Wine and Water Views
After some time exploring the dusty inland roads, pulling up beside Lake Lonsdale, one of our favourite campsites, felt like a deep exhale. Just a short drive from the Grampians, this peaceful lake offers flat, open camping with a view of wide skies reflected in still water. Where the stars show up in full force and the air smells faintly of gum leaves and woodsmoke.
We found a spot with plenty of room to spread out and soaked in the serenity. The lake itself was low but still lovely, ringed with birdlife and a few hardy campers also making the most of the free camp. It’s nothing fancy, but sometimes that’s exactly what we’re after.
From our lakeside base, we made a day trip to Seppelt’s Great Western, one of the oldest wineries in the region and home to some seriously cool underground cellars. Known as "The Drives," these hand-dug tunnels stretch for kilometres beneath the winery and have stored barrels since the 1800s. We joined a guided tour and were blown away by the craftsmanship, history, and the lingering scent of oak and time.
Of course, no visit would be complete without a tasting. We sampled our way through a selection of sparkling reds and elegant shiraz, finishing with a glass of something special on the terrace. The staff were friendly, the stories fascinating, and the wine even better when you know the journey behind each bottle.
Back at Lake Lonsdale, we ended the day with a simple dinner and that good kind of tired you get from doing just enough exploring. This part of Victoria continues to surprise us with its mix of nature, history, and quiet corners that offer so much more than they promise at first glance.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and head Off the Main Road to embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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