Five Regional Eateries Worth the Trip

RedBeard Bakery

Trentham

If you’re heading towards Hanging Rock, make sure to check out this gorgeous country bakery that serves up homemade sourdough from its historic wood-fired oven. With a picturesque courtyard that’s great to snuggle up in, you can enjoy a variety of charcuterie platters or pastries that will make your afternoon an absolute treat. If you’re looking to add an extra bit of activity to your trip, RedBeard also offers its famous sourdough baking workshops.

Das Kaffeehaus

Castlemaine

Fade back into the past in this fabulously glamorous Viennese coffeehouse that will keep you caffeinated all day long. Attached to Castlemaine’s popular foodie destination, The Mill, Das Kaffeehaus fills an old warehouse space with marble surfaces, gilded portraits and vintage chandeliers. With a pages-long specialist menu, you can try all kinds of classic European takes on the traditional coffee - a shot of espresso with a side of condensed milk? The food is just as delicious, with plenty of kransky and ghoulash to be dished out by the attentive staff. Don’t forget to take a look around the Vintage Bazaar next door, and your morning in Castlemaine is complete.

The Clunes Store

Clunes

A visit to this tiny town calls for a mandatory feed at the Clunes Store. Artfully presented, this rustic cafe now doubles as a small grocery stop, selling organic produce and wine. With a menu that’s proud to host local, seasonal and speciality produce, the quality is always top notch at this community-focussed store. Soon to be expanding into dinner service thanks to their local popularity, the Clunes Store is not one to be missed.

Cliffy’s Emporium

Daylesford

Don’t be surprised if there’s a line to get into Cliffy’s. This self-professed “overflowing with country charm” eatery has the exquisite taste required to stand out in the ever-popular town of Daylesford. Situated right by the Botanical Gardens, grab a coffee and go walking or eat in while you enjoy the curtain of autumnal leaves that makes Cliffy’s instantly recognisable. Functioning as a general store, you can also pick up some local produce or wine. Enjoy the Ploughman’s Board to get a great taste of their menu - but truly, you can’t go wrong with anything here.

Commonfolk Coffee

Mornington Peninsula

If you’re making a break for the Peninsula, be sure to check out the Mornington branch from the folks behind Commonfolk Coffee. Doubling as a function space, this welcoming warehouse spot has plenty to keep your eyes busy as you enjoy their in-house roasted coffee. As well as having their own courtyard kitchen garden, Commonfolk founder Sam’s family runs two small farms in Bittern and Balnarring to keep their produce fresh and local. There’s plenty to get behind with this wonderful, ethically-minded group.

Image Credit: Trip Advisor AU, The Mill Castlemaine, Clunes Store, Cliffy’s Emporium, Commonfolk Coffee