VICTORIA

BEECHWORTH. Beechworth is a very historic town that came to prominence during the gold-rush years of the 1800s.

Penny likes the Hotel Tanswell when she's here.

Originally built in 1853, and listed on the National Trust, this historic hotel claims to offer, “contemporary dining, a vibrant classic pub bar and traditional budget hotel accommodation.”

It's open for lunch and dinner, with extended hours for both, and light snacks are also available at the bar throughout the day.

Penny says it has, “Beautiful food and great service.” (Penny).

Michael was impressed with Beechworth Bakery. He wrote that he was, “Shocked by the beauty of Beechworth.” And the Bakery served up a good breakfast. (Michael).

BRIGHT. This is a very popular tourist spot – especially in spring and autumn when the trees put on a wonderful display of colour. Michael ate at Simone’s Restaurant and was very impressed. He writes, “This was really, truly worth every cent! An incredible dining experience!” (Michael). 

HARRIETVILLE. Peter likes Morries Ice Creamery. He writes that it has, “Good food and good coffee.” (Peter).

HEALESVILLE. Healesville is located in  the beautiful Victorian High Country; an area described as a rider’s paradise! John recommends the Healesville Pub.

On their web-site, the pub describes itself in these words. “The hotel looks out on the main street of Healesville like a grand old lady, the front bar is made up of a series of rooms with pressed metal ceilings, polished floors & persian rugs.

“In winter the bar is warm & cosy with several open fires while in the warmer months the fabulous garden of the hotel a favourite spot to while away a sunny afternoon or balmy summers night.”

This is a popular riding area! John says the pub is, “Biker friendly with a warm fire and cold beer. And what a great ride!” (John).

KOETONG. This is a small town in the north-east of the state. It’s a kind of gateway to the Mount Lawson State Park.

John describes Koetong as being about 30kms east of Tallangatta on the Murray Valley Hwy.

Koetong was the site of tin discovery in the mid 1860s. With the influx of men to work the tin mines, several hotels sprang up in the area. Of the ones that did, the Koetong Hotel is the only one remaining in business.

John recommends it! (John).

MALACOOTA. Michael stayed at the Malacoota Hotel when touring through Victoria and says this was an excellent place. “They are biker friendly and serve wonderful food and cold beer in the pub.” (Michael).

MELBOURNE. Dave writes with a good suggestion if you’re in the city itself.

“Melbourne Bar & Bistro, in Elizabeth Street. Was $9.50 all you can eat. Good selection of choices.”

If the photo here is anything to go by, it’s a busy place! As Dave points out, that’s the street where all the bike shops are! You can buy – or drool over – just about every brand on the market along there.

I've never been there, (to Elizabeth St I mean), but it'd be a great place to visit.

I reckon you’d have to allow at least about 4 hours for a meal (and browse up and down the street!). (David).

Bill has another recommendation for Melbourne; it’s called Gasolina. Bill writes, “This is a ripsnorter when you're in Melbourne!”

It’s a bit like Deus Ex Machina in Sydney, in that it’s a specialist motorcycle shop / custom builder, that also does food and coffee etc.

They describe themselves like this: “A motorcycle workshop specialising in one-off custom vintage bobbers and restaurant serving rustic and refined cuisine based around a wood fired oven, right in the heart of Melbourne.”

Sounds like a great place, doesn’t it! (Bill).

MILAWA. Milawa Cheese Factory. They do Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and make good coffee. And they are recommended by Peter. (Peter).

MYRTLEFORD. Up in the good-riding country again. Peter recommends The Butter Factory. It has light meals and good coffee. He also recommends De Lizzie Delicatessan, who also do “light meals and good coffee.” (Peter).

NOOJEE. This is in good riding country too, and John has a suggestion. He says that this – and the other places he has listed here – all provide good food and good service. He says he isn’t sure about the prices but, “When they meet that criteria I don't mind paying a little extra.” His suggestion here is the Red Parrot café. He says, “The toasted sandwiches are great on a cold day! In Bennett Street, just off the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road”. (John).

YARRAWONGA. Remember that old Slim Dusty song? “I'm going back, to Yarrawonga. In Yarrawaonga, I'll linger longer ...” Well maybe you could linger longer at Coopers Homemade Pies. Peter says they do “Breakfasts, gourmet pies.” (Peter).

YEA. John suggests the Marmalades Café. “Owner/ operator chef, with hearty meals and warm service. Goulburn Valley Hwy.” (John).

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