Stay Close Go Further

Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria.

Adventure in Your Own Backyard

From inner-city laneways to long country roads, rugged mountain tracks and breezy ocean-side trails, Victoria is calling you back. In this series, we're exploring what makes Victoria great – from its makers, growers, crafters and creators, to the dynamic lure of its towns, attractions and stunning natural wonders.

Yarrawonga

TravelLake and river meet in the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala, where waterside activities and dining are an everyday blessing. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

TravelJust an hour from Melbourne lies a green swathe of mountain ranges, wineries and tranquil walking tracks. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay in the region.

The Great Ocean Road

TravelA winding, undulating drive that cruises along the edge of where the ocean meets the forest – the wild appeal of the western end of the Great Ocean Road is fairly self-explanatory. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we take a trip down the stunning expanse.

The Grampians

TravelOnce a booming goldfield, the Grampians is now a mecca for hiking trails and cool-climate grape growing. The sparkling shiraz is arguably the region’s crowning jewel, but the national park – packed with undulating paths, rock formations, wildflowers and a wealth of Aboriginal cave paintings – is a treasure unto itself. In partnership with Visit Victoria and Grampians Tourism, here’s where to eat, drink, stay and what to do in the Grampians.

Apollo Bay and The Otways

TravelPromises of southern rock lobster, abalone and scallops fresh from Bass Strait aren’t the only alluring elements here. This stretch of the south-west is also flush with craft brewers, distillers and forest-bathing opportunities. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay.

Echuca and Moama

TravelLife here moves with the rhythm of the rivers. Slow travel your way along the Murray, getting to know this veritable life source of the southern states, the communities that live here and their (oft-edible) crafts. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay.

Mildura

TravelThere’s a satisfying balance of both city and country life in historic Mildura, right on the banks of the Murray River. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay.

Geelong and The Bellarine

TravelA stretch of western coastline dotted with busy surf towns, laid-back hideaways and produce to spare. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we highlight where to eat, drink and stay around Geelong and The Bellarine.

Victorian Surf Coast

TravelBe prepared to catch more than just waves on this eastern stretch of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we show you where to eat, drink, stay and what to do on the Surf Coast.

Swan Hill

TravelBordered by prosperous farmland and the Murray River, Swan Hill’s reputation as the heart of Australia’s food bowl is more than justified. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we shine a light on a region where a gourmet adventure is just around the bend.

Meet the Makers: Jenny McAuley From Red Hill Truffles

Food & DrinkTruffles are in season. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we speak to a Red Hill local who’s built a business on growing the fancy fungus.

One of Ballarat’s Best Bar and Gallery Spaces Is in a Former Masonic Hall

TravelRandomly parking outside a masonic hall set Stephen Pigott on a path to open a gallery and bar focused on local artists. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we unpack the growth of a space where visitors can watch artists work by hand.

Meet the Makers: Rob Dolan From Rob Dolan Wines

TravelWith three decades of winemaking – and an AFL career – behind him, Rob Dolan’s wine tale is one of success. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we talk to the gentle giant about the importance of ensuring winemaking is accessible.

Meet the Makers: Monica Cavarsan From Lard Ass Butter

TravelSampling some cultured butter in France transported Monica Cavarsan back to her childhood days on a dairy farm in western Victoria. The taste inspired her to bring that time-honoured rich and creamy style of butter back to Australia. In partnership with Visit Victoria, she explains her journey from learning the trade to founding her cheekily named company.

Albury Wodonga

TravelPull off the Hume and discover the food, drink and stunning countryside of Albury Wodonga and surrounds. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on where to eat, drink and stay.

Bendigo and Surrounds

TravelThe Gold Rush boom town and surrounding region is becoming a regional gastronomy heartland for regional Victoria. In Partnership with Visit Victoria, we seek out the best places to eat, drink and stay.

Phillip Island

TravelYes, there are penguins and parades at Victoria’s most popular island destination. But long-time visitors to Phillip Island also come for the pristine beaches, roiling waters and teeming wildlife. Or perhaps they’re revving for the Grand Prix circuit and fast-emerging dining scene or gearing up for the island’s newest chapter, Saltwater Springs. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide on what to do, eat, drink and where to stay in Phillip Island.

Ballarat

TravelFamous for its gold mining history and grand buildings, Ballarat is now a modern city with creative flair to burn. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here’s our guide to where to eat, drink and stay.

Out of Town Guide to the Wineries of Gippsland

TravelBest known for its pinot noir, Gippsland’s expansive cool-climate wine region offers plenty more, including takes on sparkling and minimal-intervention drops. In partnership with Visit Victoria, here are some of eastern Victoria’s best cellar doors to explore, whether you’re after a relaxed tasting, a sprawling meal or a longer stay in cosy country digs.