Heathcote Views B&B, Heathcote South review: Weekend away

The location

Heathcote, about 90 minutes' drive north of Melbourne, is full-on wine-growing territory, but retains the unruffled vibe of your regulation mid-sized Victorian country town. Situated between Lake Eppalock and the vast Puckapunyal military training area, the town is surrounded by rolling hills, native forest and farmland.

The place

Heathcote Views B&B is attached to a farmhouse along a winding gravel road about 10 minutes' drive from the town centre. The surrounding terrain of bush and sheep paddocks makes for a gorgeously bucolic setting, while the accommodation has all the mod cons, including stately king-sized bed, spa bath and a huge TV.

The experience

Though close enough to Melbourne to be a prime weekend destination, Heathcote is less of a tourist magnet than other wine regions within its orbit. But the wide main street shows signs it is evolving in that direction. Dimly lit antique stores and traditional bakeries rub shoulders with boutique wine stores and newish restaurant Willow Room is doing the town proud with its superb regional and mod-European food. The hinterland is dotted with more than a dozen cellar doors.

Don't miss

Heathcote Wine Hub, a shopfront at the Bendigo end of the main drag, was this year awarded Australia's best boutique wine store by Wine Business Magazine and its staff are serious about promoting the region's wines, including Heathcote's signature drop, shiraz. Tasting sessions provide a generous sample of what's on the shelves and are delivered in a relaxed, gently educational manner.

Need to know