Easter in the Pyrenees is a time for indulgence, adventure, and relaxation. Here is how we do Easter in the Pyrenees.
Sip the weekend away
St Ignatius
A visit to St Ignatius Vineyard will warm your soul. With a heritage expanding over three continents, including Italy and Argentina, St Ignatius Vineyard is the house of Malbec. This fine Bordeaux varietal is one that speaks to the senses, intrigues the mind and appeals to the heart.
Blue Pyrenees
Blue Pyrenees is proudly 100 per cent independently Australian owned. They are delighted that all of their wines are made from grapes grown in their vineyards and produced in their estate winery. Visit Blue Pyrenees Estate’s cellar door to taste their award winning range of Sparkling, Red and White table wines, or spend the afternoon enjoying a bottle with a platter of the best seasonal local produce in the onsite cafe.
Sally’s Paddock
Recently celebrating its 50th year, the famous Sallys Paddock vineyard at Redbank Winery continues to produce some of the best wines in the Pyrenees Region. The cellar door is open every day except Christmas Day with the on-site Flying Pig Delhi serving platters from 11am-3pm.
Dalwhinnie
If you enjoy a good glass of red then make Dalwhinnie your first stop. Hailed by critics and wine lovers, the Dalwhinnie Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are a must at this scenic dog friendly venue.
Bigibila Winery
Owned and operated by the dynamic duo, Peter Bicknell and Jillian Henderson, Bigibila is not your ordinary vineyard and winery. Their passion for hand-crafting premium red wines will make your taste buds dance with delight. Luscious Shiraz, velvety Cabernet Sauvignon, enchanting Cabernet Franc, and the smooth embrace of Merlot. Can you taste the magic already?
Feast on mouth watering dishes
Wayward Winery
Head to Waubra, just 20 minutes outside Ballarat, and you’ll find a slice of paradise on the side of the dormant volcano Quoin Hill. Wayward Winery’s focus on local produce is enhanced by the emphasis on cooking with fire, with the kitchen featuring an Argentinian grill and a large woodfired pizza oven. Settle in for a wine tasting and share in a delicious plate of food among friends.
Magnolia Wine Bar
Nestled in the heart of Beaufort, Magnolia offers a blend of modern European cuisine and bohemian ambience. The thoughtfully curated and ever evolving menu seamlessly marries traditional cullinary methods with a contemporary twist to create a captivating symphony of tastes. Noteworthy are the Sundays at Magnolia featuring a specially curated menu that showcase a delightful assortment of teas, cakes and French press coffee.
Summerfield
Grab a spot on their deck, lawns or inside the cosy cellar door and treat your tastebuds to an afternoon at Summerfield Winery. Their expectation-defying pizzas have cultivated a strong community vibe and now available Wednesday to Sunday lunch and Friday and Saturday evenings. The open kitchen fills the restaurant with the warm aroma of baking pizza, which are topped with locally sourced and homegrown products. But the pizza’s aren’t even the best part of the experience. Mark Summerfield has produced some banging wine which has been rated 5 red stars from James Halliday!
The Avoca Hotel
The Avoca is the pub that we are proud to call our local and carries a substantial range of local and regional craft beer as well as an extensive list of local wines. Housed in a stunning historic goldfields building, The Avoca Hotel has a little something for everyone. A traditional style bistro offering table service, main bar, an inviting alfresco area and friendly vibes.\
Something to Do
Hit the gravel of the Avoca-Moonambel Cycling loop and discover the region from a different perspective. This trail is suitable for riders of all fitness levels and takes approximately 3.5 hours. The ride is filled with quiet country roads, stunning landscapes and plenty of wildlife and farm animals along the way, it makes the perfect ride for a leisurely weekend.
Avoca Silo
The endangerd barking owl is standing tall on the silo located at the historic Avoca Railway Station which also glows in the dark at night! The endangered Barking Owl was chosen to feature on the silo to build awareness about the rare and endangered species. The majestic birds eyes follow you as you wander around the silo.
Waterfalls Nature Walk and Governors Rock Look Out
Venture to Pyrenees State Forest where you can find the Avoca waterfalls. The waterfall is seasonally dry but when the waterfalls aren’t running, you can carefully climb to the top of the falls and follow the track back around to the carpark. A shortdrive from the waterfalls, you can find the Governors Rock lookout – the best spot in the Pyrenees State Forest to drink in the views.
Gallery
Discover fascinating works by local artists in the environments that inspired them. Both Avoca and Beaufort have galleries located in the restored historic railway station with Art Trax in Beaufort and Gallery 127 in Avoca.
Vegemite Museum
Beaufort’s Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum celebrates the life and history of a man who changed the way Australia ate. With the creator of vegemite being born just outside of Beaufort, vegemite holds a special place in our hearts. The Cyril Callister Pop Up Museum finds its temporary home in a former 1950s service station in Beaufort and the collection includes posters, memorabilia, old advertisements and even a WWII Australian Army ration of tinned Vegemite.
Beaufort Lake
Embrace the calmness of lake life at Beaufort Lake. Swim, fish, kayak, paddle board. Beaufort Lake is waiting for you to dive into the refreshing waters! There are plenty of family-friendly spot that’s perfect for an afternoon picnic. Break up your picnicking with a brisk walk around the lake which takes in the Koori Art Trail. After your day of leisure, catch the sunset over the lake and take in the insane colours.
Events for everyone
Easter Egg painting with vegemite, Saturday 30 March, 10am-2pm, Cyril Callister Museum, Beaufort
Beaufort Town Market, Saturday 30 March, 9am-1pm, Beaufort memorial Park
Live Music at Sallys Paddock, Saturday 30 March, 10am-5pm, Sallys Paddock Winery, Redbank
Live Music at Taltarni, Sunday 31 March, 12pm-3pm, Taltarni Vineyard, Moonambel
Sleep Under the Stars
Wake up to spectacular mountain and valley views. The best way to experience some of the most beautiful spots in the Pyrenees is to stay awhile. Check out some of our favourite places that takes in stellar views of our beautiful region.