Soak up the glorious sun
Make the most of the sunshine in regional Victoria and catch some vitamin D with a drink in hand at one of our favourite bars, pubs and restaurants. Take in the views from a happening rooftop, dine al fresco style, sip wine among the vines or keep the fresh brews rolling in a beer garden.
Ocean vibes
Image: Cptn Jack's, Sommerville, Mornington Peninsula
Chill out by the beach with a tasty dish and a refreshing drink in hand. Head to Beach HQ Restaurant and Bar in Cowes for fresh seafood or Gippsland beef in a relaxed waterfront space, or visit the boating capital of Victoria in Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes and dine from an exquisite modern Australian menu at SARDINE Dining.
Also in Gippsland, the old floating ferry cafe in Lakes Entrance has been transformed into a bona-fide seafood restaurant, Sodafish. The restaurant is the perfect spot for watching the sunset and serves seafood caught by neighbouring fishermen.
Down on the Mornington Peninsula, pop into Cptn Jack's for a Mediterranean feast in the heart of the Yaringa Harbour, or take the iconic drive down the Great Ocean Road and stop off at the Apollo Bay Hotel, where you can dine in the nautical inspired, oceanfront alfresco.
Upstairs oasis
Perch high above street level and make the most of killer views in regional hubs or landscapes worthy of a panorama at one of our fave rooftop bars.
Sample craft gin made in Torquay with views of the Geelong waterfront at Sailors' Rest, or head down the Mornington Peninsula to the artisanal, Bass and Flinders Distillery, which now has a rooftop where you can taste unique botanicals, grape-based gins, spirits and curated cocktails.
In the beer garden
Pop into your local and make an afternoon of lounging in a relaxed beer garden, where the drinks flow and food keeps on coming. The century-old Daylesford Hotel is a top pick, with its historic interior and breezy outdoor area, which has a casual yet lively atmosphere late into the night. The food is as impressive as the architecture, with a menu full of pub classics with a fancy twist.
Keep the heritage vibes going at the Alpine Hotel Warburton Bar and Restaurant. The heritage building has been lovingly restored and features a beer garden that seats up to 250 people and has 22 beers on tap, alongside an extensive wine list.
Sunshine and brews
Image: Four Pillars Distillery, Jude's Gin Garden, Healesville
Head out to Healesville's main drag and make the most of Four Pillars Distillery’s gin garden. Sip on build-your-own negronis, share a gin and tonic paddle and snack on tasty cheese platters, all while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Cross over from the Yarra Valley into the King Valley and sample fresh beers straight from the source at King River Brewing.
While out by The Murray, the Goods Shed Craft Beer and Cafe is serving up traditional pizzas, 16 types of craft tap beer and much more, all in a historic old railway shed.
In the foothills of Mount William in the Grampians, Halls Gap Hotel's family bistro with a sprawling verandah is a great spot for a feed and a refreshing drink after a long day exploring the surrounding mountains and bushland. For a taste of small batch beers, Shedshaker Brewing in Castlemaine is the place to be. Depending what day you go, you can expect live music, Mexican food or tasty pizzas.
For a laidback afternoon or evening in a modern yet historical setting, visit St Andrews Beach Brewery in Fingal. The revamped space is the place to go for seasonal and experimental brews that will excite your tastebuds and an extensive menu of share plates, pizzas and burgers that's sure to delight.
Pull up a seat at Mitta Mitta Brewing Co in the High Country to enjoy a beer while looking out at Victoria's highest peak, Mount Bogong, or out in spa country, pop into Daylesford Cider Company for a crisp and refreshing cider.
Dine by the vines
Image: Pizzini Wines, King Valley, High Country
Lazy afternoons filled with sunshine, wine and plenty of grazing await at picturesque vineyards across Victoria. Wander three acres of vines on the south coast of Phillip Island at Phillip Island Winery, or settle in for a taste of award-winning wines at the Ginger Prince Garden Bar at Fowles Wine, set in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges.
Transport yourself to Italy with a visit to Pizzini Wines in the King Valley, where you can sip as many Italian varietal wines as your heart desires, all while lounging in a lush green space reminiscent of Tuscany.
Just 20-minutes out of Ballarat, you'll find the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Wayward Winery has spectacular views of the Pyrenees Ranges and has a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes, curated with produce from their garden. The Argentinian grill and wood fired pizza oven also gives the food an authentic smoky taste that will have you coming back for more.
