Top 5 Things to do in Loddon this Winter

Soak Up the Sun on Winter Trails

The days may be cooler but winter skies in Loddon Valley are often crisp, blue and perfect for outdoor exploring. There’s nothing quite like the sun on your skin as you take in the region’s natural beauty. Whether you're after a peaceful riverside stroll along the Bridgewater River Trail or a more energetic hike on the Eastern Circuit at Kooyoora State Park, there’s a trail for every pace and preference.

Check out our all of the walking guides around the shire: Walking in Loddon Valley

Enjoy a Hearty Meal

Warm up this winter with a hearty meal made from the Loddon Valley’s freshest local produce. Whether you're enjoying a riverside bite at the Bridgewater Hotel, classic country hospitality at the family-run pub in Pyramid Hill or relaxing at the historic Wedderburn Hotel with its great beer garden, there’s nothing like good food to beat the chill.

A Step Back in Time

Winter is the perfect time to explore the rich history of Loddon Valley. Local museums offer a warm escape indoors, filled with fascinating stories from gold rush days to rural life and wartime memories.

Don’t miss the Coach House Gallery and Museum in Wedderburn, where local history meets art through rotating exhibitions by regional artists. In Inglewood at The Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, you can explore the story of the ‘Blue Mallee’ at Australia’s only museum dedicated to eucalyptus oil distillation, a truly unique local experience. Or visit the Yung Balug Aboriginal Museum in Boort, a unique space to learn about Indigenous culture and the local environment.

It’s a great way to stay cosy while discovering the heart of the region. 

Enjoy a Winter Wine Tasting

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, sip and savour the rich flavours of the Loddon Valley. With award-winning wineries and welcoming cellar doors, it’s the ideal setting for a cosy tasting experience.

Start your journey in Kingower with a visit to Both Banks Vineyard Kingower or Old Kingower Vineyard, just be sure to call ahead before you go. Then make your way to Water Wheel Vineyard in Bridgewater, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. At Connor Park Winery, you can sample bold varietals crafted from the region’s rich soils, they’re open weekdays from 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 5pm (just give them a quick call before visiting). Black Wallaby Wines and Newbridge Wines welcome visitors by appointment for a quiet, handcrafted tasting experience.

And if you prefer to relax by a roaring fire with a glass in hand, many of the region’s cosy country pubs serve a fantastic range of local wines and craft beers, the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the true taste of the Loddon Valley.

For more cellar doors to explore, visit: Wineries

Stargazing on a Clear Winter Night

Winter brings cool, clear skies perfect for stargazing in the Loddon Valley. With little light pollution, the region offers breathtaking views of the night sky. Head to Kooyoora State Park, Mount Hope Nature Conservation Reserve or Terrick Terrick National Park for wide, open skies and uninterrupted displays. 

Pack a picnic rug or camping chair and relax whilst you enjoy the celestial show.

Explore more stargazing spots: Stargazing