Take the Tasty Route

When you head out of the city, the stars of the regional show are often the incredible producers, makers and chefs you discover along the way. Here, we follow four food trails.

Our Food Bowl

Its fertile soils and bright sunshine make the Murray River region one of the finest places to grow produce. Satisfy all kinds of appetites when you spend a few days there and explore the Murray River Farm Gate Trail. Cheese, olive oil, garlic, vegetables, fruit, beef and wine are all part of its edible bounty. Stop at the Cheeky Grog Co to taste the cider or head to Cactus Country for something different. Explore the gardens with more than 4,000 species of succulents then try a piece of cactus cake or scoop of cactus ice-cream in the cafe. +visitthemurray.com.au

Bet on Beer

There’s no denying that in the past decade or so craft beer has become a big deal. If you want to add some microbrewery magic to your next trip to Bendigo, follow the Goldfields Ale Trail. You’ll soon be sipping on pale ale at Palling Bros Brewery in Heathcote, exploring the selection at Bendigo’s Handle Bar or sampling the latest sour while watching a band at Cornella Brewery. +bendigoregion.com.au

Coast with the Most

Sunny summer days are perfect for making your way along the Bellarine Taste Trail. Whether your tastes run to mussels straight from the sea or a juicy pinot noir you’ll be able to sate them. See how olives are grown and taste the gold they produce at Manzanillo Grove, stock the cupboard at Wildings Pantry Essentials then settle in for a sunset treat and fine seafood meal at On the Heads. +thebellarinetastetrail.com.au

Only the Best

When a region is known for its amazing diversity of gourmet experiences it can be hard to know where to start. Which is why the Food Worth the Road Trip itinerary, put together for Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, is so helpful. It’s a list of the best of everything in 10 categories, from all-day breakfasts to bubbly. And since we often find ourselves hankering for cheese, we’ll definitely be taking the tip to visit Winespeake. +daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au

Cornella Brewery

Bellarine Taste Trail Bistro Terrior, Daylesford Chris Turner

Cactus Country Robert Blackburn