Feast the Basalt Plains Neil Churches
The western district of Victoria is one of the richest farming districts of the world. It’s dark volcanic soil vigorously supporting whatever grows or grazes from or on it. Those who have lived there for generations appreciate its quiet beauties. The subtle shifts of climate, the qualities of its vast cloudscapes. For the traveller, this space is easily overlooked by the larger glamours to the north and south: Gariwerd/Grampians and the Great Ocean Road. These two remarkable places are now filled by those looking to enjoy startling landscapes. The basalt plains of the western district are quieter, but equally remarkable. One of the largest volcanic fields in the world, with around 5,500 craters, from Hamilton to Mt Gambier, Ballarat to Geelong. The cuisine of this region is being remade by new artisans, working with local produce, global sensibilities, ancient techniques and recipes. It is a quiet change that matches its landscape. Feast The Basalt Plains is a new gastronomy tour that brings this landscape and cuisine to the sophisticated traveller over a four day journey. Local knowledge is shared over meals at surprising locations. from the small wildernesses of remnant dry rainforests to wool-sheds. However, it is not all eating and drinking fabulous fare r. First, work up an appetite. Walk across native grass fields to stunning crater lakes. Climb a forested cinder cone to count how many other sleeping volcanoes can be seen in any direction. Promenade the European gardens of the local palaces built by squatters off the sheep’s back.
82 | Hepburn
