This Victorian Region is Hiding Empty Trails & an Underrated Food & Wine Scene

We sent Neisha and her husband on a weekend away in the Strathbogie Shire to see what adventures they could dig up in just a few days. Little did we know they’d hit the jackpot with plenty to explore but no crowds to compete with.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Yorta Yorta people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

About the Strathbogie Shire

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Strathbogie Shire is a destination that makes you wonder why it’s not on everyone’s radar.

The shire’s dramatic landscapes, cool climate wineries, buzzing food scene, bike trails, horse studs, and mighty waterways, are all anchored by classic country towns like Euroa, Violet Town, Graytown, and Avenel. We based ourselves in Nagambie for a weekend to explore the wider Strathbogie area by bike and foot, although there are enough outdoor activities to keep even the most restless crew busy.

It’s a weekend that works for everyone – couples after a romantic escape, families wanting to get the kids off screens, or mates who just need a solid excuse to catch up.

Strathbogie Shire History

Strathbogie Shire sits on Taungurung and Yorta Yorta Country, where the Taungurung people have called this land home for more than a thousand generations. When European settlers arrived, Strathbogie grew into a busy regional hub for wine, agriculture, and timber. The completion of the Goulburn Weir in 1891 formed Lake Nagambie and changed the town forever – and Tahbilk Estate, established way back in 1860, has been pouring wine through all of it.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie Shire is about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. The roads are quiet and scenic, passing through small country towns like Avenel and Violet Town. If you’d rather skip the drive, V/Line runs a direct train service from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Nagambie, taking around one-and-a-half to two hours, a relaxed and easy way to start the trip. There are also train stations at Avenel and Euroa.

Where to Stay in Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie punches above its weight when it comes to accommodation — riverside camping, caravan parks, Airbnbs, and luxe hotel stays are all on the table. Whatever floats your boat.

We spent the weekend in a cabin at Discovery Parks Nagambie and it was a great base. Elevated with gorgeous river views, fully self-contained, and a short walk into town — plus, as Go Adventure Nagambie is onsite which is where we hired our e-bikes, it made the whole thing ridiculously easy to pull together. We’re already planning a return trip with the kids.

Where to Eat Around Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie’s food scene is a pleasant surprise. Here’s where we’d point you first:

Black Caviar Café — Our first stop on day one. Good coffee, and the brioche egg and bacon roll hit the spot before a big day on the bike.

Tahbilk Wines — If you’re feeling peckish, a cheese platter on the outdoor deck with river views and a glass of your favourite drop is a hard thing to say no to. They also host a farmers market every 4th Sunday.

The Provedore at Mitchelton Winery — When you’re after something a little fancy. We sat under vine-covered decking with a mushroom pizza and a glass of chardonnay. Bliss.

Nagambie Brewery & Distillery — For a hearty pub feed, their smashed burger and pale ale went down a treat after a day exploring the area. The outdoor seating area is west facing, which means you’re eating with a bonus sunset view.

Essential Gear

Depending on what activities you choose (there’s a lot to pick from!)

• Bikes for the trails (or rent them)
• Sunnies
• Sunscreen
• Swimmers and towel
• Kayak or SUP  (can also be rented)
• Day pack
• Water bottle

What to Do Around the Strathbogie Shire

The Strathbogie Ranges surprised us in the best way possible. My partner Alex and I headed up from Melbourne in early autumn for a weekend away. Fresh mornings, warm afternoons, and none of the crowds you find at more popular weekend spots. We’re not really the sit-by-the-pool types, so the region’s mix of outdoor adventures suited us perfectly.

Explore the Trails by E-Bike

We hired e-bikes from Go Adventure Nagambie for two days. One to tackle the Strathbogie Winery Loop and another to explore the town at a more leisurely pace. The loop was easily the highlight of the trip; quiet roads, mostly flat with open countryside, grazing cattle, beautiful horse studs, and golden hay bales with the winery pit stops of course.

We also rode through the centre of Nagambie and along the river front with a packed a picnic to spend the day by the water before pedalling home.

Winery Hop

Strathbogie Shire is serious wine country, and two of its best are easily reached by bike. Tahbilk Estate and Mitchelton Winery couldn’t be more different in style, but both are absolutely worth the visit — we stopped at Tahbilk for a cheeseboard and a glass of shiraz on the outdoor deck, all river views and gumtrees, before rolling on to Mitchelton.

Tahbilk Estate

Tahlbilk is one of Victoria’s oldest and most loved wineries and is far more than just a stop in, it’s an entire day out. We arrived by bike and went straight to the underground cellar (an absolute must), before having a glass on the outdoor deck followed by a wander around the eco trails and nature reserve that wind through the property.

The wetlands were a real feature of the estate and are such an important part of the Strathbogie Shire. They’re a large conservation area that the Tahbilk team have been carefully regenerating since 1995, and are as much about raising awareness for environmental preservation as they are about providing habitat for native birds and wildlife. Tahbilk Estate is one of only eight in the world that’s carbon neutral! The whole experience is inspiring.

Timber boardwalks and walking paths wind through lily pad-lined wetlands brimming with life, and a fairly new 2km Indigenous Flora Walking Trail extends through the reserve, showcasing species used by the Taungurung people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land that Tahbilk was built on.

And if that’s not enough, they also offer a guided wetlands cruise. We didn’t get through as much of the reserve as we’d have liked before the light faded – another good reason to go back!

Mitchelton Winery 

Turning heads since the 70s this estate is a striking blend of bold architecture and natural surroundings. There’s so much to take in here. Lunch at the Providore was first on the list, followed by a wander through the beautiful grounds. The Goulburn River stretches around the estate so there are lots of quiet, serene spots to just sit and listen to the birds.

We explored the gallery of vibrant First Nations art, took the lift to the top of Ashton Tower for sweeping views of the Strathbogie Ranges, and even squeezed a peek into the cellar door. With a day spa and restaurant onsite, as well as a luxury hotel overlooking the Goulburn River or cosy cabins by the vineyard, you could easily lose a whole day, or even weekend here.

Kayak, SUP, or Boat the Waterways

Go Adventure Nagambie is your one stop shop for getting out and exploring. Hire a kayak, SUP board, or pedal boat and spend a few hours out on the Goulburn River or Lake Nagambie. It’s a great way to see the area from a different angle — and a solid excuse to work up an appetite before that winery lunch.

If you’ve got kids and still want somewhere to cool off, there’s a lakeside splash park right in town (big kids are welcome too!).

Wander the Trails

Between rides we explored the township on foot. The foreshore walk was a peaceful and easy 1.6km stroll along the lake with river views, birdlife, and lily pads guiding you all the way to the Regatta Centre. If you time it right you might even catch rowing practice out on the water.

Strathbogie won’t be under the radar forever — the food scene is too good, the riding is too peaceful, and the wineries are too easy to love. Get there while it’s still a little bit of a secret. We’re already planning a return trip with the kids.

Strathbogie Shire FAQs

How far is Strathbogie from Melbourne?

Strathbogie is about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, making it an easy weekend getaway. You can also reach it by train, with direct services running from the city.

When is the best time to visit Strathbogie?

Spring and autumn are the sweet spots for getting out and exploring. Mild temperatures make it ideal for bike rides through the countryside, long winery lunches that stretch into the afternoon, leisurely walks along the Goulburn River, and picnics by the lake with a bottle of something local.

Summer is great too if you want to be on the water, with swimming, boating, and lakeside activities available.

Where should I stay in Strathbogie?

There are plenty of options depending on your style:

• Discovery Parks Nagambie for riverside cabins and holiday park
• Majors Creek Reserve for free camping
• Airbnbs
• Mitchelton Winery also has accommodation for something more upmarket

Staying near the water or close to town makes it easy to explore without needing to drive.

How many days should I spend in Strathbogie Shire?

A weekend is the sweet spot. Two to three days gives you enough time to ride out to the wineries, explore the foreshore, and actually slow down a bit. You could do it as a day trip, but staying overnight makes it feel like a proper escape.

Can you swim around the Strathbogie Shire?

Yes — you can swim in Lake Nagambie, and it’s a popular spot in summer. There are areas along the foreshore where people get in, plus a splash park nearby if you’re travelling with kids. Just keep an eye on conditions and signage, especially around boating areas.