Things to see and do
You Yangs Regional Park
The distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong.
The park is popular for its magnificent views, birdlife, rock-climbing and abseiling, mountain biking, bushwalking and picnics.
Fantastic walking, picnicking and wildlife viewing opportunities abound within the park, catering for all ages and abilities. There are both challenging and family-friendly mountain biking and horse riding trails. A permanent orienteering course has also been established, as well as a 12km scenic drive through the park.
The You Yangs is a major mountain biking destination for the area. It has two areas with over 50 kilometres of exciting trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. From family trails to double -black downhill single track.
Brisbane Ranges
Brisbane Ranges, the state’s richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from other parts of the region.
Stony Creek and Anakie Gorge picnic areas
10 minutes drive from Hidden Valley House the picnic areas have wood BBQ’s, toilets and a number of fantastic short bushwalks.
Geelong
Feel like exploring further afield? Only 30 mins drive from the house is Geelong and the Bellarine region.
Wander down historic streetscapes, perfect for summer afternoons. So many places to eat and drink, with craft breweries, local wineries, farm gates and provedores. Surf, paddle and swim at bay and ocean beaches, and get close to local wildlife in Port Phillip Bay.
So much to see and do, you’ll need a few days to explore it all.
The Old Workshop Café in Anakie
The Old Workshop Café offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch along with homemade breads, scones, cakes & slices in an old workshop setting in the heart of Anakie!
Take home meals available. Fresh garden produce, jams & preserves, free range eggs. Family friendly and relaxing and only 2-3mins from the house in the Anakie township. Only open on weekends.
Del Rios Winery
Del Rios is a family owned, vineyard, winery, restaurant, and cellar door established in 1996 on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Mt Anakie.
A vineyard and winery, where owner and winemaker Gus del Rio, produces a range of low-yield, beautifully crafted wines. The restaurant is where the family philosophy of great wine, food and friends comes together in a wonderful setting less than 5 minutes from Hidden Valley House. They boast indoor and outdoor dining with fabulous sweeping views of our vineyard with rolling hills as a backdrop.
Their kitchen showcases the best of estate and local seasonal produce, blending both contemporary and traditional Spanish cuisine. On the Estate, they farm both Scottish Black Angus beef and Texel Friesian cross lamb.
Only open on Friday evenings and weekends, bookings essential.
Austin’s Wine
The Austin’s vines are over 20 years old, producing quality fruit that their winemakers craft into exceptional wines.
Their popular and ever expanding range from Pinot to Chardonnay is sold throughout Australia and made by their family owned and operated winery in Geelong. They offer located in Sutherlands Creek, only 15 minutes from Hidden Valley House with a cellar door that has stunning Moorabool valley views, delicious wines, simple but indulgent food, and unique wine tasting experiences. They also offer masterclasses about wine from vine to glass.
Clyde Park Vineyard & Bistro
Award-winning wine, magnificent views and luscious fruit are what you can expect from Clyde Park Vineyard.
The settling on the picturesque hills surrounding the Moorabool River, 25mins north of Hidden Valley House has a cellar door, with sweeping views of the vineyard across the valley.
The bistro is open daily, offering diners an artisanal culinary experience focussed on sustainable, locally sourced and proudly home-grown produce.
Meredith
Meredith is best known for its annual Music Festival and pubs.
Only 15mins from Hidden Valley House, there is the infamous Royal Hotel where some of the most iconic artists have and sometimes play. The Meredith Pub also offers great meals and atmosphere, along with a general store.
Steiglitz
Steiglitz is a small, abandoned mining town in the Brisbane Ranges.
This former gold-mining town dates back to the 1850s and is still home to a handful of residents. A few of the town’s original buildings have been preserved including the courthouse (opened in 1875), St Pauls Church, St Thomas Church, Scott’s Hotel and the draper’s shop.
A number of bush walks through the surrounding Steiglitz Historic Park can be undertaken from the courthouse.
For something to eat or drink, or for some information on the local area, drop into Peppercorn Place which is located south of the courthouse on the road to Ballan.
