Super spring day trips, not far from home

BALLARAT Regional Tourism’s Iain Gunn encourages residents to visit and support local experience and produce providers this spring, even with the freedom to travel further afield.

The organisation’s chair said those with access to a car can easily plan day trips with variety.

“There’s a lot of history and charm in the region, and Ballarat lends itself perfectly to be the staging point for all of that,” Mr Gunn said.

“We’re all hurting due to the pandemic. The message is; support local businesses. Not only does it benefit a business, there’s a flow-on affect.”

Daylesford

Daylesford’s main drag, Vincent Street is a short stroll from Lake Daylesford. Photo: CHIPPY RIVERAOne way to start a road trip is to drive 40 minutes out of the CBD, and end up in Daylesford for brunch.

With a main street full of cafes and bakeries, the world-class Lake House restaurant down the road, and the Wombat Hill House café in the picturesque Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, visitors can enjoy a bite and a coffee with a view, wherever they sit.

Clunes

Driving west from Daylesford for just over half an hour, you’ll end up in Victoria’s wide-roaded gold rush town, Clunes.

Now the home of the annual Booktown festival, Clunes’ Fraser Street is famous for its intact 1800s architecture and mining history.

It has featured in many feature films and series, including Mad Max and Stan Australia’s Bloom.

Tuki

If you’re peckish after a stroll around Clunes’ streets, you could head to Tuki Trout Farm for lunch.

The retreat has a restaurant, and a pond where you can hire fishing equipment to try your hand at catching your own trout.

With views over the Loddon Campaspe Valley, the Tuki property is on farming land including an original old woolshed and miner’s cottage.

Pyrenees Wine Trail

In the mid to late afternoon before heading back into town, you could head to a Pyrenees region winery or cellar door to taste and purchase some locally produced drops from the families that made them.

Blue Pyrenees, Sally’s Paddock, and Amherst wineries all surround the township of Avoca.

For families wishing to get out in the spring sunshine for some activity post-lockdown, there’s always fun on offer for free just out of the city.

Creswick

The Creswick State Forest includes St Georges Lake and the Koala Park, with multiple scenic walking tracks, and spots to sit and have a picnic. Look out for native wildlife.

If you’re interested in a special treat with the kids afterwards, you could always stop off at French patisserie and boulangerie, Le Péché Gourmand on Albert Street.

Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

Perfect for walking or riding, the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail begins in Alfredton and winds its way down through Haddon, Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Happy Valley, Pittong and beyond.

Whether on foot or with a bike, smaller sections can be covered, visiting townships along the way for refreshments or unique shops.