Bonnie Seymour
Born and raised in Mildura, distiller Bonnie Seymour is in exactly the right spot for her craft. Victoria's food bowl supplies her with all the grapes, citrus, nuts and grains she could wish for. The surrounding Mallee soil is also home to aromatic native plants such as saltbush and desert lime. All this flavour inspiration goes into Bonnie's creative process of gin-making at Fossey's Distillery.
Being part of a tight-knit regional community is important too, and motivates Bonnie to create intriguing drinks to enjoy with friends and family along the Murray River.
Bonnie shares some of her favourite places and things to do in the Murray.
1. Fossey's Distillery
'Of course this has to be my number one!' Bonnie says. Set within a historic building, the boutique distillery draws both loyal locals and eager visitors in through the door for tasting paddles. Try Fossey's exceptional gin, whisky, red gum rum and vodka – best paired with a cheese platter.
2. Local restaurants
Mildura's talented chefs enthusiastically embrace the fantastic fruit and vegetables grown in the region. Some of Bonnie's favourite spots to dine include Stefano de Pieri's Stefano's, The Province, and Botanica. 'All offer something different. All absolutely delectable!'
3. The Murray River
Undoubtedly the heart of the region, the mighty Murray River provides water for the region's crops, which end up on your plate. Bonnie loves to spend time on the river and along its banks, boating, camping, fishing and wandering the scenic walking tracks.
4. Wineries
'Oh, the wine!' Grape enthusiast Bonnie recommends a visit to the Sunraysia Cellar Door, where you can sample around 250 wines from a number of Murray Darling winemakers, all in the one spot. 'We have so many talented vintners in our region,' she says, 'and easy access to wineries all around Sunraysia.'
5. Motorsport
Mildura's also the place for action on wheels: Olympic Park Speedway, Timmis Speedway, Northwest Victorian Motorcycle Club and the Sunset Strip all host motor sports, including speedway, dirt track, enduro, motocross and drag racing. 'Easter is the perfect time of the year to see our region's best motorsport talents,' Bonnie recommends. So get revving!
