Lethbridge, 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

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

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 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 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 Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria. Things to Do - The 3 kilometre Anakie Gorge Walk leads through the gorge between the picnic areas at Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek. Nelsons Track climbs to the ridge top to Nelsons Lookout with views over the gorge and Lower Stony Creek Reservoir. This is a high standard walking track which uses small foot bridges to traverse several creek crossings - Panoramic views over much of the Stony Creek catchment can be had from the Outlook. An easy 2.5 kilometre return track, the Kurung Walk, climbs steadily from Stony Creek Picnic Area north to join Switch Road from where there are good views over the You Yangs and Anakie Gorge - The Burchell Trail is a three day walk through the park. Notes and a map for this walk can be obtained from the park office. Please note, from the 1 January 2009 a fee will be payable for overnight camping on the Burchell Trail. For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

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

Steiglitz Historic Park

Steiglitz, situated between Geelong and Ballarat, is almost a ghost town today, but in the 1860's and 1890's it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1,000. At the height of the 1860's gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1,500 residents, 4 hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker. Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the 469ha Steiglitz Historic Park, declared in 1979. Images of Steiglitz in its boom years are displayed in the historic Court House, open Sundays and public holidays. Things to see and do * Much of the park can be explored on foot. Try the Discovering Old Steiglitz self-guided walk described in a parknote available at Steiglitz. Walks along bush tracks in spring reveal a variety of wildflowers. * There are many pleasant picnic spots around Steiglitz. Toilets and water are available at the Bert Boardman Recreation Area * Explore the surrounding bush for evidence of mining. However, beware of mine shafts and please don't remove any relics you find * The cemetery on the Maude-Steiglitz Road is worth a visit if you're interested in history * During some holiday periods, the rangers organise guided walks and other activities * Note that gold panning is permitted only in the section one kilometre downstream from the Meredith Road bridge on Sutherlands Creek. Prospectors are permitted to use pans, cradles and hand tools within the creek-bed. Please protect the creek-bank environment. A miner's right is required Precautions Historic mines dot the landscape around the township of Steiglitz. Many of these are now overrun with vegetation and as such are hard to find. Visitors need to be careful when walking and remain on walking trails and management tracks.

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Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

A winter escape to Apollo Bay with overnight accommodation for two, three course dinner and continental breakfast

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.

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package including 2 nights, sparkline wine, fine handmade chocolates and flowers.

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

Includes self-contained two bedroom Apartment, kids eat free at Latitude-38 restaurant, 20% discount off day spa.

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.

Lethbridge

Stay Connected

Golden Plains

Highlights

Camilo Olives

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

Lethbridge Wines

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Fairy Park

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Steiglitz Historic Park

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package