden and other young adult novels. I felt like I was being heard and seen.’

Growing up under difficult circumstances, Kristen affirms her testing life imbued in her the capacity to overcome difficulties.

For this reason, she believes she was able to efficiently navigate through the trials of running a business during a global health pandemic. With a Masters in Public Health, Kristen made the decision to close Squishy Minnie early last year – before the effects of COVID were fully realised in Australia.

‘I was hearing things from our friends overseas and waiting for our government to do something and they didn’t,’ she recalls. ‘It was March during one of our Storytime sessions, which are always very busy, and I was watching the kids touch the books and thought, if anyone in this room had COVID, we would all contract it.

‘We made a decision to close early and I was sick to the stomach about it. I had this sense that people would think I was crazy and fear mongering.’

While the shop closed its doors to the public, Kristen swiftly implemented a number of tactics in order to maintain connection with community. Online shopping was further promoted, book clubs moved to an online platform, and Storytime was also hosted online by her much-loved partner Lucky – attracting up to 200 people every week.

‘I think if you are in the face of adversity, you just think, how do you move through that or around it,’ she says.

That being said, the COVID lockdowns still had a severe impact on business, especially since the shop’s main visitation was from regional Victoria.

‘This year has been particularly hard because people from regional Victoria haven’t been able to come and pick up their books, which has been particularly disastrous,’ she says. ‘We sold more online that I thought we would, but still made a huge loss.

‘The nature of our business is that it’s very tactile. We want people touching books and opening them up and looking at them, and we’ve spent years telling our customers that they can do that. So then to retract that is hard.’

Having lived in Kyneton for about eight years, Kristen firmly believes the town’s strong sense of community is one of its most alluring attributes.

Makes sense then, that her bookstore too strives to bring people together under the banner of community. COVID or not, this will always be the case.

‘People here care about their neighbours and it’s hard to quantify, but it makes life warm and rich,’ she says.

‘We are taking it one day at a time and thinking a lot about what young people are going to need moving forward and how stories or books might play a role in that.

‘For us it’s not really about selling books, but really about being a community space which celebrates literature.’


THE DETAILS

WHAT: Squishy Minnie Bookstore
WHERE: 6 High Street, Kyneton
FIND OUT MORE: squishyminnie.com.au

We wish to acknowledge the Taungurung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

An exploration of the towns and villages in the Grampians

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

Grampians Road Trip

The Grampians. The region most commonly identified by its majestic mountain ranges, ancient landmarks, awe-inspiring views, and lush Australian surrounds.

What people may not know, however, is that this western Victorian region extends beyond simply the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and all its natural glory.

Referring to an entire municipality, the Grampians encapsulates tens of towns and villages that when combined create one of the state’s most striking tourist destinations.

Some well regarded, others unassuming, here is a list of some Grampians villages worth exploring upon your next visit to the region.

Pomonal

Pomonal EstateWalking trails, historic tunnels, a monthly market and its very own hub of producers, Pomonal prides itself on its true village feel.

Home to Pomonal Estate (a winery, microbrewery, cider house, cafe and accommodation space!) as well as producers Red Rock Olives and Five Ducks Farm, the town is located in the eastern Grampians and places huge emphasis on culture and community.

 

 

Wild Flowers GrampiansFamous for its native flowers and orchids, Pomonal is all about celebrating natural beauty. Make sure to visit during the springtime and check out the annual Native Flower Show which showcases the town in all its glory. Looking for somewhere to camp? The nearby Kalymna Falls Campground is a highly-rated hideaway, positioned in a secluded setting with peaceful surrounds and bush toilet to boot!

Willaura

Grampians BakeryAlso located in the eastern Grampians, Willaura is a picturesque town only 15 minutes from the city of Ararat. The quaint village boasts its very own bakery, housed in an historic shopfront along the main drag. Pastries aside, Willaura Bakery is a tourist destination in and of itself, especially since it’s the oldest continuous running bakery in Victoria. Charming, inviting, and with passionate staff, the shop is a bang-on reflection of the community’s inherent spirit.

Moyston

https://www.facebook.com/moystongeneralstoreThe birthplace of the AFL, Moyston is a perfect stopping point between Ararat and Halls Gap. Dubbed as a tiny town with a huge heart, it is home to the Moyston General Store – a licensed cafe with great food and coffee, and a strong Persian influence. If you are passing through, also make sure to drop into Clayfield Wines, where you’re bound to receive a personal interaction with the vigneron himself, Simon Clayfield.

Halls Gap

Halls Gaps Waterfalls, walking trails, lookouts, a zoo, cafes, restaurants and a delectable ice-creamery – Halls Gap has everything going for it and more! As the tourist hub of the Grampians, the village is nestled in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and has an experience to suit everyone. For avid recreational types, there’s a number of lakes including Lakes Bellfield, Lonsdale, Fyans and Wartook, perfect for a canoe, fish, swim or for birdwatching. For those seeking adventure, opportunities abound with rock-climbing, abseiling, 4 x 4 driving and quad biking.

 

The GrampiansSpend your days exploring the rugged terrain, admiring the stunning views and interacting with the wildlife. While away your evenings perusing the restaurants and indulging at your unique accommodation. However you plan your itinerary, one thing’s for sure – this small village will have you wrapped around its almighty finger.

Dunkeld

Hotel GrampiansHome to one of Australia’s best dining destinations – Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel – Dunkeld is one of the most charming towns in the Grampians region. Dining at Wickens features an inspired degustation feast created by Executive Chef Robin Wickens, using seasonal produce that has been sourced from the hotel’s own garden. After your meal, settle into the hotel’s luxury accommodation space and truly absorb the natural beauty that surrounds.

Situated at the foot of Mount Surgeon, Dunkeld’s stunning vista is another of its drawcards. Further characterised by its quaint main street, trendy art spaces and peaceful environment, the town truly is a haven of tranquility.

Cavendish

Grampians PubKnown for its culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical landmarks, and sweeping views, this centre of serenity is another Grampians must-see.

Special spots include the Bunyip Hotel – a classic pub with a constantly changing menu of locally-sourced grub, The Bridge Cafe – renowned for its homemade Bridge Sausage Rolls, as well as the Settler’s Walk – an historic and peaceful walk that not only gives you a glimpse into Cavendish’s past but also immerses you in the natural beauty of the present.

 


Halls GapNo matter which Grampians hamlet you choose to visit, you’re sure to be confronted by a recurring theme – yes, the towns are small geographically speaking, but they all have a helluva lot going for them. Nature’s gifts, local produce, historic buildings, charming cafes, outdoor adventures – all situated amongst the picturesque backdrop that the Grampians provides.

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Vibrant lifestyle precinct to open in the historic Goods Shed, Ballarat

Images Supplied

Just weeks after being crowned Victoria’s Top Tourism Town 2021, the news is out that Ballarat will be home to a major new retail, hospitality and entertainment precinct, The Goods Shed.

Opening in October this year, the project is a substantial redevelopment of heritage-listed goods shed adjacent to Ballarat Train Station and will see a variety of spaces for eateries and local retailers open up, as well as a Convention centre, outdoor plaza and even a Quest hotel, making it the perfect spot for a weekend hangout.

The restoration and revival is being championed by revered building group Pellicano in partnership with Atlantic Group, who have set the intention of creating a warm, thriving hospitality and lifestyle hub. An all-day cafe featuring fresh, local produce is set to star, as well as an Asian grab-and-go kiosk for dumplings and more, while a local brewery and gin offering – Melbourne’s Little Lon bar – will be serving drinks into the night.

Punters who fancy more than just filling their bellies can pop down to the state-of-the-art theatrette for a local play, TED Talk, independent movie screening or conference, or soak up the thriving scene in the landscaped community and events plaza. While the collection of private events spaces curated by Atlantic Group are aimed at weddings, corporate events, social gatherings and parties, if their previous spaces are anything to go by, these venues are going to look amazing.

The Goods Shed Ballarat has been made possible with a $28 million Victorian Government investment in the Ballarat Station Precinct Redevelopment, and from what we can see, it’s going to pay off.


THE DETAILS
WHAT: The Goods Shed
WHERE: Corner Lydiard Street North and Nolan Street, Ballarat
WHEN: October 2021
MORE INFO: The Goods Shed

Grampians Road Trip with Tim Bone

Like many Victorians, Tim Bone’s (Masterchef 2019) first experience of the Grampians was campfire songs and orienteering at school camp.

There is so much more to explore in this region which is rich in wildlife, indigenous history and fantastic food and wine. So we thought it would be fun to send Tim back out on a Grampians road trip to rediscover the region with fresh eyes.

 


PLAN YOUR OWN GRAMPIANS ROAD TRIP