Six of the best things to do in Nagambie

Road into Marysville in autumn

Tim Nicholson

Posted June 26, 2019


Experience the best the region has to offer with these activities.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Nagambie, a picturesque town in Victoria's stunning High Country, just over an hour's drive north of Melbourne. Make a day trip and check out some of the Goulburn Valley's best and oldest wineries, or stay the weekend and immerse yourself in the region's flourishing foodie scene. From breweries to bakeries to cod fishing and farmer's markets, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time.


Six of the best ways to experience Nagambie

 

Fishing

Smack bang in the middle of Nagambie is Lake Nagambie, a man-made reservoir that attracts locals and visitors for a dip in summer, or water sports such as sailing, rowing and water-skiing. Fish varieties found in the lake include Brown and Rainbow Trout, Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Redfin if you fancy throwing a line in. The proximity to the main drag means a bite to eat is never far away. 

Food

Nagambie’s restaurant and café scene has blossomed in recent years, with more visitors drawn to the area seeking culinary delights. The latest addition is the Nagambie Brewery and Distillery, the sister business of Mitchelton Wines. While master brewer Jamie Chesher is busy perfecting the next batch of beer, head chef Dan Hawkins has created a menu that brings together pub classics, pizza and modern share plates using local ingredients. Grab a seat on the deck overlooking the lake or relax in the airy dining room. If it’s too early for beer, the highly regarded Nagambie Bakery could be worth a look. k out to old anchors embedded in the rocks at Wreck Beach. 

Wineries

As well as Mitchelton, the Nagambie Lakes region is home to other famed wineries, cellar doors and restaurants. Fowles Wine has popular labels including Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch and Are You Game, while other smaller local operators include David Traeger Wines and Kirwan’s Bridge Estate. The area is also home to Tahbilk which dates back to 1860 and is known for its Marsanne and other white varieties. A slightly different way to explore the local wineries is via the Goulburn Explorer River Cruiser, a private ferry linking Tahbilk and Mitchelton Wines with the Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park. 

Art/Craft

The Nagambie Lakes Community Market is scheduled for the first Saturday of the month, with an extra market occasionally on long weekends. Located on the median strip running through the centre of town, the market is home to a diverse range of stalls from locally produced honey, hand-made craft items and jewellery, jams, preserves and sauces, sheepskin and leather products and tarot card readings. If that’s not enough market, the Nagambie Farmers Market takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month at Tahbilk. 

Natural Beauty 

Take in the natural beauty of the region with a gentle hike. Mt Wombat Lookout offers scenic 360-degree views over the area, including the Waranga Basin and Goulburn Weir. The walk to the lookout at the top of Mt Wombat is about 3km and is a relatively gentle walk, or alternatively can be reached by car. There are picnic spots along the way, so bring some of that local produce with you and truly get a taste for Nagambie.

Don’t miss: The Bakehouse near the bridge in Bridgewater, for the best jelly slice in the state. 

Black Caviar

Move over sourdough, there's a new bread that's bringing people to Nagambie: the world's best, not to mention fastest, thoroughbred. Black Caviar, nicknamed 'Nelly' by locals, was born at Gilgai Farm in Nagambie in August 2006 and made history in 2013 when she became the first horse to win 25 races from 25 starts. Nagambie also made history in 2013, when a statue of the mighty undefeated mare, arguably the town's most notable resident, was erected on High Street in her honour. 

Images courtesy of Visit Victoria.