Melbourne may be home to several of Australia's hottest restaurants, with a handful picking up awards here and there on the world stage. In reality, however, it's Victoria's regional destinations that deserve praise for providing rich bountiful produce to the city's kitchens. If you're a self-confessed foodie, it's time to wander away from the city and embark on the ultimate gastronomical adventure by heading to these top regional foodie destinations.
1)
Yarra Valley: A quick one hour in the car will take you to one of Victoria's premier wine destinations but did you know the Yarra Valley is also famous for its orchards, lined with apple and cherry trees? After meandering acres of farm gates, take to the region's many wineries for a glass or two of pinot-paired with a mouth-watering dish to match. We recommend
Ezard at Levantine Hill Hill for classic European dishes or the award-winning
Yering Station for modern Australian fare with views of luscious rolling hills.
2)
Swan Hill: With a prime position on the Murray River combined with Mediterranean-like climate and countless hours of sunshine (even during winter), the Swan Hill region is the ideal area for growing warm weather crop such as seasonal stone fruit, almonds and olives. Popular brunch spot
Boo's Place Café and Provedore celebrates the best of local produce while Swan Hill icon
Spoons Riverside is an experience not to be missed – set upon an anabranch of the Murray River, Spoons Riverside offers modern Australian fare overlooking the water.
Fresh Victorian produce from the Swan Hill region
3)
Daylesford: Weekenders flock to Daylesford for its hot springs, relaxed country atmosphere as well as its foodie offerings. This popular tourist destination beckons with its many artisan bakers and provedores in addition to its restaurants celebrating produce from the Macedon Ranges. Daylesford's award-winning
Lake House restaurant has stamped this town as a popular gastronomic destination but punters should also explore other dining options such as the local produce-driven
Mercato and the chef hat-awarded
Sault.
4)
Mornington: Head south to experience some of Victoria's finest wineries, artisan producers and farm gates. If a boozy meal is your goal, choose between wood fired pizza at
Montalto or
Paringa Estate where breathtaking vineyard views meet modern European cuisine. Don't forget to gather some strawberries at Sunny Ridge and gourmet cheese at
Main Ridge Dairy before heading back to Melbourne.
5)
Great Ocean Road: Surrounded by the lush forests of the Otway Ranges, Victoria's Great Ocean Road makes for a popular route for a leisurely weekend drive. Whether you opt to frolic in the waves along Torquay's coastline before tucking into some fish and chips or head inland to admire the pastoral beauty of
Birregurra with its many farm gates, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on dining at the award-winning
Brae.
