DAY ONE

A mere hour’s drive from our neighbours Warrnambool, Port Fairy or Portland will have you at Penshurst, a perfect and picturesque place to pause/stop and refuel with a stop at the Penshurst Store. This family- run cafe and bakery will delight you with their freshly made bread, buns, pies, pastries and sweet treats.

Travelling north to Dunkeld, renowned for its BIG nature, enjoy spectacular views of the Grampians (Gariwerd) ranges while driving by canola fields lit up by the morning sunrise.

Dunkeld, known as the Southern gateway to the Grampians Peaks Trail, allows visitors to enjoy a range of day walks as part of the 160km trail. 

Drive to the Bainggug (Piccanniny) and walk through the open forest with an understory of Hakea, Grevillea and Banksia. The walk to the summit takes you past gorgeous seasonal wildflower blooms and picture perfect views of Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) at the top.

Scrumptious lunch options can be found at Izzys Cafe, Sturgeon View or Franklin and Friends.

The Historic Town Walk is also a must-do wander… meander through the township with memorable moments unfolding right in-front of your eyes.

For phenomenal photography opportunities call into Mitchell’s Gully at the foot of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) or take a short drive to the edge of town to the Dunkeld Cemetery for panoramic views.

Finish off the day walking with a lap around the town’s Arboretum. The living collection of the world’s trees, native grasslands and walking tracks surround a tranquil lake, proudly cared for by a volunteer team of local nature lovers.

Getting hungry or thirsty? A local favourite is Parker Street Project, offering a relaxed meal and casual style a la carte menu, matched with garden inspired cocktails, boutique beers and local wines. Local tip: Be sure to book in for dinner to avoid disappointment.

DAY TWO

With a day still to come, there is plenty of enjoyment yet to be had! Enjoy an indulgent breakfast at The Dunkeld Old Bakery – known for supplying the town’s bread since 1887. Today, Geoff’s wood-fired loaves, Eggs Benedict with daily fresh eggs and decadent pastries are a local legend. After breakfast, explore the neighbouring (and nearby) region of the Southern Grampians (Gariwerd).

Getting into the flow of a fabulous day, it is time to head to Greater Hamilton’s gorgeous waterfalls. Nigretta and Wannon Fall, are sites synonymous with locals and visitors alike. Pristine and powerful, the waterfalls reserves present breathtaking viewing platforms and walking tracks.

Time for some brunch, lunch, afternoon tea? Whatever sustenance you are searching for, nearby Hamilton is the place to head. With an abundance of cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the CBD, a pause/stop in the township is bound to be a tasty one! While in Hamilton be sure to take a walk through the lush Hamilton Botanic Gardens, admire the street art fabulously strewn throughout the streets and drop into the Hamilton Gallery, home to one of regional Australia’s finest collections.

Finish the day with a famed finale by heading to close-by Cavendish’s Bunyip Hotel where you can discover why the Herald Sun called this ‘Australia’s Best Pub Meal’. Presenting an ever-changing menu of delicious chef prepared meals, The Bunyip is headed by Jimmy Campbell, former head chef of Sydney restaurant Movida.

Making sure you fully enjoy your pause/stop in Cavendish, stay the night at one of the quaint accommodation options. 

Plan ahead as you travel to your next destination. Be sure to break your journey and pause/stop

at the local Visitor Information Centres, staffed by those who have all the local insider tips for the must-see activities not to be missed.

PAUSE. STOP.  AND STAY SAFE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. MAKE A CHOICE NOT TO DRIVE WHEN TIRED, BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES TO PREVENT DRIVING DROWSY.

• Plan your journey ahead of time.
• Aim to get enough quality sleep before driving – regardless of whether the trip is a long or short.
• Avoid driving at times when you would usually be sleeping.
• Don't travel for more than 8 - 10 hours a day.
• Plan to pause from the road at least every two hours.
• Consider swapping drivers where possible.
• Don't drink alcohol before your trip -even a small amount can significantly contribute to driver fatigue.
• Take a 15 minute powernap if you feel drowsy.
• Pause and stop for a visit at the Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre or the Hamilton Visitor Information Centre and enjoy free children's activities including colouring in, postcards and tailored itinerary with points of interest.

Find out more information about driver fatigue and drowsy driving here