travel

'This winery town I didn't know existed is the perfect place to eat, drink and recharge.'

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Before I spent a glorious off-grid weekend there, I'd never heard of Heathcote, Victoria.

The wine region is a 90-minute drive north of Melbourne, in the same direction as well-known regional towns like Bendigo and Lake Eppalock.

It's known for its cool-climate wines, national parks and geographical sights like the Pink Cliffs. But what makes it perfect for recharging is the serenity.

It's not as bustling as other Victorian wine regions, but the Heathcote main strip has everything you need to hole up with a glass of wine and a good book.

Watch: Feeling burnt out? Here's how to chat to your GP about it. Post continues below.


Mamamia

After a recent weekend away, we came home so ridiculously relaxed, and a camera roll filled with wholesome, aesthetically-pleasing photos, that friends kept asking us, 'where was that?'.

If you want to unplug, but don't fancy travelling far (or going camping), read on.

Here's my tried-and-tested relaxing weekend away Heathcote itinerary. Because you're worth it.

Heathcote accommodation.

View of outlook from accomodation. Imagine waking to that view. Image: Supplied.

My husband and I stayed at DSTNTN Heathcote, a luxury, hilltop tiny home we found on Instagram. It was truly unreal.

Think: Adults only, elegant interiors, uninterrupted views of the rugged valley (with the occasional kangaroo crossing at dusk!), sweeping sunsets and stargazing, and everything you need to slow right down.

We were greeted by two horses on arrival — the owners left us carrots to feed them, too! — and we hardly left our accommodation the entire weekend.

Horses greeted Amy at her accommodation. Image: Supplied.Horses greeted Amy at her accommodation. Image: Supplied.

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The Heathcote tiny home. Image: Supplied.The Heathcote tiny home. Image: Supplied.

Highlights included waking up with a view thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that wrapped around the whole front of the home, reading my Kindle with a wine in hand in the outdoor bath, watching the sun set by the fire, and watching The Spy Who Shagged Me and 10 Things I Hate About You on the projector while laying in bed.

The outdoor fire pit. Image: Supplied.The outdoor fire pit. Image: Supplied.

The location was total serenity. Image: Supplied.The location was total serenity. Image: Supplied.

Wide open skies. Image: Supplied.Wide open skies. Image: Supplied.

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There are actually two homes on this property, but you wouldn't even know it given how isolated they are. It honestly is the nicest tiny home we've stayed in, and would book again in a heartbeat.

You can book for $550 per night, and DSTNTN have locations all around Australia (they're known for their mirror homes!). Communication with Dee (one of the owners) was seamless; she responded on email and WhatsApp in record time, despite being overseas.

Heathcote winery and food recommendations.

The hotel in Heathcote. Image: Supplied.The hotel in Heathcote. Image: Supplied.

We did some gooooood eatin' and drinkin' on this weekend trip.

The best thing about Heathcote wineries, pubs and cafes, (aside from all the Heathcote shiraz) is how low-key everything is.

Nothing pretentious or overpriced. It's all big serves, generous pours and reasonable prices, along with iconic Aussie pub paraphernalia and characters.

Honourable Heathcote and Toolleen mentions.

Amy and her husband dined well. Image: Supplied.Amy and her husband dined well. Image: Supplied.

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  • Heiligen Ridge Winery - This is actually the on-site cellar door. You won't find much about it online, but we messaged the friendly winemakers (a young family who live in a loft floor above where the wine is made) on WhatsApp to organise an after-dinner tasting at the barn.
  • In Good Spirits -
    Dangerously generous free tastings of local gin, whisky, port, vodka and 'ginoncello' (yes, that's a gin limoncello).
  • Fodder Cafe -
    Country charm, warm service and huge brunch servings, bonus points for having halloumi and hash browns on the menu.
  • Silver Spoon Estate -
    Known for their red wines, this is a lovely spot for wine tasting, lunch or a cheese platter (or all of the above), complete with the all-important air con for summer visits.

Pictures of different wines and wineries. Amy tried and tested many wines. Image: Supplied.

Standout winery… Shiraz Republic.

  • Shiraz Republic is a cellar door, microbrewery, pizza restaurant and live music venue all in one.
  • This was the place to be on a Saturday afternoon.
  • They serve delicious wood-oven pizzas, and have an extensive drinks list with local wines, beers and spirits.
  • You'll find live music playing most weekends, they've also got an outdoor pool table!

Drinks at Shiraz Republic.Shiraz Republic was a hit. Image: Supplied.

Standout pub… Toolleen Hotel & Tin Shed.

  • Bloody oath, pulling up a stool at the Toolleen Hotel felt like coming home.
  • Classic small town pub fare with massive portions; the beef parmie (if you know, you know) was SO GOOD, we ordered it two nights in a row.
  • The beers are cold and the old-school signs behind the bar are… questionable.
  • Sit at the bar or in the bistro surrounded by Toolleen and Heathcote memorabilia, or spill out onto the verandah like the locals.

Toolleen Hotel was a classic old school pub.Toolleen Hotel called for a repeat visit. Image: Supplied.

There was so much we didn't get to see and do (and eat/drink) in Heathcote, which means we'll just have to go back again soon!

Mamamia travelled as a guest of DSTN. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.

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