Taste of the Regions

Saltbush Kitchen

Next time you head out of Melbourne, don’t forget to pack an esky. This is your chance to return with the best produce in Victoria.

From farm gates with honesty boxes to artisan manufacturers making gold from local produce, the regions are filled with examples of what can only be described as good taste. Here are a few suggestions on where to find them.

Native Flavour

Keen to deepen her connection to Australia, Brigid Corcoran began experimenting with the flavours of bushfoods. Now, she works with local farmers to create small-batch products in Buninyong, near Ballarat, for Saltbush Kitchen. Transform your cooking by using its spices, salts and spice rubs made using ingredients like lemon myrtle, peppermint gum, mountain pepper and wattle seed.

saltbushkitchen.com.au Creamy Goodness

She’s a dairy farmer’s daughter, so perhaps it was in her blood. When Monica Cavarsan visited France, she tasted cultured butter that was just like the sort her mum used to make. It was the impetus she needed to start Bellarine Peninsula’s Lard Ass Butter. Now, Monica and her team use cream from the Western District and salt from Mount Zero to create a butter that is, well, better. +lardass.com.au

Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op Emily Godfrey

Fruit Flair

At Five Ducks Farm in the Grampians, there are citrus and fig trees, berry canes, and an orchard of pears and apples. That’s a lot of organic fruit. To ensure none goes to waste, Anita and Andy Evans make a range of preserves, jams, jellies and chutneys. At the farm gate, stock the pantry, buy fresh eggs and purchase fruit and berries when in season. +fiveducksfarm.com.au

From the Sea

Any trip along the Great Ocean Road should include a stop at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op. It’s set on the region’s last working fishing harbour, which means everything is fresh off the boat. Famous for its southern rock lobster, the co-op also offers prawns, fresh abalone, scallops and fish from Bass Strait. +apollobayfishcoop.com.au

Farm Fresh

Three generations of the Bisognin family are involved on the Gippsland farm at Bassine Specialty Cheeses. With milk sourced directly from their own herd of Holstein cows, the family makes brie, camembert, ricotta, gouda and other cheese varieties. Visit the cafe on the farm to taste the wares – there are also scones with jam and farm cream – then stock up in the shop. +bassinespecialtycheeses.com.au

Gippsland Greats

Metung Hotel Rob Blackburn

Follow the Great Alpine Road to discover the best of Gippsland: the glistening coastline, fertile farmlands and incomparable system of lakes.

Its full distance stretches more than 300 kilometres from the popular Gippsland Lakes village of Metung to Bright in the High Country. But if you want to explore the best of Gippsland, focus on the Metung to Omeo segment of the Great Alpine Road, taking side trips to investigate whatever else piques your interest.

Life By the Lakes

The cluster of sleepy villages on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes at the start of your road trip are a water lovers’ paradise, with plenty of opportunity for kayak, SUP or fishing adventures. Nature lovers can take the free ferry from Paynesville to Raymond Island to spot koalas just hanging out, and a boat cruise from Lakes Entrance to see dolphins, seals and plenty of sea birds. Or simply kick back at the renowned Metung Hotel for lunch overlooking Bancroft Bay.

It’s So Fresh

The eating and drinking scene in this part of Gippsland has flourished. One great reason to come here is to dine at Mark Briggs’ Sardine Cantina in Paynesville, where, unsurprisingly, local seafood is a specialty. Not far up the Great Alpine Road is Ensay Winery. Visit the rammed-earth cellar door to try its shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay. At Tongio, stop at Nullamunjie, where the olives grown and pressed on site become part of the menu at its Pressing Shed Cafe and Restaurant.

In the Hills

You’re heading towards the High Country here, and the landscape is lush and rolling. At this time of year, some of the trees will be changing colour to create a brilliant autumnal palette. The next stop on the Great Alpine Road is the former goldmining town of Omeo, where you can check out the Cassilis historical area, which was once among the richest gold fields in Victoria. Hope you packed the bikes. Omeo also has a world-class pump track where MTB riders can perfect their skills.

+visitgippsland.com.au