Horses, Wine and Beer Day Tour

Summary

"Horses, Wine and Beer: What more could you ask for when exploring regional Victoria? Meet horses and kangaroos at "Living Legends", a traditional homestead that is home to our favourite retired racehorses. Enjoy lunch and wine tastings at a country winery then beer tasting in Holgate's classic Aussie pub in Woodend."

Itinerary

First off, we visit Living Legends at Woodlands Historic Park which is host to our favourite retired champion race horses. Meet the horses, watch kangaroos in their natural environment, and enjoy morning tea in the homestead.

Woodlands Historic Park gives visitors a fascinating glimpse of the landscape seen by settlers in the 1840s. Many physical links remain, including the history-packed Woodlands Homestead.  First established as a public park in 1980, it now totals over 700 hectares. It contains significant cultural and natural values which have endured many of the changes resulting from Melbourne's urban spread.

Enjoy a winery lunch and wine tastings at Gisborne Peak Winery, located within the Macedon Ranges wine region; a recognised cool climate wine growing region.  The menu is limited - but delicious! All the cooking is done in a wood-fired ovens and everything tastes just that little bit better.

Now we are treated to Beer tasting at Holgate Brewery; the home of the 2008 Best Beer Brewed in Victoria Trophy.

The Holgate Brewery's Mission

'To provide an alternative experience through brewing premium quality beer in the Macedon Ranges using natural brewing methods. We are dedicated in the pursuit of re-creating classic beer styles, full in flavour, rich in character and matching these with gourmet food using local ingredients.'

Time to meander down the main street of beautiful Woodend or sit by the fire or in the beer garden. During the gold rushes of the 1850s, travellers sought refuge from mud, bogs and bushrangers at the 'wood's end' around Five Mile Creek, where a town eventually grew.

In the late 1800s Woodend became a resort town, and its lovely gardens and proximity to spectacular natural sights, such as Hanging Rock and Mt Macedon makes a popular daytrip and weekend getaway for visitors from Melbourne.

Further Information