Otway Harvest Trail

29/05/2025

🌿 Member Spotlight: Heritage Alpaca Co. 🌿

It’s cria season at Heritage Alpaca Co., and that means the farm is bursting with the fluffiest, most heart-melting new arrivals—baby alpacas!

Just 20 minutes from Geelong, this peaceful farm offers a truly special experience: come meet the newest members of the herd, learn all about alpaca life and fibre, and even take a stroll through the pastures with an alpaca companion by your side. It’s a perfect day out for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and connect with nature.

Create lasting memories and discover the magic of these gentle creatures.
🦙 Book your visit: heritagealpacaco.com.au

29/05/2025

To anyone who can donate anything as listed please do so! Your support means everything to our farmers more so than ever.

Last week to drop donations off at Colac Toyota!

Colac Toyota is proud to partner with The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. Polwarth Group to collect items for local charity Meli.

For the month of May, you can drop off items at Colac Toyota.

For safety and hygiene reasons Meli is only able to accept new or unused items.

Toiletries: Toothpaste • Toothbrush • Toothbrush holder • Shampoo • Soap • Soap Holder • Deodorant • Hairbrushes
Linen: Towels • Face washer • Polar Fleece Blankets
Containers/Bags: Backpacks • Toiletry bags • Large Carry Bag • Buckets • Washing Baskets
Cleaning Equipment: Mops • Brooms • Dustpan & Brush • Sponges/Scourers • Toilet Brushes • Dishwashing Brushes • Rubber Gloves • Pegs • Cleaning Cloths
Cleaning Products: Disinfectant • Bathroom Cleaner • Surface Spray • Washing Powder • Toilet Cleaner • Dishwashing Liquid

26/05/2025

OTWAY HARVEST TRAIL WINTER GUIDE
Cosy Food | Crackling Fires | Farmgate Finds | Local Sips

As winter drapes the Otways in mist and woodsmoke, life in our villages slows—but never stops. Farmers are planting, pruning, and prepping for spring. Flower growers are digging dahlia bulbs. Makers are distilling, baking, and crafting—ready to welcome you.

Now’s the time for woolly coats, gumboots, and adventures close to home. Breathe in that crisp bush air, wrap your hands around a hot cuppa, and explore the magic of winter in the Otways.

Must-Visit Winter Warmers:

Moriac & Winchelsea
Heritage Alpaca Co.: 7 days, bookings via heritagealpacaco.com.au
Moriac General Store: Mon–Thur 7–5, Fri 7–7, Sat 7–4, Sun 8:30–3
Winchelsea Wholefoods: Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat 9–3, Sun 10–1:30
The Vault - Hastings Ostrich Farms: Fri–Sun 10–4 or by appointment

Deans Marsh & Pennyroyal
Alt Road Wines: Sat–Sun 12–5
Countrywide Cottages
The Store Deans Marsh: Mon–Sat 8–4, Sun 9–3
Pennyroyal Farm Cottages
King Parrot Cottages

Birregurra & Surrounds
Brae: Dinner Wed–Thu, Lunch Fri–Sat (Closed Jul 16–Aug 2)
Yalloak House
Birregrocer: Wed–Mon 9–5 + specialty dinners
Otway Artisan: Tue–Sat 8:30–2:30
Tarndwarncoort Homestead: Thurs–Sat 10–1
Yeoview Potatoes: Farmgate open 24/7

Colac Region
Lake View Cafe Colac: Mon–Fri 9–3, Sun 10–3
Fusion Restaurant Colac: Lunch Mon–Fri + specialty dinners
Dar TètaDar Teta: Daily 9–3:30

Forrest
Forrest Guesthouse
Forrest MTB Hire: By appointment
Forrest Brewery: Fri–Sat 9–9, Sun–Mon 9–5 (Closed Jul–Aug)
Otway Estate: Thu–Sun + extra hours during holidays

South to Timboon & Coast
Apostle Whey Cheese: Mon–Fri 8–5, Sat–Sun 10–5
Gorge Chocolates: Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat–Sun 10–5
Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe: Daily 10–3 (Check socials on holidays)
Berry World: Tue 5–9, Wed–Sun 11–9
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery: Daily 10–4:30
Babche Wines: Fri–Mon 11–5 or by appointment
Timboon Fine Ice Cream: Daily 11–5
Heytesbury House B&B
Keayang Maar Vineyard: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, Winery Tours Wed-Fri 2pm

Local Produce Gems
Greavesys Fruit n Veg TerangGreavesys Fruit n Veg: Mon–Fri 8–6, Sat 8–2, Sun 9–4
Drakes Fresh Produce: Sat 11–4 or by appointment
Excuse me Katie’s : Mon–Fri 6:15–4, Sat–Sun 6:30–2:30
The Loaf and Lounge: Baking bread 7 days a week. Mon-Fri 6am-4pm,Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 8:30am-3pm.

Map your winter wander
Discover the full trail at otwayharvesttrail.org.au

22/05/2025

Plans for Friday night? Now you are sorted! Opens at 5pm! 😋😋😋

19/05/2025

Member Spotlight: Otway Pasta Company

Meet Otway Pasta Company, a small family-owned business handcrafting premium pasta right here in Colac, Western Victoria.

Led by passionate owner and Chief Pasta Maker, Steve Robinson, the Otway Pasta team blends traditional methods with the finest quality ingredients to create pasta that’s not only flavoursome and nutritious, but downright delicious.

Whether you’re after a comforting bowl of classic pasta or a gluten-free option, Otway Pasta Company promises it may just be the best pasta you’ll ever taste.

Get in touch:
03 5233 9999 | [email protected]
Explore more:
http://otwaypasta.com.au

Let’s support local and share the pasta love!

16/05/2025

Open today for all your shopping!

15/05/2025

Book now!

MENU UPDATE!!

Join us for Pasta Night
5.30 - 8.00 pm 17th May

A selection of our delicious dishes made with fresh pasta from Puglia Pasta pasta_di_puglia

Classic beef lasagna $30
Burnt sage, wild mushroom gnocchi $32
Lemon cream linguine $30
Osso buco, gremolata on papadelle $36
Beef and pepperberry ragu $34

Grocer garlic bread $6
Autumn leaf salad $10
Desserts $15
- tiramisu
- trio of gelato

Dine-in or Takeaway

Bookings and Orders
03 5236 2568
0459 322 736
[email protected]

13/05/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DK POTATO CHIPS
From the Heart of the Otways

Meet the incredible team behind DK Potato Chips, a third-generation farming family with a 70+ year legacy of growing quality potatoes in the lush Otway Ranges of Victoria.

It all began with Peter’s father, DK, whose passion for potatoes set the foundation for decades of innovation, quality, and care. Today, the family continues that tradition—collaborating with industry leaders to trial and develop new potato varieties, including naturally purple and pink heirloom-style potatoes that are not only stunning but rich in antioxidants.

Their chips are as honest and wholesome as their farming roots—washed, sliced, kettle-cooked in their skins, and lightly salted. That’s it. No shortcuts. Just delicious, crunchy goodness from the paddock to your plate.

Why we love them:
• Made from antioxidant-rich, naturally coloured potatoes
• Cooked in the healthiest oils with 75% less saturated fat
• Locally grown, locally made, and low in salt

Support a true Otways original that’s doing good from the ground up.

Find them in Victoria
Website: dkpotatoes.com.au
Contact: 03 5236 6287 | [email protected]
Follow them:

08/05/2025

Brae Farm Tours with Head Gardener, Jo Lawson, Fridays at 11am.

We have space for locals to join our Farm Tours for the next few weeks. No need for a restaurant reservation.

Phone us on 5236 2226 to book your space.

08/05/2025

Enter now to win this fabulous prize with Otways Distillery 🍸❤️😘😝

06/05/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Unearthed Produce
Say hello to Unearthed Produce — a small, family-run farm growing exceptional, chemical- and pesticide-free Australian garlic.

Every bulb is planted, weeded, and harvested by hand, then transformed into their signature product: a creamy, preservative-free garlic paste that’s as fresh as it gets. Just garlic. Just goodness.

100% Australian grown. 100% naturally delicious.

Find their paste through select stockists or get in touch for wholesale.

Contact:
0412 734 423
[email protected]
unearthedproduce.com.au

Follow their journey: