Rick Stein is a prolific celebrity chef with 22 cook books and a 25-year TV series to his credit. But what does the seafood master do when he gets some time to himself?
How do you unwind? I love nothing better than having about 20 or so family and friends over to our beach house, Rick’s Place, in Mollymook, NSW, for an Aussie barbecue.
I love cooking whole snapper with a layer of fennel between the bars of the grill.
Opening a few cans of VB, I have been a fan since my first voyage in 1967.
Listening to The Whitlams – and the ocean, perfection.
What were your impressions on your first visit to Australia?
It was in 1967, I arrived by ship at Woolloomooloo but soon found the Northern Beaches and the Newport Arms, Aussie hamburgers, chocolate malted milkshakes.
I was only 19 and wouldn’t have recognised fine dining if there was any, but gosh I loved those burgers and shakes.
What’s your favourite place in Australia to holiday?
Mollymook in New South Wales, it’s my wife, Sas, childhood memories of idyllic summer holidays by the sea, which have so coloured my own experience of this beautiful part of Australia.
Must-pack item in your suitcase?
I always take a book of poems called By Heart compiled by Ted Hughes.
The point of the book is to learn them all, by heart. I’ve been working on that for 15 years
Beach, mountains or country?
Apart from occasional skiing trips to Switzerland or Austria – when I say to myself , “we must do this every winter" – it’s always the beach for me.
It doesn’t matter what country because I love to swim, particularly in cold but not too cold water.
A hotel that makes you feel at home? Our friends Alistair and Athena McAlpine own a convent in Marittima, Diso (in Puglia), which they have converted in to a nine-bedroom hotel.
It’s filled with art from Australia, India, Africa and Mexico. The food, local cooking from Puglia, is so good that we never leave the convent or its lovely gardens to eat out elsewhere.
I love it so much that my wife, Sas, and I have been going every July with her children for the last 10 years.
Your favourite holiday bottle of wine? I was introduced to a delicious provençale rosé called Chateau Miravale in St Tropez. Much hyped locally because it’s made by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie .
How often would we get to see you at Bannisters (Rick’s restaurant)?
I come to Bannisters between five to six times a year. I love to go into the kitchen for a hour and just start at the pass (where the dishes are finished off). Just enjoy the atmosphere, while making a few pertinent comments.
Also great sitting at the bar with a gin and lime sorbet cocktail so people can come up and chat.
Rick’s latest book India: Search for the Perfect Curry is available through Random House and his memoirs will be released in October 2013.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.
1. Festival of Sails
The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)
When: 24–26 January Where: Melbourne and Geelong
This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.
2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)
When: 31 January – 1 February Where: The Bellarine Peninsula
Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.
3. Riverboats Music Festival
The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.
When: 13–15 February Where: Echuca–Moama
Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival. Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.
4. Neerim ArtsFest
Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)
When: 28 February – 15 March Where: Gippsland
This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.
5. ChillOut Festival
Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.
When: 5–9 March Where: Daylesford
Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival. This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.
6. Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)
When: 6–9 March Where: Port Fairy
In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.
7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival
Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.
When: 7–9 March Where: Ballarat
In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.
8. The Bendigo Easter Festival
The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.
When: 3–6 April Where: Bendigo
Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.
9. Grape Escape
Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)
When: 1–3 May Where: The Grampians
Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.
10. Comedy in the Vines
Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)
When: 24–26 October Where: Yarra Valley
The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines, held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.
