Mapping the best way to explore the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is the birthplace of Victorian wine. 

With a 170-year wine legacy, the region is one of Australia's most popular wine tourism regions. 

Just a one-hour drive from downtown Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers not only fine cool-climate wines, but also great produce, pubs, breweries and distilleries. 

There are tastes of city sophistication here, but you are very much in the country. 

With over 80 vineyards dotted throughout Healesville, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Seville and Lilydale, the Yarra Valley is regarded as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate regions, and is renowned for a wide range of wine styles, including chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and méthode traditionnelle sparkling.

In recent years, other highly acclaimed varieties have joined the party, including nebbiolo, gamay, arneis, sangiovese and savagnin.

The Yarra Valley isn't one destination - it's a dozen little pockets, each with its own character, its own back roads, and its own reasons to linger, the Wine Yarra Valley organisation boasts. 

To make it easier to find your kind of day out, Wine Yarra Valley has grouped the region's cellar doors into a handful of trails. 

You can choose by sub-region, or your favourites. 

Pick one trail, follow the vines, and let the day unfold. 

Here's what you need to know: https://wineyarravalley.com.au/explore-yarra-valley-wine-trails/

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns

Love your seafood? East Gippsland in Victoria is calling. 

Fresh seafood, spectacular coastal scenery and three days of gourmet experiences are promised when the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns to tiny Mallacoota from September 25–27. 

One of Gippsland's signature spring events, the festival celebrates the region's seafood, coastal lifestyle and maritime heritage. 

At the heart of the festival is the Wild Harvest Market, where seafood harvested from Bass Strait takes centre stage alongside local produce, artisan makers, live music and seaside vibes.

Throughout the long weekend, visitors can look forward to fresh oysters, mussels, abalone, sea urchin and other delicacies from local waters.

There will also be live music across multiple venues, guided rockpool rambles and family fishing clinics and a community beach clean-up with Friends of Mallacoota.

Art exhibitions and installations at MA Space, a cruise aboard the historic M.V. Loch-Ard and a
short film sharing Mallacoota's maritime history and connection to the sea are also on the agenda.

Visitors can make a long weekend of it with 10% off accommodation at Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park during the festival in the town of around 1200 people. 

Book a minimum three-night stay between September 25-28 using the code Wild26 at mallacootaforeshore.com.au to access the offer (subject to availability).

For the full program, visit wildharvestseafoodfestival.com or plan your visit to Mallacoota at
visitgippsland.com.au/destinations/east-gippsland/mallacoota.

Victorian wine pioneer dies at age 86

Victorian wine pioneer Graeme Leith, co-founder of Passing Clouds, died this week at the age of 86.

His death was anmounced on the winery Facebook page. 

Leith, co-founder and winemaker until 2007, will be celebrated at Passing Clouds Winery in Musk, outside Daylesford, on May 15 at 3pm.

Former electrician and polymath Leith and his partner Sue Mackinnon hand-planted Passing Clouds at Kingower, outside Bendigo, in the early 70s. 

It proved a problematic site, and he and his son Cameron later transferred the whole operation to cool-climate Musk, in the Macedon Ranges.

The Passing Clouds website says: "In the early sixties he worked his way around Europe, finally tasting some superb wine in Italy, and the dye was cast.

"In semi-retirement Graeme finally put pen to paper and began documenting all his stories. In 2015 “Passing Clouds A Winemaker’s Journey” was published.

Leith retired to the Musk vineyard. He was a nice man.  

Passing Clouds is now operated by Cameron Leith and his wife Marion and family and is currently up for sale.   

Image: Passing Clouds, Facebook

Brown Brothers unveils $20 cool-climate pinot noir

 

A $20 pinot noir from a big-name Australian wine producer? Pretty rare. 

Brown Brothers has just expanded its refreshed Classic range with the launch of Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir, marking the first time in decades that the 137-year-old family winery has introduced a pinot noir at a major commercial scale. 

With an RRP of $20, the new release targets one of Australia’s fastest-growing red wine segments, reinforcing a broader brand refresh now rolling out nationally, the wine producer says.

Consumer demand for lighter-bodied, fresher and more versatile red wines continues to drive the growth of pinot noir across the Australian wine category, as drinkers increasingly seek reds that feel approachable, modern and suited to a broader range of occasions, Brown Brothers reports.

This shift is helping to:

• Divert drinkers from heavier red styles

• Increase purchase frequency through more flexible drinking occasions

• Reduce shopper risk through familiar varietals and trusted brands

• Drive incremental growth within the red wine category

The 2025 Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in cool-climate regions of Victoria, including the King Valley. 

My verdict. It is soft, gently spicy, very easy to enjoy in its youth and definitely worth the price. Affordable and fun. 

Brown Brothers Classic Pinot Noir and the refreshed Classic range are available nationally at participating retailers and online at brownbrothers.com.au.

Black & Ginger pays tribute to Lily with a premium shiraz

Out on one of our motorcycle road trips we always come across interesting winemakers with their own unique stories, reports two-wheeling correspondent Rod Eime. 

Hadyn Black at Black & Ginger in Victoria's Grampians region is just one such character.

Along with wife Lucy and business partner Darcy "Ginger" Naunton, the trio kicked off in 2015 with the purchase of a tonne of shiraz grapes from the Pyrenees, while their own vineyard took shape.

"We started B&G in 2015, with that single tonne of shiraz. At the end of 2016, we bought a rundown vineyard with a rundown house on it," Hadyn tells us as we sit in his rustic wine shed just off the main road and grafted onto Barney’s Bar & Bistro.

But that's just a hint at the real story.

"My mum Lily had recently retired, and so she spent as much time up here as she could, doing everything from helping me clean up the house, strip the horrible wallpaper, repaint, and clean up the garden. Then we’d get stuck into pruning and fixing the vineyard," Hadyn tells us. I can see his throat is getting a bit lumpy. "We managed to only properly prune a couple of rows at the top of the vineyard. We picked our grapes in 2017; most were sold, but we kept all the fruit from the rows Mum helped properly prune for ourselves. 

"Mum and Lucy and a couple of our mates helped pick it, and the fruit was fantastic. It was fermenting away nicely in the winery when I got a call that Mum had very suddenly passed away. So we named the resulting wine 'Lily’s Block' in her honour. We only release the wine under her name when it is good enough, so it is not made every year. The label is pink, an obvious choice given her favourite colour was pink, I also added her signature to the side label."

Lily and Hadyn

As well as Lily's Block, the small-batch wines have been well received, getting some great scores from wine writers and a couple of medals at wine shows.

Find the BLACK & GINGER WINE SHED at:
3447a Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal, Victoria, 3381

To your door: Aldi teams with DoorDash for liquor deliveries

I am an unashamed admirer of the range of budget wines offered by Aldi stores - and now they can be delivered to your home via DoorDash.

The Aldi range of liquor products will be available for delivery via DoorDash across New South Wales

Following a successful national launch of DoorDash grocery delivery, Aldi has announced that from Wednesday beers, wine and spirits can be delivered to homes.

Aldi's special buys will also be available for national delivery from most locations via DoorDash.

Bad luck if you live in Tasmania, where there are no Aldi stores.

“Whether it’s for a celebration, a quiet night in or a last-minute gathering, customers in New South Wales and Victoria can order their favourite Aldi liquor products direct to their door, simply through the tap of the DoorDash app," says Simon Padovani-Ginies, group director at Aldi Australia.

“Since launching our partnership with DoorDash in 2025, we have been working hard to ensure as much of the Aldi offering is available to customers for delivery.

"Adding liquor for our New South Wales and Victorians shoppers and our beloved special buys for all Australian shoppers means they can access more of the high-quality, low-priced Aldi products they know and love in a more convenient way.”

Melbourne to celebrate food and wine in style

Putting together your 2026 food calendar?

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns next year with a Greek-themed "World’s Longest Lunch", a Cake Picnic and some top culinary talent heading to Victoria. 

The festival will run from March 20-29 with events being held across the state. 

"There is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, presented La Trobe Financial,” said Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the not-for-profit parent company behind MFWF and a very keen promoter of the event's sponsor. 

“I’m thrilled that the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program features an incredible special events program with 170 events across Melbourne, alongside our regional special events program, bringing 26 events to towns and regions across Victoria.

"Our final weekend has us back at Fed Square, where Melbourne’s best bakers and patissiers will be on show at our fourth and supersized Baker’s Dozen. 

"For 10 days in March there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world."

The party kicks off with the return of "World’s Longest Lunch" (above), celebrating Melbourne's Greek community. 

This sees 1,600 guests sitting down to a three-course meal, across more than 600 metres of table.

"The 2026 program includes guests making their way to Melbourne from Mexico City, Manila, Chiang Rai, Valetta, London, New York City, Singapore, Paris and beyond," says MFWF creative director Pat Nourse. 

“They’re cooking in fine-dining restaurants and in pubs, serving food on china plates on damask cloths, and straight out of restaurant windows, doing it savoury, sweet, spicy and everywhere in between." 

For details and ticket sales visit mfwf.com.au. 

Explore the best drops from the Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges in Victoria is one of Australia's most exciting wine regions with a number of innovative producers.

It is also the home of the Budburst Wine Festival.

The Macedon Ranges will come alive for Budburst - an annual celebration of cool-climate wine and connection.

Over the weekend of November 15-16, 20 winemakers across 15+ venues will open their doors for tastings, food, music, and storytelling. It’s a chance to explore hidden gems and iconic producers.

Participating wineries include Attwoods Wines, Cleveland Estate, Cold Acre, Double Oaks Estate, Granite Hills, Hanging Rock Winery, Hesket Estate, Hunter-Gatherer Winery, Kyneton Ridge, Lane’s End, Lord Malmsbury Vineyard, Lyons Will Estate (top image), Metcalfe Valley, Midhill Vineyard, Mount Monument Winery, Mount Towrong, North Wines, Paramoor, Parkside Winery and Farm, Passing Clouds, Red Poppy Estate, and Wilimee.

Tickets are available now at Budburst.com

New villas for wine lovers visiting the Yarra Valley

Good news for wine lovers frustrated by a lack of weekend accommodation in the Yarra Valley.

In addition to the soon-to-open Levantine Hill Hotel, the RACV this week unveiled plans for a $27 million expansion of its Healesville Country Club & Resort.

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, just over an hour from Melbourne, RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort's expansion will be a major boost to regional tourism in Victoria.

The development project will feature 12 new premium villas providing luxe two-bedroom accommodation for families and small groups, along with a new golf pro shop and new sports and recreation facilities.

The addition of the new villas and facilities will create over 250 jobs during construction and 26 ongoing positions once operational, injecting an estimated $3.8 million annually into the local economy.

"RACV is committed to investing in regional Victoria and this project is a great opportunity to expand the accommodation options that are available in the Yarra Valley," said Craig Peachey, RACV executive general manager leisure.

"These new luxury villas and facilities will help to meet the growing demand for family and group style accommodation, while enhancing the Yarra Valley’s reputation as a premium tourism and golfing destination.

“During weekends and peak periods, the resort is fully booked in advance, so potential visitors to the region may look elsewhere for their getaway. This expansion will enable the facility to welcome up to 16,700 additional guests annually."

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort offers a choice of Lawn View rooms, Golf View rooms, and Premium Mountain View room, all featuring en suite bathrooms, minibars, and robes.

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort is also home to a day spa, pool and fitness centre, along with the 18-hole golf course, and Banyalla and Riddell's Green restaurants.

Construction is scheduled to commence in mid 2026 with the new villas expected to welcome their first guests by mid 2027.

For more info see racv.com.au/travel-experiences/.

Gippsland to welcome a new gourmet festival

Gippsland is to welcome a new spring gourmet festival.

Eat Drink Play Gippsland will make its debut in South Gippsland on Saturday, October 18.

The event promises to bring together the Victorian region’s best food, wine, beer, distillers, restauranteurs and producers together for afull day of celebration that will rolls into an evening festival of open-air music featuring acts including the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Emma Donovan.

The event in Leongatha’s Railway Precinct is being guided by Dan Sims, the brains behind Pinot Palooza and Mould, as well as The Hills Are Alive Group, run by lifelong locals Aidan and Rhett McLaren.

Guests can expect bites from local favourites like Trulli, Hogget Kitchen, and Messmates, plus pours from winemakers including Fleet, The Wine Farm, Dirty Three, Patrick Sullivan, Xavier Wine and Lightfoot Wines.

Gurneys Cider, Loch Distillery, and Sailors Grave Brewing will also feature, alongside dairy delights from Gippsland Jersey, Prom Country Cheese, and Loch Cheese Merchant.

Day session tickets are $35, running from 11am to 5pm.

Night session tickets are $49 per person and run from 6pm to 10pm.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the inaugural Eat Drink Play Gippsland festival come to life” says South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor John Schelling.

“This event is a celebration of our region’s talented producers, makers and creatives, and a really great opportunity to showcase everything we have to offer. 

“From world-class wine and food, music and culture, it’s a chance for locals and visitors alike to experience Gippsland’s offerings and hospitality in one unforgettable weekend. South Gippsland Shire Council is proud to support an event that shines a spotlight on our region and brings our community together in such a vibrant celebration at the terrific Leongatha Railway precinct.”

More info at eatdrinkplaygippsland.com.au

Wheel away: New cycle tour explores an epic coastline

A new cycle tour offers the opportunity to explore Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road at your own pace.

The new self-guided tour from Australian Cycle Tours gives travellers the chance to cycle along the wild southern coast and roll right up to one of Australia’s iconic natural landmarks, The Twelve Apostles.

Launching next month, The Great Ocean Road Cycle itinerary features impressive cliffs and dramatic seascapes.

Designed for confident and experienced riders, the seven-day journey offers the freedom of self-guided travel with all the details taken care of, including accommodation, daily luggage transfers, and a navigation app.

The trip begins inland on the the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail and then the Twelve Apostles Trail, a newly developed path that winds through native bush and farmland.

From there, the route descends toward the coast, joining the Great Ocean Road and rides alongside the wild Southern Ocean.

There are also gourmet stops in foodie towns like Timboon, Port Campbell, and Lorne.

For details see https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/victoria/great-ocean-road/self-guided/great-ocean-road-cycle

Marnong Estate shines with wine and food

Marnong Estate is a rising star of the Sunbury wine region close to Melbourne Airport. 

With a winemaking team led by talented Alex Beckett, upmarket accommodation and two eateries it is very popular with Melburnians in the know. 

I’ll post a story on the whole project soon but I was invited to join Beckett for lunch on Friday and thought you might like to see some of the photos from La Vetta, their Italian-accented eatery with spectacular views on the vineyards. 

No room for dessert! 

# The writer was hosted by Marnong Estate.

RACV unveils major expansion at Gippsland resort

Gippsland tourism is to get a huge boost with the announcement this week of a huge expansion of the RACV Inverloch Resort.

Plans include a multi-million-dollar extension featuring 36 premium rooms that it is estimated will create 120 jobs during construction and 15 ongoing positions once operational, injecting an estimated $6.5 million annually into the local economy.

The development comes as regional accommodation providers struggle to meet soaring demand, with the popular Bass Coast destination regularly turning away visitors during peak periods due to capacity constraints.

"This is an investment into Inverloch and Gippsland tourism that RACV is tremendously proud to be a part of," said RACV executive general manager for leisure, Craig Peachey.

"With regional tourism booming post-pandemic, these new premium rooms will help address a significant market gap while elevating Inverloch's status as a premium destination.

“We’re pleased that the Victorian Government shares our vision for the project, and we’re appreciative of their assistance in making this expansion possible, with RACV a successful recipient of a grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.”

The resort currently operates at almost full occupancy during peak periods and is fully booked months in advance, forcing many potential visitors to seek alternatives outside the region.

The expansion will enable the facility to welcome up to 20,000 additional guests annually.

“Our nine RACV Resorts across Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania have something for every traveller - from dramatic coastal scenery like you’ll find at RACV Inverloch Resort - to rich bushland or a bustling city break and we’re delighted to be able to continue to invest in our accommodation options for our RACV members and guests,” Peachey said

Architectural renders released this week (above) showcase a two-level wing that will feature floor-to-ceiling windows capturing panoramic views across Andersons Inlet. The design by GHD aims to blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape using sustainable materials and native vegetation.

Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the expanded resort will serve as a gateway to Victoria's emerging coastal experiences, including the recently established Yallock-Bullock Coastal Park and Bunurong Marine Park.

Construction is scheduled to commence in mid August with the new wing expected to welcome its first guests by December 2026.

See racv.com.au/travel-experiences/.

Visiting a national park? Make sure you don’t get shot

Stay alert if you are visiting a national park in the Australian state of Victoria.

There may just be a heavily armed deer hunter lurking around the corner.

The Victorian National Parks Association, Invasive Species Council and Environment East Gippsland have all slammed the state government’s decision to open 130,000 hectares of the Errinundra (above) and Snowy River National Parks to seasonal deer hunting.

"The government is shooting themselves in the foot," said Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel.

"People visit national parks to walk, camp, birdwatch and immerse themselves in nature – not share the bush with amateur shooters with high-powered weapons." 

State Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos says hunting will "reduce the impact of deer on our national parks", but the government's 2021 Statewide Deer Control Strategy states that "...recreational hunting on its own is not an effective means of controlling deer numbers.”

Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, said: "Let's be clear, this is not a serious response to the serious issue of out-of-control feral deer populations trashing, trampling and polluting our forests and rivers. Opening up national parks to recreational hunting is not going to make a difference to numbers on the ground."

The government touts economic benefits from the state's 45,000 licensed hunters. But national parks receive 50 million visits annually - three times more than state forests. This generates greater economic value through nature-based tourism.

Independent polling shows that when asked what visitors valued most about national parks, 53% cited peace and quiet, while 37% explicitly identified "no shooting or hunting" as a reason they would visit national parks more often.

The decision dramatically expands hunting areas beyond the 1.8 million hectares of state forest already available in eastern Victoria. 

If hunting proceeds, Parks Victoria will need dramatically more rangers with enforcement powers, opponents argue. Given the government has consistently cut funding to Parks Victoria, it’s unclear how it will finance the monitoring and compliance of 45,000 licensed hunters across these vast landscapes, along with the safety of visitors.

"We don’t need deer control as just a sport,” said Ruchel. “We need bigger co-ordinated control programs with integrated aerial control and supervised, accredited or professional hunters, especially for the most important habitats.”

The organisations are calling for a clear, well-funded program to protect high-conservation-value areas, using a combination of professional control, supervised accredited hunters, and thermal-assisted aerial programs that can reduce deer populations faster than they reproduce.

Regional winery restaurant icon closes after 13 years

It is time for a change at one of regional Victoria's most popular winery restaurants.

After 13 years of sharing regional Italian cuisine, the Dal Zotto family will close down their much-loved Trattoria in the King Valley later this month.

The change will make way for a revamp of their cellar door which will continue to celebrate the Dal Zotto family's legacy as Australia’s "First Family of Prosecco".

While the Trattoria will close its doors on July 13, the cellar door will remain, alongside the on-site accommodation - Dal Zotto Homestead and Studios.

The reimagined space will feature a prosecco-focused destination with Italian-inpsired wine and food pairing.

The closure of the Trattoria does not mean the food offering will disappear entirely. Instead, the family said in a satetment, t will evolve, serving antipasto platters and select food pairings that complement Dal Zotto wines.

Second-generation custodians Michael and Christian Dal Zotto said: “To our incredible teams, past and present, thank you for bringing the Trattoria to life.

"And to our guests, who filled our tables with love and support, we say a heartfelt thank you. You have been the heart of this journey, and we are forever grateful for the friendships forged and the stories shared.”

See www.dalzotto.com.au

Premier wine tourism operation hits the market

A leading wine tourism operation in regional Victoria has just hit the market.

Cannibal Creek Vineyards in West Gippsland, just an hour south-east of Melbourne, is being sold by the Hardiker family.

The property includes an award-winning cellar door and restaurant, a fully equipped winery plus a renovated three-bedroom home with a pool.

Sitting on 27.9 hectares, including 4.3 hectares under vine, it is surrounded by its namesake Cannibal Creek, Mount Cannibal and Bunyip State Park.

The vineyard comprises chardonnay and pinot noir vines, along with sauvignon blanc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

Kirsten and Patrick Hardiker planted the vines 28 years ago and told GoTR they hope to sell the business in its entirety on a walk-in, walk-out basis, saying the property has become too much for them to manage.

"Pat has had a series of operations over the years: hips, shoulder, back and most recently knees and it has become too much for us," co-owner and manager Kirsten said. "Unfortunately our adult children have pursued different professions. 

"We still love the process of growing grapes and making wine, less so the selling of it. The restaurant (below) and cellar door are well patronised, but it is time for a different, and possibly younger, outfit to take it on."

The property is being sold by Matt Rice from Facey Commercial and Ben Rose, from Castran, who is also a vineyard consultant.

Among the suggested possibilities, subject to council permission, are expanding the size of the vineyard and winery operations, and/or the restaurant and cellar door, as well as extending the opening hours.

There is also the idea of building accommodation on the site and capitalising on its scale and scenery to become a destination for weddings and events.

"This unique lifestyle property provides the opportunity to be creative, social and active in a beautiful environment,” said Rice.

“You can do as little or as much as you choose with options to contract out the winery operation or lease out the restaurant, if running and growing the operation is not your preference.”

Tynong North is on the edge of West Gippsland in the Port Phillip wine region, which is in easy day-trip distance for Melburnians and visitors to Victoria.

For details see https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/acclaimed-vineyard-restaurant-cannibal-creek-for-sale-1387757/

Flying high: Marnong Estate makes a statement

Make a note of the name: Marnong Estate.

First the Victorian red wine producer snapped up talented winemaker Alex Beckett, and now it has released a new collection of premium reds: 2024 single-vineyard expressions of sangiovese, montepulciano, and pinot noir, along with a 2023 single-vineyard shiraz and a more affordable 2024 estate pinot noir.

I've just tasted the 2024 montepulciano and pinot noir, along with the 2023 shiraz, which share a common thread of cool-climate elegance and hints of subtle minerality throughout the range.

You won't find Marnong in one of the major wine regions but it is in one of the oldest; located in Sunbury, just down the road from Melbourne Airport.

It sits 300 metres above sea level and is just 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD. There are 34 hectares under vine, with more planned. 

“Our wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the cool climate terroir through a balance of traditional and innovative techniques," former Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett (below) says.

 "The 2024 Single Vineyard collection is a perfect showcase of this - wines with remarkable complexity, refined structure, and a perfect harmony between fruit expression and savoury characters.”

Of the trio I tried, the intense and savoury montepulciano was narrowly my favourite, just edging the spice notes of the shiraz. Both are very good buys, and extremely food friendly.

The prices are: 2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese $35; 2023 Single Vineyard Shiraz $40, 2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano $35, 2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir $40, 2024 Estate Pinot Noir $25.

Marnong is certainly on my list for my next visit to bleak city. The property, with the original homestead dating back to the 1840s, is a luxury wine and dining destination with accommodation to match.

Visitors can taste at the cellar door, or dine in at one of two Italian restaurants, La Vètta, and Cucina 3064, or enjoy coffee with a view at Caffè Vista.

Marnong Estate holds wine and chocolate tastings at its cellar door - but you'll need a reservation for that. See www.marnongestate.com.au.

Seniors in one Australian state to enjoy free weekend public transport

Good news for local seniors who love travelling in the Australian state of Victoria.

In a move aimed at easing cost of living pressures and encouraging regional exploration, the state government is to make all public transport free on weekends to holders of Victorian Seniors cards from January 1, 2026.

The initiative will allow more than 650,000 seniors to travel by train, tram or bus for free across the entire state on weekends - saving regular travellers up to $360 a year, local media reported.

Seniors currently enjoy free travel on weekends within two local fare zones, but pay for longer journeys.

Under the new plan, restrictions will be lifted, offering free weekend travel across all 16 fare zones, from outlying areas including Wodonga, Warrnambool and beyond.

“This is about making it easier for seniors to see family, enjoy a day out with the grandkids or experience the best of Victoria - without the extra cost,” said Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

The policy builds on a regional fare cap introduced in 2023, which significantly reduced concession fares - cutting the cost of trips like Bendigo to Melbourne by more than half.

Seniors will continue to get a 50% discount on weekday fares, but on weekends, they won’t pay a cent,” said Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams.”

In neighbouring South Australia seniors get free transport 24/7. 

To access the free weekend travel, passengers must use a Senior Myki transport card and carry their Victorian Seniors Card while touching on and off as usual. While the system will still record trips, no fares will be deducted.

To be eligible for a Victorian Seniors Card, residents must be aged 60 or over, a permanent resident of the state, and work fewer than 35 hours per week.

The deal will not extend to visitors from interstate and overseas.

Gippsland resort puts guests in the picture

RACV Inverloch Resort has officially opened the exhibition Narelle Autio: Selected Watercolours which showcases the work of one of Australia's most celebrated photographers.

The exhibition is on display until June 8.

RACV Head of Visual Arts Mardi Nowak said that Autio's Watercolours series captures the essence of Australians' relationship with the water, presenting images that are both complex and beautiful.

"The collection of photographs provides visitors with an immersive experience into Autio's exploration of Australian coastal life and we are thrilled to host Narelle Autio's Selected Watercolours at RACV Inverloch Resort," Nowak said.

"Her ability to portray the beauty and drama of Australian coastal life aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing enriching cultural experiences for our members and guests."

Autio has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, making her the first Australian recipient. Autio has also won two World Press awards and two Walkley awards

Her photographs are held in collections including such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.

In addition to Narelle Autio: Selected Watercolours, guests visiting or staying at the RACV Inverloch Resort will also be able to enjoy Digital Dreams, Analog Echoes - an Artificial Intelligence-inspired art exhibition.

Victorians and visitors can enjoy Inverloch Resort with the Gippsland Gourmet Getaway offer. From $399, a package includes a two-night stay in a resort room, a two-course dinner for two at the Radius Restaurant and daily breakfast for two.

The offer is valid for bookings until 31/05/2025, for stays to 31/07/2025.

RACV members receive an 11am late check out (not hat late to be honest), a welcome cocktail in Zenith Lounge for two, gourmet chocolates and biscuits, and a bottle of wine.

Inverloch is in Gippsland, 143 kilometres south east of Melbourne.

Visit RACV Travel and Experiences for more details.

New releases showcase a new era for Fowles Wines

Fowles Wines pulled off a major coup when they signed up Matt Harrop as their chief winemaker late last year.

New Zealand-born Harrop is one of Australia's most talented winemakers, and a leading wine show judge.

He has worked at Rothbury Estate, Grosset, Brokenwood, Nautilus and Shadowfax and joined Fowles from Curly Flat Wines in the Macedon Ranges. He also has his own family wine label, Silent Way.

Harrop currently chairs the National Wine Show panel and has previously chaired the Melbourne Wine Show.

He has extensive experience working in climates and soils similar to those in Victoria's rocky Strathbogie Ranges, where Fowles is located.

"His expertise in cool-climate viticulture aligns perfectly with our vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges," says Fowles Wines owner Matt Fowles.

"He is well positioned to drive our continued success."

Fowles has just released three impressive wines under its Stone Dwellers label, the first trio of wines in which Harrop played a role and finished prior to bottling.

 

The trio comprises the Fowles Stone Dwellers 2024 Arneis, 20124 Riesling and 2023 Sangiovese. All three are impressively cohesive, food friendly and offer excellent value with an RRP of $35.

While I enjoyed all three, the Arneis was my standout with its vibrancy, varietal character, structure and fruit-forward freshness. No oak, but lees treatment has added to the palate weight.

The Sangiovese is balanced, delightfully savoury and ready to enjoy immediately after being aged in almost neutral older French oak, while the Riesling is crisp, fresh, dry and versatile.

The future's so bright, they gotta wear shades.

See www.fowleswine.com