Families · Wine lovers · Cyclists · Water sports
October–April for water activities and outdoor dining. Autumn for wine tastings and golden vineyard scenery. Avoid January weekends when the lake gets crowded with jet skis.
Nagambie is Melbourne's most overlooked lake escape — a charming town on the shores of Lake Nagambie, formed when the Goulburn River was dammed in 1891, surrounded by two of Australia's most historic wineries. Tahbilk and Mitchelton both date to the 1860s, and their combination of exceptional wine, beautiful cellar door experiences, and the lake itself makes Nagambie one of the most satisfying day trips from Melbourne.
Why Nagambie makes a perfect Melbourne weekend getaway
Lake Nagambie is a 7-kilometre body of water on the Goulburn River, popular for waterskiing, rowing, houseboating and kayaking. The Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre is the home of Australian rowing and regularly hosts international competitions. The lakefront main street has excellent cafés and restaurants, and the Saturday morning market is a local institution.
Tahbilk Winery, established in 1860, is one of the great properties of Australian wine — its National Heritage-listed complex of original winery buildings, underground cellars and reed-fringed billabong wetlands is unlike anything else in Australian wine tourism. The cellar door tasting experience, with views over the lagoon and wetlands from the balcony, is exceptional. The 1927 Marsanne from Tahbilk is one of the greatest Australian whites of any era.
Mitchelton Winery, just upstream, is Tahbilk's more architecturally dramatic neighbour — a striking brutalist tower rising from the riverbank, with a luxury hotel, restaurant, and excellent Heathcote-sourced shiraz. The art gallery in the winery complex holds a significant collection of Australian art and is free to visit with any cellar door purchase.
Top things to do in Nagambie
Tahbilk Winery & Wetlands
One of Australia's most beautiful winery experiences — 1860s National Heritage-listed buildings, underground cellars, and a stunning reed-fringed billabong. The balcony tasting overlooking the wetlands is unmissable. Also offers wetland kayak tours.
Lake Nagambie Water Activities
Hire a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, houseboat or water skis from the Nagambie Lakes Outdoor Centre. The calm, flat water of the lake is ideal for all skill levels and families with young children.
Mitchelton Winery & Art Gallery
A striking modernist winery complex with a landmark tower, excellent Heathcote shiraz, a luxury hotel, and a significant Australian art gallery. The restaurant's riverside terrace is one of the best lunch spots in Central Victoria.
Nagambie Farmers' Market
A popular Saturday morning market on the lakefront with local produce, artisan food and craft. One of the best regional markets within 2 hours of Melbourne.
Goulburn River Cycling Trail
A flat, peaceful cycling route along the Goulburn River connecting Nagambie to Tahbilk and Mitchelton wineries — a perfect way to visit both without driving, with a picnic stop by the river between tastings.
Practical tips for your Nagambie trip
- Book Tahbilk's wetland kayak tour in advance — it runs on selected days and gets booked out quickly in spring and autumn.
- The Nagambie to Tahbilk cycling route (12km return) is flat and suitable for all fitness levels — hire bikes from the Nagambie Lakes Outdoor Centre.
- Mitchelton's restaurant requires a booking for weekend lunch — call ahead or book online. The cellar door is walk-in.
- Stay at the Mitchelton Hotel for a splurge, or the Nagambie Lakes Caravan Park for a budget-friendly lakefront option.
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