The Grand Ridge Road has to be one of Victoria’s most underrated attractions. Having stumbled across it whilst visiting the town of Korumburra a few years back, I finally managed to dedicate a weekend to exploring a portion of it. I was not disappointed.
Starting near Warragul, the Grand Ridge Road runs for 132 km along the spine of the Strezlecki Ranges. The best time to visit is probably winter or spring, when the landscape is awash with lush green pastures. Travelling along the ridgeline, you will see rolling green pastures as far as the eye can see, with not another tourist in sight. We saw the panorama above in Seaview (or was it Trida?) and stopped the car for about 10 -15 minutes to drink in the immensity of the landscape and the serenity of it all. We weren’t disturbed by another car in that entire time.
We based ourselves at an AirBnb just outside of Warragul, next to Wild Dog Winery. The owner of the AirBnb kindly suggested we check out Mt Worth, a short drive from Warragul which has some commanding views over the surrounding countryside. Additionally, if you’re in the area I would recommend Wild Dog Winery – excellent food in a beautiful contemporary space overlooking the vineyards. After lunch and a drink, you can walk off lunch with some of the signed walks they have around the winery, which themselves are quite nice.
More views at sunset from Trida. The peace and quiet you get on the Grand Ridge Road is worth the trip in itself.
Some more fields at Trida.
Some beautiful cloud formations just out of Warragul. If you are pressed for time, there are some beautiful landscapes just out of Warragul, there is no need to journey too far into the Grand Ridge Road. However, one day I would like to do the whole thing over a long weekend, taking in the Grand Ridge Brewery (amazing beers!) at Mirboo North and Tarra-Bulga National Park.
Sunset from the farm gate at Seaview.
Amazing late afternoon light over the hills at Trida.
If you’re in the area, Korumburra is also worth a visit and in particular the historical Coal Creek Village there (similar to Sovereign Hill). Also worthy of note is that ‘Grow Lightly Food Hub’ which is a small produce store which only stocks organic produce grown within 60 km of Korumburra – locavore eating at its best. The food hub is located next to the Coal Creek Village. Check http://www.growlightly.com.au/food-hub-shop for opening hours.
Apparently stressed out city slickers also like ‘Tamsin’s Table‘ in Poowong which is a farm offering seasonal lunches and food workshops using only (or mostly) produce grown on-site. I haven’t been personally, but thanks to the kind ladies at the food hub for putting me on to this, I will definitely add it to my itinerary for next time. Make sure to book early though, as the lunches and workshops are popular!