The Heart of Victoria
WORDS BY JONATHAN PULLEN,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT CAMERIERE
A good many Aussie nomads have a home base in a busy city, and love the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few days to recharge. Places like Nagambie are perfect: only a short drive from Melbourne, its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere draws not only RVers after a weekend getaway but travellers from all states of Australia. This charming region, renowned for its wine, waterways, wetlands and wildlife, has earned an approving nod from countless travellers.
The town offers guests a smorgasbord of tempting activities, from outdoor pursuits both on and off the waterways to culinary delights from the many cafes and restaurants. Wine connoisseurs rejoice, as wineries play an integral role in the community make-up. Nagambie even plays host to Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery, which to this day continues to make a world-renowned drop.
GETTING THERE
Nagambie is relatively close to Melbourne, about 140km north of the city, which means it’s ideally placed for a weekend getaway. A few hours and you’ll be set up – and your retreat isn’t going to break the bank, either.
The easiest route out of the city is via the Hume Freeway; follow this right up until you reach the exit for Goulburn Valley Freeway about 70 minutes into your drive. The freeway was originally routed right through the middle of Nagambie, but from last year a bypass has steered heavy traffic away. Take the exit onto Odwyer Road which will lead you directly into the centre of town.
If you’re travelling south, the Hume Freeway will again serve you as the quickest and easiest route into Nagambie, with a turn onto the Midland Highway and back again onto the Goulburn. Those making their way down enjoying the sights and sounds of communities like Deniliquin, Echuca or Numurkah; you’ll find Shepparton to be the last major town before you hit Nagambie. On average it should take you around 40 minutes from Shepparton via the Goulburn Valley Freeway.
DID YOU KNOW
The undefeated, champion racing horse, Black Caviar, was born in Nagambie at Gilgai Farm in 2006!
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Nagambie is a location blessed with a cool Mediterranean climate and beautiful natural surroundings. The town capitalises on this by providing visitors with plenty of options for spending their time outdoors, which suits most RVers perfectly. Ultimately it’s a matter of personal preference, but with such a stunning lake and the neighbouring Goulburn River, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the water!
LAKE NAGAMBIE
With its name derived from the local Aboriginal word for ‘lagoon’, Nagambie has always been a town heavily influenced by its surrounding water catchments. Travellers who are keen to get onto the lake will find several popular access points on the outskirts of the town. On the southern shore there’s Buckley Park, sporting a boat ramp, rowing club and picnic grounds and at the end of River Street, you’ll find the River Street Reserve, providing additional picnic grounds as well as a sandy shoreline and designated swimming area.
One hobby growing exponentially in popularity with RVers is canoeing, so if you already enjoy it, or are looking to give it a go, this is the perfect opportunity to take to the water. Have a leisurely paddle in your own time on the lake, or head over to the Nagambie Rowing Club for an opportunity that you won’t find in too many other locations – the chance to enjoy a fully buoyed, national standard rowing and canoeing course! That would be something different for the photo album.
If you don’t carry a boat on your tug, why not hire a canoe or a tinnie and make your way up the majestic Goulburn River? This will give you a golden opportunity to relax, unwind and take in some of Nagambie’s glorious flora and fauna. As you tour up the river, you’ll be constantly turning your head to take in the abundance of native plants, animals and birdlife that thrive on the banks of the Goulburn River. Add a pair of binoculars to your daypack – and a camera with a decent zoom – so you can view it all up close.
LOCAL TIP
Lake Nagambie can get relatively shallow, less than a metre deep in some parts. Exercise caution out on the water by staying in the cleanest patches of water and observing all safety signs!
THROW IN A LINE
The banks and shores of Nagambie’s waterways aren’t the only spots you’ll find local wildlife; Nagambie’s combination of river systems, lakes and backwaters offer keen anglers plenty of spots teeming with a staggering array of fish! You’ll find anything from introduced species like tench, carp, and both brown and rainbow trout; to native fish like the Murray cod, golden perch and blackfish.
A real treat in the region is its number of Murray crayfish, so if you’re in Nagambie during cray season (start of May to end of August) be sure to drop a few marked craypots! Nothing better than pulling up some fresh local crays to slap on the Baby Q or one of the local public barbies!
LOCAL TIP
Follow the Rushworth-Nagambie road and then turn onto Green Road to reach Greens Campground, a great free camp situated in the Whroo Historic Reserve; a shadow of 1850’s gold mining territory. Walk through the Balaclava open-cut mine and have a peek at the old puddling machines and the nearby quartz reed. You could even head south and take a walk through Whroo’s Hillside cemetery, which holds 400 historical graves.
EXPLORE WINE COUNTRY
Aussie nomads have the opportunity to visit wine regions all over Australia, but those in the know wouldn’t dream of dismissing Nagambie as “just another wine-growing area”. Some of the oldest wineries in the state can be found here, and to this day continue to produce some of Australia’s most sought-after wines. With 8 wineries all within close range to the town centre, your biggest problem will be which to visit. Some offer experiences that may easily fill up an entire day! If you’re trying to decide: here’s a tip – go for the experience that promises something a little different from what you’ve done before.
MITCHELTON WINES
With a site history tracing back to 1836, this Winery turned its first sod in 1969; today, Mitchelton stands as one of Victoria’s premier wine-makers. Guests are encouraged to come and explore the premises, admire the winery’s unique architectural design and participate in everything Mitchelton has on offer.
A visit to the Mitchelton Cellar Door is a real treat. Nothing could be better than snuggling into a sofa in front of a roaring fire and enjoying a relaxed, informal tasting. The Winery also sports a riverside terrace restaurant, serving up a scrumptious range of meals from an a la carte seasonal menu; take your meal on the river deck or amphitheatre and enjoy the superb views of the Goulburn River.
Mitchelton Wines
470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie
P: (03) 5736 2222
W: www.mitchelton.com.au
FOWLES WINES
Here’s a winery that’s definitely no sour grape! Fowles Wines not only prides its self on the outstanding quality and taste of its product, but being as hospitable and accommodating to guests as possible. Fowles was not only the recipient of ‘Best Victorian Tourism Winery’ for 2012, but also the first Victorian winery to win the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, taking the trophy for ‘Australia’s Best Shiraz’.
Enjoy tastings of all Fowles wines at the café, where some delicious Antipasti and Charcuterie will enhance the sensations for your palate. Nomads who need a more satisfying meal will be delighted with the cafe’s modern European dishes. Made from fresh local produce, the meals have been carefully selected to complement the flavours of Fowles Wines.
You’ll also be happy to know that Strathbogie Shire Welcome Shop is also on premise, so absorb as much info as you can from locals in the know!
Fowles Wines
1175 Lambing Gully Road, Avenel
P: (03) 5796 2150
W: www.fowleswine.com
TAHBILK WINERY
Established in 1860, Tahbilk is recognised as one of Australia’s most beautiful and historic family owned wineries. The estate sits on 1,214 hectares of river flats with 11km of river frontage along the Goulburn and 8km of backwaters and creeks.
A popular feature is the heritage listed ‘Cellar Door’ where visitors can head downstairs into the underground cellars and navigate around the giant wooden barrels. Listed by the national trust, the cellar amazingly still remains in use today!
If you get a little peckish while touring the estate, or you’d like have something on your stomach before kicking off some wine tasting, the Tahbilk Cafe offers a very pleasing A La Carte menu. Be sure to try the Tahbilk Shiraz and Marsanne varieties; absolutely superb!
For travellers that might like to take advantage of the estate’s enormous property, Tahbilk regularly runs tours along its eco trails. The main Tahbilk eco trail stretches over 4km, complete with pathways, boardwalks and an impressive variety of birds. For those who enjoy water-based activities, Tahbilk runs 45 minute guided tours through the Tahbilk Lagoon in the winery’s own electric-driven, all-weather boats.
Tahbilk Winery
254 O’Neils Road, Tahbilk, via Nagambie
P: (03) 5794 2555
W: www.tahbilk.com.au
THE GOULBURN EXPLORER
Forget the canoes, kayaks and tinnies; this is a chance to sail the mighty Goulburn in comfort! A local winery, Mitchelton, has recently launched its new riverboat cruiser, the ‘Goulburn Explorer’.
The Explorer links two of the region’s most iconic wineries, Mitchelton and Tahbilk, with the Nagambie Township, allowing travellers and locals alike a grand way to travel and take in the scenic inland waterway.
The vessel runs on a regular timetable but is also available for function hire to any caravan or motorhome clubs!
For more information on schedule and bookings contact: (03) 5736 2222
THE THOROUGHBRED CAPTIAL
The temperate climate, proximity to the state capital and easy access to the international airport have made Nagambie the ideal location for some of the most prolific and influential figures in horse racing. Swettenham Stud and Gilgai farm have each respectively produced the record breaking Helsinge, and her foal-turned-champion, Black Caviar. Several other locally born and bred champions include world champion miler, Ratki; South African Champion, Argonaut; and Breeders Cup Mile winner, Artie Schiller.
While keeping an eye peeled for future champs is fun, nomads can take advantage of other absorbing equine pursuits in the area, including trail riding and carriage driving!
LET’S GO FISHING!
HOBBY WORM SUPPLIER
8 Vickers Street, Nagambie
P: (03) 5794 2277
BOATS & MORE
207 Numurkah Road, Shepparton
P: (03) 5822 2108
W: www.boatsandmore.com.au
TAKE TO THE LAKE
NAGAMBIE ROWING CLUB
69 Loddings Lane, Nagambie
P: (03) 5794 2599
W: www.nlec.com.au
NAGAMBIE SAILING CLUB
P: (03) 5794 2565
W: www.nlsc.org.au
BOAB BOAT HIRE
P: 0488 993 503
W: www.boabboathire.com.au
CHEAP TREATS
TAHBILK ECO TRAILS AND CRUISES
254 O’Neils Road, Nagambie
P: (03) 5794 2555
LOCAL CYCLING TRAILS
Check for trail maps at the information centre
and contact the below for bike hire!
Nagambie Motor Inn
185 High Street, Nagambie
P: (03) 5794 2833
GOULBURN WEIR
Murchison-Goulburn Weir Road
WHERE TO STAY
NAGAMBIE CARAVAN PARK
143 High Street, Nagambi
P: (03) 5794 2681
W: www.nagambicaravanpark.com.au
GREENS CAMPGROUND
Whroo Historic Reserve
P: 131 963