THE SURLY GOAT 

This is a hospo workers dream restaurant. A place where Dave Willcocks and Vanessa, along with staff, serve, I think, the most consistent, tasty food and drink in the region. To get the very best experience, sit at the bar and eat whatever they give you. 

3 Tenth St, Hepburn Springs 

MUSK LANE WINERY 

Brendan is a ripper winemaker and an all-round good bloke. Hang out in his laneway wine bar, have a chat and chill out in a super relaxed environment. He makes all his wine on premise, and it’s very smashable. 

1 Turner’s La, Kyneton 

THE MILL, CASTLEMAINE 

Easy to spend a day here, knife makers, cheese makers, chocolatiers, coffee roaster, wine/ beer makers, and artists. A shared space where passionate people get together and create. Not to mention Das Kaffeehaus, the best Viennese cafe and restaurant you will find. A hot tip is to try the cheese kransky with all the trimmings and a side of spätzle! 

The Vintage Bazaar is an excellent place to go back in time and find that 70s fondue set. 

1/9 Walker St, Castlemaine 

EASTERN PEAKE WINERY 

Head out to Coghills Creek and stop at this fantastic family run winery. You’ll most likely see Owen or his father Norman making amazing wines, and they are always up for a good chat. There’s a new cellar door too. 

67 Pickfords Rd, Coghills Creek

LE PÊCHE GOURMAND 

Normally after a morning mushroom hunt, I will find myself stopping at this fantastic French patisserie. The pastries are the closest, if not the same as in France. Paul and Marie are a hardworking couple who know how to make pastries. 

73 Albert St, Creswick 

WARRAL MALDON 

Fifth-generation honey farmers and these guys are seriously passionate, and the proof is in the taste. A lovely place to visit and grab local honey. Stop on your way home at Le Sel, a French cafe on Main Street. Grab some soft chèvre cheese, a French baguette and throw some honey on it. 

35 Boundary Rd, Maldon 

TUKI

Want to teach your kids where food comes from? Grab a rod, throw a line in, and you’ll be sure to catch a trout. They will cook it up for you right there or you can take it home. Passionate owners Rob and Jan will talk all things local, and you can wander the farm and even stay the night. 

60 Stoney Rises Rd, Smeaton