MY PERFECT DAY IN GEELONG
Morning
Wake up overlooking Austin Park and Corio Bay from a king-size bed at Vue Apartments (www.vueapartments.com. au). Stroll two blocks south to John Doe Specialty Coffee ( 237 Ryrie St, +61 3 5221 3028) for a breakfast of creamy coconut milk-infused quinoa topped with crushed pistachios and stewed rhubarb, sprinkled with violet sugar powder. Accompany it with serious coffee, made with beans from Geelong roaster, Roastcraft. Head west along Ryrie St to browse interesting galleries, like Ballyhoo Art and Metropolis Gallery, before arriving at a curious nest of fashion boutiques in Geelong West.
Lunch
While in the neighbourhood, eat at Tulip (www.tuliprestaurant.com. au), the bright and sunny sibling eatery of Gladioli’s Matt Dempsey and his pal Graham Jefferies. Fresh, clean flavours are the key to their flexible shared plate dining options, with a proudly parochial all-Victorian wine list providing support.
Afternoon
The Bellarine Taste Trail (www. thebellarinetastetrail.com. au) reinforces this region’s blossoming reputation as a serious food and wine destination, providing online details of more than 60 places offering epicurean delights. You’ll need the full afternoon to cover the 80km loop that stretches to the towns of Portarlington and Queenscliff, but you’ll only touch on a portion of the featured destinations that include farm gate providores, breweries and cafes. Be sure to visit Scotchmans Hill winery (see opposite), the funky Leura Park Estate (www.leuraparkestate.com. au) and impressive Jack Rabbit Vineyard cellar door (www.jackrabbitvineyard.com. au).
evening
Dine lavishly at Igni (www.restaurantigni.com). Aaron Turner’s chic contemporary degustation eatery serves bold, elemental dishes informed by the big charcoal pit where Turner cooks most ingredients. The food is clever, complex and memorable, matched by an agile, single-page wine list. You’ll go to bed contented.