Avoca

Nestled at the eastern base of the Pyrenees Ranges to the north-west of Melbourne, Avoca is known for fine wines and horse races. Sample the wines in the cool-climate Pyrenees wine region. Noted cellar doors include Blue Pyrenees, Taltarni Vineyard, Dalwhinnie Vineyard and Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort. There are wineries that offer accommodation or restaurants, even a game of petanque. Keep an eye out for winery events. The Avoca Shire Turf Club hosts fantastic country race meets and often combined with the wines of the region. See the field and have a tipple at the Pink Lamb and Purple Shiraz Race Day in March, the Mount Avoca Anzac Day Races in April and the Taltarni Avoca Cup in October. Avoca was one of the first goldfields in the north-western area of Victoria. Discover the rich goldfields past by following the Avoca Historic Walk past the historic buildings, including the courthouse (1857) and the Avoca Primary School (built in the 1870s). Pick up a brochure at the Avoca Visitor Information Centre, and look out for plaques at each historic site. Avoca is 187 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, approximately two hours by car, and is situated at the crossroads of the Pyrenees and Sunraysia highways.