Ready to swap city crowds for cellar doors, paddock-to-plate feasts and fresh country air? Just 60 minutes north of Melbourne, the Goulburn Region is serving up some seriously impressive eats.
Think golden Tooborac pies, winery hopping and woodfired pizzas in the garden. You’ll find luxe long lunches at Mitchelton Estate, vanilla slices in Tatura, and local gems from Kilmore to Shepparton. And between bites, we’re spotlighting the region’s best nature spots, perfect for riverside strolls, scenic lookouts and unplugged moments in the open air.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, do yourself a favour and make a weekend of it. With so much to see within an easy drive from Melbourne, your travel buddies and your taste buds won’t regret it.
The Brewers Table, Seymour
You’ve just arrived from Melbourne, and the first priority is obvious—find good coffee, stat. Look no further than The Brewers Table in the centre of Seymour, set in an old, historic building straight out of the Gold Rush. Grab some goodies to go and head 5 minutes down the road to the Goulburn River Walking Trail, the perfect spot for some bushwalking—or just a scenic spot to inhale your pastry.
The Meat Room, Kilmore East
Stop by The Meat Room, home to artisan butchers and salami makers who are experts in their craft. Their providore is a treasure trove of gourmet finds—think premium cuts, local wine and cheese, small-batch olive oil and freshly baked sourdough. Whatever you do, don’t even think about leaving here without trying their award-winning salami. Hot tip: the fennel is a must.
Nuzza, Kilmore
Sitting pretty on Kilmore’s Sydney Street is another must-try spot where sleek interiors meet a cosy, welcoming vibe. Local duo Brigid and Xavier have crafted a seasonal menu which covers all bases, with handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas, fresh seafood, and share plates perfect for washing down with a glass of wine. Make sure you order a serve of the handmade tiramisu, which is generous enough to share but recommended not to.
Tooborac Pub, Tooborac
Keen to get off the beaten track? Take a drive out to the Tooborac Pub, home to a fan-favourite beef and shiraz pie that’s an experience in itself. The journey will have you winding through Pyalong, where the rolling rocks make you feel like you’ve landed somewhere else entirely. Keep your eyes out along the way—you’ll often spot emus and kangaroos grazing in the paddocks as the cherry on top of a quintessentially Aussie outing.
Tahbilk, Mitchelton & Fowles Wineries
If you’ve come to this region in search of wine, then we promise this is the place for you. Hit the trifecta with Tahbilk, Mitchelton and Fowles wineries all within proximity of one another, making for the perfect winery day out. Start at Tahbilk, the oldest family-owned vineyard in Victoria, to taste their famous Marsanne, grown on some of the oldest vines of this varietal in the world.
Next up, stop in for lunch at The Muse on site at Mitchelton Winery for an elegant yet rustic display of local ingredients. A creamy pea risotto with sugar snap peas, parmesan and ricotta paired with a glass of Mitchelton Estate Rose? Perfect.
After lunch, make your way to the Fowles cellar door and be guided through a tasting of delicious, award-winning, locally produced wines with a story behind every drop. Leave with a bottle of the Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Pinot Noir, and thank us later.
Bank Street Pizza, Avenel
Small but mighty, the tiny town of Avenel is home to the perfect spot to while away the afternoon with good company, a bottle of wine and a woodfired pizza or three.
Set yourself up in the stunning garden out back and choose from their menu of unique, lovingly crafted pizzas topped with locally sourced ingredients. The Little Hottie speaks for itself with hot sopressa, fresh chilli and red peppers, or if you’re up for something different, try the Wally with roast Italian porchetta, marinated artichoke and apple sauce.
The Wine List, Euroa
The mother-daughter duo behind boutique wine store and bar The Wine List are passionate about championing local and providing an experience that oozes with family charm. The shelves are stacked with carefully curated drops from local faves to small-batch spirits, making this the kind of place where you pop in for a glass and stay for a bottle. Great conversation, warm hospitality and a sense of community—The Wine List is a must-visit in the area.
Tatura Hot Bread, Tatura
Three-time winner of arguably the highest honour in Australian culinary awards—Best Vanilla Slice—Tatura Hot Bread is a local icon. Stop in and stock up for the day ahead with all the classics on offer like a chunky steak pie, sandwiches and sweet treats galore.
Once you’re fuelled and ready, you could head out of town to tackle the Mulana Nin Iyoga walking trail in Dookie. A 4.6km return walk to the summit of Mount Major is worth it for views of Dookie, and for the sweet, sweet reward of that extra vanilla slice you tucked away for this very moment.
Shepparton Brewery, Shepparton
No regional tour is complete without a stop at the local brewery, and Shepparton Brewery and Side Hustle Distillery will not disappoint. With eight beers on tap, you’ve got plenty to choose from.
Go for Maude if you’re into classic pale ale styles, or opt for the Fruit Sorter Porter if you like something darker—with rich, chocolaty flavours and “overall smashability”—let your curiosity get the better of you. Pull up here for the afternoon with a packed menu offering burgers, tacos, or really indulge with glazed pork ribs served with onion rings, house slaw and crinkle cut chips. You’re on holiday after all.
Longleat Wines, Murchison
Nestled in the riverbank town of Murchison, the Longleat cellar door will be an experience to remember. Taste wine with the very people who made it, in the very place it was made. Sandra and Guido welcome you with open arms and love nothing more than to share their wine and story with visitors. Sit on the deck with a cheese platter, glass of wine and listen to passionate people talk about doing what they love. Lunch here is also an option, but bookings are essential.
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Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Goulburn Region Tourism and Visit Victoria and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Urban List.