The Goulburn Valley is a special place for winemakers. With its sandy soils imparting a delicious complexity to the grapes grown across 200 hectares of vineyards, Tahbilk Winery is a must-visit. The Goulburn River snakes its way around the property, contributing to cooler temperatures that are ideal for the estate’s special grape varieties, including viognier and roussanne from the Rhône region in southern France. A beautiful and historic family-owned winery that was established in 1860, Tahbilk is also famous for its cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay. If you want something really special, Tahbilk’s 1860 Vines Shiraz is produced from some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world. 254 Oneils Road, Tabilk, tahbilk.com.au

If you want to sample what’s fresh, local and in season in the Goulburn Valley, grab your basket and head to the Shepparton Farmers’ Market. Held on the first Sunday of every month, the market features more than 30 stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as wine, cider, olive oil, homemade pasta, artisan cakes and bread. It’s like a degustation of the best the region has to offer. Seek out the Euroa Butter Factory marquee for a spread of Viennoiserie-style pastries – think, feather-light croissants and glossy Danishes as well as cruffins and cronuts. Wander and munch while you listen to the musicians. 7725 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla, emeraldbank.net.au

Sometimes you stumble upon a natural wonder so good you understand why it’s a well-kept local secret. Polly McQuinns is a picturesque weir near Strathbogie, edged with verdant reeds and trees. Originally a free-flowing creek, it has now been dammed and there is a deep-water pool perfect for a refreshing dip in summer; dry off on one of the many exposed granite boulders surrounding. While this is a popular picnicking and swimming spot, there’s plenty of space to explore the weir, creek and cascades. And if you are very quiet and patient, you may just spot some trout cod, as below the dam is Victoria’s most secure habitat for the endangered fish. Galls Gap Road, Euroa, visitmelbourne.com

It may not be fruit in its usual form, but the cider from The Cheeky Grog Co. is as fresh and crisp as any apple or pear you’ll come across. The Morey family are third generation fruit growers and started The Cheeky Grog Co in 2004 as a way of using second-grade fruit grown by their parent company. These days Pink Lady, Granny Smith and Sundowner apples and pears from the family’s farms are turned into 12 lip-smacking ciders. It’s hard to go past the Marenny Vale 2015, a dry cider that is barrel fermented and has notes of lychee, grapefruit and apple. Quite simply, it’s liquid gold. 5160 Barmah-Shepparton Rd, Bunbartha, cheekygrogco.com

There’s little better than getting to discover an area under your own steam. The 10km section of the Murchison to Rushworth Rail Trail allows you to stretch your legs, breathe in the country air and marvel at the towering red gums and grey box trees that surround. The trail from Murchison is mostly flat and as you cycle or walk along the fine gravel track you’ll pass kangaroos grazing and brolgas dabbling at the edges of the wetlands. The rail trail is designed to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, but the truth is, you might just have the whole inspiring place to yourself. railtrails.org.au