Dining – Goldfields

Be it a relaxed cafe experience or a luxurious dinner, the Goldfields combines fresh regional produce, flavoursome cuisine and some of the finest wine in the state to create food and wine experiences that will make you want to return again and again.

Dress for dinner and head out to one of the region's many restaurants. The Phoenix Brewery in Ballarat, which is not a brewery at all but a converted newspaper building offers great contemporary fare. In Bendigo you can't go past venues such as The Bridge or Whirrakee, and the Emeu Inn in Heathcote is an institution in the region.

The local villages also provide tastebud tempters. Try Saffs in Castlemaine or the Penny School Gallery in Maldon. Order a great coffee, delicious cake or something more substantial, sit outdoors and take in the streetscape and relaxed village atmosphere.

For a different type of outdoor dining experience enjoy a meal overlooking the vines at a local winery restaurant such as Shelmerdine, Balgownie Estate or Bress Wine Cider and Produce.