Just ninety minutes southwest of Melbourne is a gastronomic experience like no other. Brae is owned by the brilliant and much lauded regional chef Dan Hunter, and it’s become a culinary pilgrimage site that attracts diners from all over the world. In The Age Good Food Guide for 2016, Brae was one of only two restaurants in Victoria to be awarded the prestigious score three hats, and won a brace of other awards including Santa Vittoria Regional Restaurant of the Year and Citi Chef of the Year. Brae does lunch from Friday to Monday making it the perfect highlight of a culinary road trip, and Melbourne on the Move can take you there. To inspire you, we’ve come up with a Brae road trip itinerary for you and your dining companions.
Drink: Coffee Cartel 1-80 Little Malop St, Geelong
Whilst it’s often overshadowed by Melbourne’s world famous bean scene, Geelong has a café tradition all of it’s own and nowhere is this better demonstrated than at specialty roasters Coffee Cartel. Choose from single origin or one of the Cartel’s distinctive seasonal house blends of coffee available in cold press, cold drip and filter preparations as well as straight off the machine. For those looking for a slightly less intense caffeine hit, Cartel also stocks an extensive range of specialty Chinese tea blends. Give in your order, grab a seat at the window, and then watch the Geelong crowd stroll by.
Wander: Barwon Park Mansion 105 Inverleigh Rd, Winchelsea
Built in 1871 to entertain the Duke of Edinburgh, Barwon Park Mansion is a lavish 42 room bluestone mansion with all the trappings of Victorian grandeur. Take a tour and learn about the illustrious history of this stately home, or simply wander through the mansion, stable and gardens to get a feel for the opulent 19th century Australian lifestyle.
Eat: Brae 4285 Cape Otway Rd, Birregurra
Innovative, elegant, and fiercely regional are all commonly used terms when it comes to describing the Brae experience. Brae is set up on the grounds of Sunnybrae, the original paddock to plate restaurant with its own olive grove, orchard, and vegetable patches, now utilized by Dan Hunter and his team. Set at least three hours aside for a dazzling set menu featuring local, seasonal and ethically harvested produce which has been crafted into bright, intelligent dishes that combine brilliant imagination and earthy simplicity.
Melbourne on the Move’s bus hire from Melbourne with a driver is the perfect way to experience the exquisite regional dining experience that Brae has to offer. Get a group of friends together, book with us, and then enjoy a day out in the country without having to worry about your travel arrangements. Call us on 1300 55 86 86 to make a booking.