If you want a day where the river slows you down, the trees whisper, and time feels softer, this is the one. You’ll get your nature fix, your art fix, and that satisfying feeling of discovering something peaceful and real.
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Morning
Pack your gear, fishing rods, kayaks, SUPSs, bathers, whatever helps you unwind outdoors.
Start your day surrounded by calm waters at Greens Lake, a peaceful local favourite for fishing, paddling or simply soaking up the stillness. The gentle sounds of birdlife and the shimmer of the lake make it the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
When you’re ready for lunch, head back into town for something tasty. Enjoy a relaxed meal at The Cafe or pick up classic fish and chips from Rochy Fish Shop and find a shady spot by the Campaspe River for a laid-back picnic.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a moment to admire the Rochester Silo Art, where three local endangered species, the Azure Kingfisher, Squirrel Glider and Growling Grass Frog, are brought to life in stunning detail. It’s a proud showcase of the region’s creativity and connection to the environment.
Treat yourself to something sweet and a perfectly brewed coffee at the Rochester Bakery, just a short stroll away.
Once you’re refreshed, wander down the Campaspe River Trail for a gentle walk through native bushland. Listen for kookaburras, watch for gliders, and enjoy the slow rhythm of the river. If you’d rather be on the water, launch a kayak from the all-abilities pontoon and drift under the river gums, it’s Rochester at its most peaceful.
Stay a little longer
As the sun sets, settle in for a hearty country dinner at the Criterion Hotel, where the locals are friendly and the meals hit the spot.
If you’re staying the night, settle in at one of these welcoming spots:
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Rochester Motel
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Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
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Rochester Caravan Park
The next day
Extend your adventure beyond riverside calm and into the rolling hills and vineyards around Toolleen.
On your way, take a short detour to Colbinabbin to admire the six painted silos that tell stories of local life and community spirit. Pop into the Colbinabbin General Store Co-op for brunch or a homemade treat and browse local produce and crafts.
Next, make your way to Toolleen, a quiet pocket of Victoria known for its high-quality shiraz. Here’s a few wineries you might like to visit:
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Domaine Asmara - a boutique winery and distillery offering handcrafted wines and small-batch spirits.
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Peregrine Ridge - perched high on the eastern side of the Mount Camel Range with sweeping views of the valley below.
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Shiraz Republic – a laid-back cellar door serving wine and its own craft beer, made onsite.
Once you’ve had your fill of wine country, you can either loop back to Rochester or head on toward your next destination, carrying the quiet, the colours and the calm with you.
Visit in early spring to see golden canola fields transform the landscape. Wander through the blooms and snap the perfect shot at the Cornella Canola Walk.
