There’s nothing quite like celebrating the highly anticipated return of spring with an epic road trip to explore the roads less travelled.
Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of Visit Wimmera Mallee to serve up the ultimate road trip inspiration. Luckily for us (and you), their new website has pinned down all the best attractions on a digital map so you can select a ready-made itinerary or create your very own bespoke road trip with just a few clicks. Keep reading for our curated list of mouth-watering feeds, Instagram-worthy sites and a towering silo art trail teamed with one-of-a-kind augmented reality, or check it out our digital map, here.
Silo Art Trail, But Not As You Know It
If you’re unfamiliar with the Silo Art Trail, it currently consists of six huge murals painted on grain silos across the Yarriambiack Shire, stretching over a whopping 200km. With the murals acting as the backdrop for a first of its kind augmented reality, the newly unveiled Visit Wimmera Mallee app will allow you to see things such as tractors, farm animals, and even campfires with smoke that lead up into the sky to reveal constellations.
With the app, you can watch the Silos come to life, telling a story around you, even featuring story-telling locals. Has there ever been a more enjoyable way to reignite your love for rural Victoria? We think not.
Fuel Up
A road trip isn’t a road trip without a few delicious pit stops. We’ve picked out the cream of the crop to make sure you can go the distance while staying well and truly satiated.
The Birchip Hotel
The Birchip Hotel is a must-visit for anyone passing or road tripping through the Wimmera region. Dating back to 1927, this striking two storey red brick building was built just 45 years after the town’s settlement. Boasting a recent renovation, the building has still maintained its 1920s interior charm and also happens to serve up a mean feed. Tuck into a locally sourced steak, a classic chicken parmigiana and even fresh seafood. The best part? You can wash it all down with an ice cold beer in their sun-soaked beer garden.
For Your Sweet Side
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat, The Dimboola Store Cafe has the answer to all of your sugary dreams, serving up wholesome food, local produce and home goods like their famous Dads Oats, Stone & Grove tea, Haven Honey and Harvest lollies. For decadent cheesecakes, make a beeline for Amber’s Sweet Bliss for a plethora of delicious home-made cheesecakes. Oh, and let’s not forget a stop at Sharp’s bakery in Birchip, for a serving of their award-winning vanilla slice.
Make A Weekend Of It
Not enough hours in the day to do it all? Never fear, as we’ve picked out the best places to rest your weary head and full bellies after a long day of exploring the wild west.
Royal Hotel Sea Lake
For the stay that has it all, Royal Hotel in Sea Lake is the perfect place for a good night's sleep and an epic feed. Boasting comfortable queen and twin rooms as well as some mouth-watering pub feeds, there’s nothing but good vibes in their sports bar and beer garden.
Yallamatta Bed & Breakfast
For the boujee bed and breakfast goer, Yallamatta B&B is your go-to. Sporting a relaxing and rural setting, this historic cottage is the perfect combination of old and new with luxury modern touches. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re completely at home.
Little Desert Nature Lodge
If you’re a natue lover, make sure to book in a stay at Little Desert Nature Lodge and discover natural gems, abundant wildlife, hidden getaways, local heritage, art galleries, quaint historic towns and indigenous history in Victoria’s very own Wild West, the Wimmera Mallee. Offering a range of accommodation types from campsites, to dorms and even ensuite rooms, it's the perfect pit stop for all kinds of holidayers.
Lake Lascelles Campground
If you’re keen to keep active, Mallee Bush Retreat to the Lake Lascelles Campground is a mecca for walkers, swimmers, boating enthusiasts and keen fishers, with beautiful clean water from the Grampians Wimmera Mallee pipeline. Providing powered campsites and a range of accommodation options, you can be sure to get bang for your buck here.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the Visit Wimmera Mallee website and start planning your adventure now.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Wimmera Mallee and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.