Overview
Take a journey to Heathcote, nestled in a tranquil bush setting at the foot of the McIvor and McHarg Ranges. Founded in the 1850s, the heritage streetscape reflects the town's gold rush past but it's the wineries and regional produce that are the major drawcard.
Meet the winemakers
Heathcote wine region has a reputation for producing some of the finest shiraz in the world along with other high quality varieties of red. Experience it for yourself. Taste the wines and meet the winemakers at cellar doors, or treat yourself to a long lunch among the vines at winery restaurants, all year round. Visit in October to see the local winemakers showcase their iconic wines at the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival.
Find a brew
If beer is more your tipple of choice, visit the Tooborac Pub and Brewery, just a 15-minute drive south of Heathcote. Sample handcrafted beers at the bar or find a shady spot on the lawn and while away an afternoon.
Take home produce
Pack the picnic basket and time your visit with the Heathcote Regional Farmers' Market to stock up on local goodness to take home. Held the third Saturday morning of every month, the market offers a delicious opportunity to sample local produce – fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, eggs, olives, wine and more – and chat with producers.
Explore outdoors
For those keen on bushwalking and photography, visit the Pink Cliffs Reserve on the edge of town. Wander across this unique landscape and discover mini gorges, wildflowers and wildlife. To see Heathcote and surrounds from on high, explore the walking trails in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park and take in the views from Mt Ida and Viewing Rock.
For aquatic fun, take the whole family to Lake Eppalock, just a 20-minute drive from Heathcote. Sitting pretty on the Campaspe River, it's a great spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and lakeside barbecues and picnics.
