Victoria is favoured among Aussies for many reasons – from its cool capital city to its incredible coastline. But the state’s biggest drawcard has to be its famed wine regions, from the Yarra Valley to the Pinot Coast.
Venture a little further and you’ll stumble upon the Rutherglen, home to historic towns and rolling vineyards boasting crisp whites and robust reds. It’s a remarkable region that has been flying relatively under the radar – until now, thanks to a series of new nature trails with a twist.
Introducing the Rutherglen Loops
Sprawling across 48 kilometres in northeast Victoria, the new Rutherglen Loops is a network of tracks connecting the region’s namesake with nearby landmarks like Wahgunyah and Lake Moodemere. Passing through bucolic countryside, the journey offers visitors a fresh perspective on Victoria’s pastoral heartland. But that’s just the beginning.
The Rutherglen Loops trace 48 kilometres of northeast Victoria. (Image: Karen Webb)
Much to the delight of oenophiles, the Rutherglen Loops also incorporate a variety of local wineries and vineyards. In fact, 14 cellar doors feature on its map, transforming this seemingly ordinary series of nature tracks into a dreamy local wine trail. Accessible for both bikers and hikers, the Rutherglen Loops can be enjoyed as a multi-day adventure or broken down into four separate tracks.
The four-kilometre Town Loop winds through Rutherglen’s charming streetscapes and past local coffee shops. It’s perfect for an evening stroll, stopping in at Jones Winery & Vineyard and Anderson Winery along the way.
See the best of the region on a bike. (Image: Karen Webb)
And while the River Loop covers the same distance, it’s geared more towards nature lovers keen to explore the Murray River shoreline. It’s the only track that doesn’t include a winery pit stop, so enjoy it in the morning before checking out the rest of Rutherglen’s offerings.
The Lake Loop can be completed by foot or on wheels. But at 14 kilometres long, it’s more of a trek than a walk, so jump on a bike if you’re short on time. The track makes for a great day out, circling Lake Moodemere and passing Cofield Wines, Dinah Wines, Pfeiffer Wines and Lake Moodemere Estate.
The Lake Loop is great for a hot day. (Image: Karen Webb)
Aptly titled the Wine Loop, the fourth and final track offers an unrivalled wine country experience. The picturesque loop takes visitors to 12 cellar doors across 23 kilometres, from All Saints Estate in Wahgunyah down to Rutherglen’s own Buller Wines. Similar to many of Australia’s great rail trails, it truly showcases the best of the region.
All trails are accessible year-round and feature toilets, water stations and repair posts along the way. Bikes are available for hire at the Visitor Information Centre, which offers onsite parking as well.
Stop in at local wineries along the way. (Image: Karen Webb)
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Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.
Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.
Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.
1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm
Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.
There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm, you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.
Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.
2. The Oxley Estate
Wake up to the neighbours.
A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.
Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.
Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.
3. Oneday Estate
Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.
Oneday Estate is a must-visit, featuring a restaurant, winery and bar. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot in an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.
The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.
4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.
BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.
The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.
5. Bellarine Railway
Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.
If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway. The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.
The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and The Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).
6. The Dunes
Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)
The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.
Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.
If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.
7. Sea All Dolphin Swims
Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)
The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.
Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.
Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.
8. Jack Rabbit
Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)
If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.
