Need to escape from the big smoke? Drive a few hours from Melbourne and stay here for a couple of nights. Unassuming and unpretentious this is a great place to rest your head when you want to explore the surrounding areas. Rooms are upmarket motel style - nice linens, modern bathroom and tea and coffee making supplies. Don't even think about NOT having a meal here. The restaurant is a huge step above your local pub. My dining partner and I shared the pork terrine and twice cooked quail to start - both were top notch, the quail in particular had terrific flavour. Next we moved on to duck breast cooked with lavender and beetroot. Very clever, delicately flavoured and well cooked, the breast still pink in the middle. The ocean trout served with prawns and a bisque sauce also a winner. To finish we opted for a gigantic cheese platter and took this back to the room to eat along with the remains of our bottle of local Chardonnay. The only things I'd like to see more of here is a greater focus on local produce and wine. A lot of the wines were European, yet there are so many great options from neighbours that it seems sad not to show them off. Same goes with the cheese. While Stilton is lovely, I'd much prefer something from down the road. Feast in the restaurant and then retire to your room for one of the best sleeps you might ever have. Bliss. read more

See all