Regional Introduction

Six of the Best

Head out of town as autumn approaches and explore some of the great spots Victoria has to offer.

Licence to Distil

With its outstanding position on the lake and stunning architecture, Nagambie Brewery & Distillery has great bones for an excellent day out. Add in head brewer Jamie Chesher’s unpretentious brews and a menu of pizzas, burgers and share plates, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a delicious day trip. +nagambiebrewery.com.au

Sleepover at the Springs

It’s long been the place to soak away all your troubles, but now Peninsula Hot Springs has added luxurious couples’ glamping. Immerse yourself in the springs, have a massage then head back to your accommodation to fall into slumber. There’s also access to night-time bathing, morning yoga and the hilltop pool to watch the sun rise. +peninsulahotsprings.com

Walk in the Forest

Stretch your legs at Gippsland’s TarraBulga National Park. There’s a chance to follow a number of walking trails, but we like the Forest Track, which forms a loop from the visitor centre. Pass gullies of tree ferns and admire the cool rainforest, all while listening to the sound of the birds around you. Leave 90 minutes to cover the fourkilometre walk. +parks.vic.gov.au

Tarra-Bulga National Park

Take a Sip

Good wine is a hallmark of the Yarra Valley, but Levantine Hill Estate adds architectural brilliance to the mix. Its excellent cellar door and restaurant overlooks the vineyards, and features a series of booths set inside stunning timber ‘barrels’. Now, architecture firm Fender Katsalidis has created a landmark winery building, where guests can enjoy tastings and presentations. Levantine Hill Estate

Nagambie Brewery & Distillery

Animal Magic

The Otways is well known for its native residents, and now visitors can explore Wildlife Wonders. A conservation guide will point out koalas in treetops, kangaroos grazing near the ocean, and other animals like bandicoots and potoroos in the forest. The natural landscapes have been created by Brian Massey, who worked on the Lord of the Rings films.

+levantinehill.com.au

Gardens of Tieve Tara +wildlifewonders.org.au

As the Leaves Turn

There’s no doubt Mt Macedon is a beautiful place to visit, but during autumn the Gardens of Tieve Tara is particularly stunning, with the foliage of oaks, maples, ash and birches becoming a blaze of red, gold and orange. Stroll across the lawns, check out the seasonal colour, then lay out your picnic and relax by the lake. +gardensoftievetara.com.au