Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

Golden Plains

The Golden Plains region, just west of Geelong, is renowned for its award-winning wines of the Moorabool Valley, iconic music festivals (Meredith, Golden Plains and Bluestone Blues), gold-mining history and breathtaking natural beauty.

From the gateway townships of Bannockburn and Inverleigh in the south to Smythesdale in the north, it's easy to spend time in Golden Plains.

Taste the world class cool climate wines of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region and local cuisine from fine dining in Inverleigh.

See the wide range of local galleries and studios along the Golden Plains Arts Trail and the stunning sights of open plains and farmlands.

Explore the region's rich gold-mining history in towns such as Smythesdale, Linton and Steiglitz.

Bannockburn hosts the award-winning Golden Plains Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month where the produce is fresh from paddock to plate.

National and state parks, rivers, an abundance of native flora and fauna and the famous Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail all add to the enjoyment of time spent in Golden Plains.

For more information on the Golden Plains region, download the free Golden Plains app for smartphones and tablets.

You can also download the Golden Plains Tourist Map or collect one from an accredited Visitor Information Centre.

Highlights

Near Lethbridge

Camilo Olives

Camilo Olive Grove is located near Teesdale between the grassy woodland of the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Leigh River, among rolling hills in South West Victoria. Founded by Joan and Peter McGovern in 2002, Camilo was the result of an extensive search for a location that would provide a great climate, position and soil for growing premium quality olives, and a property that would give them much pleasure. The Leigh River winds its way through a valley at the edge of the property providing a home to beautiful and very old river gums and blackwood trees as well as an abundance of Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and possums. Camilo's olives are planted on flat plains between the reserve and the river valley. Extensive wildlife corridors, planted on Camilo at the same time as the olive grove, provide shelter and are home to local native animals and a safe bridge for wildlife travelling between the reserve and the river. The cool climate environment of the region means Camilo olives enjoy maximum sunshine and a prolonged ripening period, producing premium extra virgin olive oils.

Lethbridge

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Clyde Park is a cellar door and bistro set on the beautiful Moorabool Valley just off the Midland Highway half an hour north of Geelong, 35 minutes from of Ballarat. The speciality is the wines, in particular, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The food, lovingly cooked by the chef and owner Sue include a wonderful array of wood fired pizza, anti Pasto tasting plates, salt and pepper calamari. Clyde Park offers a cellar door and offer weekend specials. A James Halliday 2012 ***** (5 star red) winery.

Near Lethbridge

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Experience the Del Rios winery which is located on the western slopes of Mt Anakie, an ancient volcano just west of Port Phillip Bay. This unique site produces chardonnay, marsanne, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. The vines are tended by hand, the fruit is hand harvested and the wines are handcrafted. Del Rios cool climate wines are made in small quantities, from premium estate grown fruit, produced in low yields using meticulous vine management in the vineyards. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect the true varietal character of the Anakie region. Visit the del Rios cellar door and Cafe@Anakie Ridge which is open every weekend for lunch from 12pm to 4 pm. Situated near the picturesque Brisbane ranges and with fabulous sweeping views to the You Yangs and Geelong, this is the ideal location for a nice lunch, catch up with friends and family and also enjoy tastings of the many award winning wines. The menu will include delicious spanish paella and tapas.

Near Lethbridge

Fairy Park

Fairy Park is a place dedicated to story telling of fairy tales and ancient myths and legends. A spectacular rocky hilltop has been crafted into a truly unique place where family and friends come to relax and enjoy a day out together in a tranquil environment. Most visitors spend the day but if you are in a hurry allow a couple of hours to get a feel for the place. The three main areas that combine to form Fairy Park are the Fairytale Land, Camelot Playground and the Elephant Rock Picnic Grounds. Suitable for the young and the young at heart, Fairy Park will delight and intrigue all those who make take the journey.

Near Bannockburn

Leighgrove Olives

Leighgrove Olives is a boutique olive grove, totally family owned and operated by the White family. Grant and Yvonne White invite you to visit their olive grove and Farmgate Olive Shop in the delightful township of Inverleigh, just 26km west of Geelong. Located on a picturesque stretch of the Barwon River, the 4500 tree olive grove is producing extra virgin olive oil of the finest quality. The cool climate conditions with a long, slow ripening period, together with the rich pastoral soils, results in oil of particularly deep, full-flavoured characteristics. With more than ten different olive tree varieties originating from Tuscany, Greece and Spain, the range of flavours and styles of oil makes each season's harvest an exciting time at Leighgrove. Some are very fruity, whilst others are quite peppery and robust, each with its own character. In a true boutique way, the aim is to offer the finest quality Leighgrove Olives can achieve in a choice of styles to suit both differing tastes and culinary uses - to compliment all your cooking. Leighgrove Olives are not bound by big supermarket demands for exactly the same taste every year - indeed the annual variations in temperatures, rainfall and quantities of fruit harvested are a welcome addition to the exclusive nature of the oil.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge Wines

'Lethbridge Wines pursues ecologically sound principles across viticulture and winemaking, and the straw bale construction of the winery seems to reinforce the commitment. The Euro-accented wines are among the region's best. Complex Chardonnay, forceful Pinot Noir, savoury Shiraz, and an unusual, sweetish Riesling are high points. Cheese from nearby Meredith keeps good company with the wines, and recent recognition via a clean sweep of wine show trophies at Geelong and nomination as Australian Winemaker of the Year has cemented Lethbridge's place as a winery to watch.' Ralph Kyte-Powell At Lethbridge Wines 'Real Wine' is their passion, wines that are produced from fruit off carefully grown vines and made using traditional techniques allowing the true terroir to be expressed. The cellar door experience offered is quite unique. They have done away with the traditional bar and instead prefer to sit down with their visitors and show them their wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They like to be directly involved with their visitors and so it is usually Ray or Maree (owners and winemakers) who will take you through the range of wines providing first hand information on styles and winemaking techniques. Groups of eight or more and tours are also welcome - bookings essential. Often the groups enjoy some special barrels tastings and a behind the scenes winery tour, so if you are interested in this then please mention this at the time of booking. As the wines are made to be enjoyed with food, they offer a selection of local award winning Meredith Dairy farmhouse cheeses which can be tasted together with the wines. For those who would like to linger, they also offer Meredith cheese platters matched with a flight of wines which can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area looking onto the heritage rose garden.

Near Bannockburn

Saddle On Riding School

Saddle On Horse Riding School is situated 15km north east of the Geelong CBD. At Saddle On Riding School facilities include an indoor riding arena, three outdoor arenas, lunging arena, cross country and jumping course, undercover horse bays and more. Whilst the locals enjoy riding lessons and celebrating birthday parties, visitors are welcome to visit the animal nursery and feed the animals for a small fee, or have a led pony ride on Fridays between 10.00am and 12 noon. For people wanting to settle in the Geelong Region or close proximity, Saddle On Riding School is a Registered Training Organisation offering accredited equine courses of study. These include: stable hand course, assistant instructor and instructor / coach courses. Canteen facilities and clubrooms are available for all to enjoy. Bookings can be made for riding lessons, led pony rides, animal petting and birthday parties. Parties include: pony, BMX, buggy, archery, animal or any combination. School holiday day programs are also available for horse riding enthusiasts. For further information, please visit the website.

Near Lethbridge

Steiglitz Historic Park

Situated between Geelong and Ballarat, Steiglitz is almost a ghost town today but in the 1860s and 1890s it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1000. At the height of the 1860s gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1500 residents, four hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker. Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the Steiglitz Historic Park. Enjoy a pleasant bushwalk, relax with a picnic or pan for gold. Of course, a trip to the park wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Steiglitz Court House, with its display of photographs, maps and relics of gold year. The court house is open on Sunday and public holidays, and at other times by arrangement. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Bannockburn

Austins Wines

Austins is an outstanding vineyard and winery at Sutherlands Creek, in the heart of the Moorabool Valley, North West of Geelong. About an hour's drive South West from Melbourne, you enter Austins 'Greenbanks' property off Steiglitz Road. Richard Austin planted 150 acres of vines with the single-minded determination to produce the best pinot noir, in the world. Austins now has 90 acres of pinot noir at Sutherlands Creek. Austins believe this is the second largest family holding of the variety in Australia. The bonus for Richard and his family is that the soil and climate at Sutherlands Creek also does well with Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. In fact, all three are prominent in their own right. While the reviews and trophies are mounting, the best way to understand the philosophy and determination behind the Austins brand is to taste the wine. Pinot Noir is the essence of Austins; fine fruit, first and foremost. Bounded by the vineyard at Sutherlands Creek and based on the history of the Geelong region, that core is shaped by the site's terroir and given momentum by the perception and acumen of the Austin family. The blend of these elements transforms premium grapes into wines of finesse.

Near Lethbridge

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from other parts of the region. There are a number of options for bushwalking ranging from short walks to three-day walks. This park is also popular for picnicking, scenic drives and camping. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Bannockburn

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Come and taste the real food and produce from the farms and vineyards of Golden Plains and Moorabool Valley. Fresh from the farm, sold by the farmers. The award winning Golden Plains Farmers’ Market is authentic and accredited, held in the heart of Bannockburn just 20 minutes from Geelong. Held on the first Saturday, every month, every season, from 9am to 1pm—you can start at the farmers’ market then spend the day touring Golden Plains.

Lethbridge

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

The Moorabool Valley is one of Australia’s finest and most awarded cool climate wine regions. Bannockburn is the gateway to the Moorabool Valley Wine Region and is located less than an hours drive from Melbourne and 20 minutes from Geelong. Boutique wineries producing hand crafted wines are forging an international reputation for the Moorabool Valley. The Moorabool Valley is a sub region of Victoria's highly regarded Geelong Wine Region. Wineries in the Moorabool Valley region include Austins Wines, Bannockburn Vineyard, Clyde Park Vineyard and Lethbridge Wines.

Lethbridge

Moorabool Ridge

Deep in the Valley perched on the edge of the Moorabool River is a shepherd's cottage built in 1856. This historic building is now home to Moorabool Ridge's tasting room. The cottage is full of the delights of the vineyard, olive grove and farm. Shelves are stacked with gourmet jams, pickles, relishes and olive oil, all produced on the farm. Fine wine, cheese platters and focaccias can be enjoyed in the wonderful succulent garden whilst watching the Moorabool River slowly slide by or order beautiful freshly baked cakes and coffee from the shade of the verandah. A place of peace and tranquillity, Moorabool Ridge is truly a special place to linger.

Bannockburn

Eagles Rise Wine

Welcome to Eagles Rise vineyard and Wild Wine. From its spectacular site perched above the Moorabool River valley near Bannockburn, Geelong, Eagles Rise Wine makes a range of commercial and wild ferment wines on site. Eagles Rise Wine stocks a large selection of locally made chocolates, some even prepared to match the subtle flavours found in wine. Plus locally roasted 'fair trade' coffee. All available from the beautifully restored Sunday schoolhouse.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Golden Plains

Stay Connected

Golden Plains

Highlights

Camilo Olives

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Fairy Park

Leighgrove Olives

Lethbridge Wines

Saddle On Riding School

Steiglitz Historic Park

Austins Wines

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

Moorabool Ridge

Eagles Rise Wine

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape