Get to know Gordon and Wallace, Victoria
Moorabool’s vibrant, community-driven western third has more than its share of quirky attractions and specialty shops, along with some excellent and unexpected dining options.
Fancy sampling some middle eastern inspired cuisine? Try Gordons at Gordon. Pub grub more your style? The Gordon Hotel, and the Shamrock Hotel at Dunnstown have you covered.
Wallace is also well served, with the quirky stylings of the Wallace Hotel, and home-made brunches at the Old Wallace Garage.
Something to see and do? The area has three stunning waterfalls, a pick-your-own sunflowers field, a hat shop, farm gates, and medieval thrills courtesy of Kryal Castle.
Middle Eastern mains, toasties, coffee
• Vegetarian options
• Fully licenced (no BYO)
• Toasties from $8, Mains from $23
• Breakfast and Lunch: Thurs-Sun
• Dinner: Thurs-Sat
Coffee, cakes, toasties, local produce
• Vegetarian options
• Not licensed
• Breakfast to lunch Thurs-Sat
Pub classics, pizza
• Gluten free and Vegetarian options
• Fully licensed (no BYO)
• Starters from $6.50, Mains from $21
• Lunch and dinner: Wed-Sun
Pub classics, pizza
• Vegan / Vegetarian options
• Fully licensed (no BYO)
• Starters from $6, Mains from $22
• Lunch: Fri-Sun, Dinner: Thurs-Sun
Pub classics
• Vegetarian options
• Fully licensed (no BYO)
• Starters from $8, Mains from $20
• Lunch: Fri-Sun, Dinner: Thurs-Sun
Eat & Drink
Sleeps 5, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
• From $140 per night (approx)
• On 18 acres of farmland
• Breathtaking views
• Decking and barbecue
Sleeps 10, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• From $543 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchen
• Set on 10 acres of farmland
• Oozes country-style charm
Various rooms available
• From $130 per night (approx)
• Shared bathrooms
• Central Gordon Accommodation
Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
• From $201 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchen
• Short drive to central Gordon
• Situated on a working farm
Sleeps 4, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• From $154 per night (approx)
• Entire cottage with kitchen
• 5 minute drive to Gordon and Ballan
• Close to national park and walking trails
Sleeps 5, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• From $159 per night (approx)
• Entire unit with kitchen
• 15 mins drive to central Ballarat
• Private, with water catchment views
Sleeps 4, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• From $159 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchenette
• 15 mins drive to central Ballarat
• Lovely renovated mud brick cottage
Sleeps 2, 1 bedroom,1 bathroom
• From $169 per night (approx)
• Entire cottage with full kitchen
• 15 mins from central Ballarat
• Relaxing garden setting, mountain views
Castle suites and on-site cabins available
• Powered caravan and camping sites
• Sites from$50, rooms from $230
• Swimming pool and games room
• Free or discounted entry into theme park
Sleeps 2, 2 beds, 1 bathroom
• From $254 per night (approx)
• Entire cottage with kitchen
• 15 mins drive to Ballarat
• Light breakfast provided
Sleeps 4, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• From $170 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchen
• 15-minute drive to Ballarat
• Historic building, former store and post office
Sleeps 6, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
• From $395 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchen
• Just off Gordon main street
• Red brick, timber floors, high ceilings
Sleeps 4, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• From $205 per night (approx)
• Entire house with kitchenette
• Central Gordon Accommodation
• 1860's styled stone and timber miners cottage
Stay
A burst of creativity in the heart of Gordon, bringing colourful stationery, fun gifts and handmade creations to the township.
Open Thurs and Sat
Welcome to Thistleberry, a family-run blueberry farm nestled in the foothills of Mt. Buninyong, where you can purchase pre-packed, or pick your own delicious pesticide-free blueberries while taking in the magnificent surrounding countryside.
Pickings are seasonal
Gallery space adjoining the popular Gordon’s of Gordon cafe, housing works by local artists and handmade giftware
Open Sat 10am-2pm
Super-quirky shop offering original-design headwear made from handwoven Harris Tweed from Scotland and fur felt materials.
Open Fri-Sun
Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary offers fun and informative walking tours of their 275 acre property in Gordon.
Tours held regularly
You might know Bolwarrah Springs from their delicious fresh produce, but the farm is also home to Spa Country Sunflowers, an amazing photo-picnic-picking experience, close to Ballan and Gordon.
Open weekends and public holidays during the picking season
Setting out from Lal Lal Falls Reserve, you’ll experience three separate waterfalls on this grassy walking trail across open plains, finishing at the 27 metre single drop waterfall of Moorabool Falls.
Open 24 hours
Located within the 75 acre Lal Lal State Forest, this historical area offers an insight into the fascinating history of its region, along with walking trails, a picnic area, toilets, barbecues, fire pits and camping.
Open 24 hours
This picturesque sunflower farm was Victoria’s first and remains its largest, attracting thousands of people on weekends while the flowers are in season.
Open daily during blooming season (usually Feb-Mar)
Granite Falls is a spectacular waterfall along the Moorabool River, downstream from the better-known Moorabool Falls and not far from Lal Lal Falls which is accessed from the other side of the reserve.
Open 24 hours
Located only a few minutes from the popular Lal Lal Falls, Moorabool Falls is reached via a 2.8 km walk through grassland with gorgeous views over the Lal Lal Reservoir along the way.
Open 24 hours
One of best waterfall picnic spots in Victoria, overlooking a 30 metre high waterfall and offering a playground and sheltered barbecue facilities.
Open 24 hours
Explore the magical grounds of a recreated Medieval castle, and enjoy show-stopping jousting tournaments, daring sword fights, axe-throwing and archery, and get up close to beautiful performance horses.
Open weekends and school holidays
Elaine’s Farmgate Shop offers quality produce direct from the farmer, including as premium meat, pantry and dairy, vegetables, and homemade pickles and sauces from around 20 local producers.
Open daily
This former barn with exposed beams and lead lights, houses an eclectic mix of unusual retail, including tweed boots, a Kookaburra Wilde bookshop, gemstone brooch plumes and collectables.
Open Sat-Sun
Along with quality produce, Elaine’s Farmgate Shop has a 21-acre field where you can pick your own gorgeous sunflowers during blooming season.
Open daily during blooming season
See and Do
Visit Country Grocers Ballan, make a $2 or $5 donation at the checkout and add your name or a message of support to a special Pink Up token. The tokens will then be displayed around the store, creating a growing visual show of community support as more people get involved.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Bingo gets a musical makeover at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, with Dolly’s Disco Bingo bringing a fun, easy-to-play night of music and games to Ballan.
Meet Robin Hood and his merry men at Kryal Castle these spring school holidays, with jousting, archery, crafts, live performances and medieval fun.
Open Mic is back at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, giving local musicians, singers and performers a chance to take the mic – and everyone else a relaxed Saturday afternoon of live local talent.
Discover the art of natural fragrance at this unique Perfume Making Workshop at Mittens & Moods in Gordon.
Keep the kids busy during the school holidays with a crafty morning at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, where they can decorate and create their very own treasure box to take home.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
How well do you know your footy? Ballan Bakehouse & Bar is putting an AFL spin on its monthly trivia night this September, with a night of footy questions, friendly competition and a hearty roast dinner.
Step inside Kryal Castle after dark for a royal wedding murder mystery, complete with intrigue, entertainment and a three-course meal.
Don’t miss a Sunday afternoon of great live music from singer / guitarist, Steve Moore at the Commercial Hotel.
The kids can get creative these school holidays with another special Paint & Sip session at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, hosted by Austin’s Craft & Play.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Settle in for a Friday night of live music, food and drinks at Ballan Bakehouse & Bar, with Matty Chaps playing live from 6pm.
Ballan will be turning pink for a good cause when the Pink Up Ballan Market & Family Fun Day takes over the grounds of St Paul’s Uniting Church on Saturday 3 October.
Classic cars, winery views and a drive-in movie come together for a twilight Show ’n’ Shine at St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong.
The Plough's favourite Elvis impersonator, award-winning Damian Mullin, is returning for a Dinner & Show that always sells out!
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Dust off your flares, leg warmers and favourite ’90s gear for a big night of nostalgia at St Anne’s Winery, Myrniong, as the Back to the 70s, 80s & 90s tribute show takes you through three decades of classic hits.
Super-popular farmers-style market, offering regional and local produce and home-made, home-produced items.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Kryal Castle celebrates the skill and strength of female knights with a weekend of horsemanship, skill-at-arms and full-contact tournament action.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
This vibrant annual market is a celebration of local produce, crafts, and delicious food with a variety of indoor and outdoor stalls, lively entertainment for all ages and a wonderful community spirit on show.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Celebrate Halloween in medieval style at Kryal Castle, with daytime Trick or Treat fun, spooky surprises and castle atmosphere.
Dress in gothic style and descend into Kryal Castle after dark for the All Hallows Court Fantasy Ball.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
The monthly Ballan Lions Community Market is held on the first Saturday of each month, with stalls lining the main street of Ballan.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Super-popular farmers-style market, offering regional and local produce and home-made, home-produced items.
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
Thursday nights at the wonderful Plough Bistro in Myrniong feature the popular Locals Menu (fortunately for visitors, everyone is local at the Plough).
For one day only, Kryal Castle transforms into an arena of elite horsemanship, raw power, and high-stakes competition.