This last month we hit the road in our MS 24-5 Jayco Destiny, and let me tell you… it has been INCREDIBLE!

If this encourages you to at least head out for a long weekend, I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something so special about exploring our beautiful backyard… or better yet, taking the leap to travel further and discover more of Australia in your own Jayco.

Settling In: A Week in Nagambie

We kicked off our journey from Melbourne, travelling 1.5 hours north to Lake Nagambie Discovery Parks. At first glance, Nagambie, Victoria is the perfect blend of wine country and outdoor adventure.

Our first day at Mitchelton Winery was unforgettable; hands down the best wine tasting and tour in regional Victoria we’ve ever done. Christian, the winemaker, was incredible; his passion and enthusiasm made the experience truly special. The estate itself is beautiful, with landscaped riverside grounds, striking architecture, and Café Provedore, a lovely spot for lunch.

Another highlight was the Nagambie Brewery & Distillery. Amy, who showed us around, was so passionate and knowledgeable about the brewing and distilling process. We sampled her craft beers and gins, all made on-site, and enjoyed lunch - highly recommend the pizzas!

The waterfront walk from Discovery Parks is beautiful and great for birdwatching. For coffee and brunch, Black Caviar Café is a favourite right on the lake, and Next Door is another great option (their toasties looked amazing!). Don’t miss the bronze statue of Black Caviar, Australia’s most famous racehorse, who was born and bred right here in Nagambie.

Lake Boga - Sunset Views and WWII History

On our way north, we made a quick stop in Bendigo, a historic gold-rush town in Victoria with stunning architecture that’s well worth a visit. I definitely recommend visiting the Sacred Heart Cathedral, wandering through Rosalind Park, and grabbing a bite from the Bendigo Pie Shop; delicious pies and fresh salad sandwiches that hit the spot.

From Bendigo, we continued north to Lake Boga for two nights. The campsite here is right on the lake, and while it can be windy at times, the sunsets are absolutely incredible. Don’t miss the Lake Boga Silo Art and the Flying Boat Museum to learn about the area’s fascinating WWII history - Lake Boga was Australia’s number one repair depot for the Catalina flying boats.

For a casual meal, the local pub serves great food and cold beer. Now just outside of town, is a hidden gem Chasney Estate! This is a must-visit olive and lavender farm run by a husband and wife (with zero employees!) and I’m telling you to try their Lavender Honey Gelato (trust us, it’s unforgettable!).

Lake Boga silo art — **Lake Boga Silo Art**

Moama / Echuca - Murray River Adventures

Next, we headed 1.5 hours east to Moama and Echuca, setting up camp at Discovery Parks – Maidens Inn, Moama. This park is fantastic, with great amenities and right on the Murray River.

We started our four days with a visit to Beechworth Bakery, right in the heart of town (order the Ned Kelly pie!). For a bit of adventure, we hired canoes from Let’s Boat Echuca Moama and paddled along the Murray River for just $35 per person; a great way to take in the riverside scenery. A major highlight was the P.S. Adelaide River Steamer - tickets are $35 per person and worth every cent. The guided commentary on board was fascinating, and the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre Museum added even more depth to the experience.

Back on land, we explored Echuca’s boutique stores and local shops, a lovely mix of camping gear, homewares, and handmade goods that capture the town’s charm. For a livelier evening, the Shamrock Hotel (Irish Pub) is the place to be - Saturday nights buzz with locals and travellers alike. This soon became a favourite for us!

💡 Travel Tip:
Many places in Echuca close Mondays and reopen Tuesdays, with most events and activities happening Thursday to Sunday - handy to know when planning your trip.

Silo Art Trail & Shepparton

Heading east, we stopped at the Silo Art Trail - there are around six main stops. We managed to visit Rochester and Kyabram Fauna Park on our way to Shepparton. These giant, hand-painted silos are amazing for photos and well worth the detour.

We spent two days in Shepparton, and despite the weather, were impressed by how creative the city is. From modern galleries to outdoor art, there’s a strong community feel here.

We joined a guided tour of the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) and Kaiela Arts, a definite highlight. MOVE – Museum of Vehicle Evolution is a must for car lovers, and the Chocolate and Apple Factory next door is perfect for a sweet treat (the chocolate-dipped apples are a must-try!). On our second day, we hired bikes from My Ride Shepparton to explore the beautiful Australian Botanic Gardens and nearby paths. Along the way, we discovered Moooving Art; over 90 brightly painted cow sculptures scattered across the city, each designed by local artists.

Corowa – Whisky, Chocolate and Country Charm

From Shepparton, we drove 1.5 hours to Corowa, stopping at the GrainCorp Silos in Katamatite for some photos. Corowa is small, but we made the most of it. Grabbed $5 pies from Corowa Bakery and visited the Corowa Whisky & Chocolate Distillery for a tasting - highly recommended!
If you’re here longer, make time for Rutherglen wineries or a day trip to Beechworth, another historic town with amazing food and character.

Lake Hume – Adventure and Epic Sunsets

Just a 50-minute drive from Corowa, Lake Hume quickly became one of our favourite stops in Victoria. The scenery is stunning, and if you love adventure, this is your spot.

We stayed right on the water at Discovery Parks – Lake Hume, making it easy to explore. Day one included cycling across the Hume Dam and visiting Kookaburra Point Lookout for sweeping lake views. The next day, we headed to Morgan’s Lookout in Walla Walla; about 45 minutes north but absolutely worth it for 360° views. On the way back, we visited the Jindera Pioneer Museum, a volunteer-run gem showcasing early local history.

Our final day was spent on the High Country Rail Trail (we rode Ebden to Tallangatta, 44km in total). It’s a beautiful route with plenty of scenic stops and don’t miss Tallangatta Bakery for mid-ride fuel! We wrapped up at Kurrajong Gap Lookout in Bethanga for sunset and this is one of the most breathtaking views of the trip!

If you’re planning a Victorian road trip, add these country and lakeside towns in regional Victoria to your list. This was our first real taste of exploring beyond Melbourne and it completely won us over!

Next month, we’re heading into the Victorian High Country and Gippsland before making our way into New South Wales.

Have a favourite spot we missed? We’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for our next blog from the High Country.

Follow our journey here:

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Hitting The Road: Exploring Victoria’s Country & Lakeside Towns