What’s a road trip to the Grampians without a bakery stop? No matter which direction you go, it’s harder to find a bad country bakery than a good one. If bakeries are always high on your country road trip agenda, then don’t miss these!
One of the Grampians’ most famous bakeries is Dunkeld Old Bakery. Enjoy the nostalgia, character and decadence of this historic bakery dating back to 1887. It’s one of a few Victorian bakeries that still bake their sourdough in an original wood-fired oven – one of the oldest in the state! So, you know it’s the real deal. You’ll also find bakery classics such as quiche Lorraine; scones with jam and cream; pies; and vanilla slice, to eat in or take away.
Izzy's Cafe is a delightful, welcoming dine-in and take away café which was established by Izzy's Group in 2004. Located in Dunkeld you can find delicious house-made pies, sausage rolls, pastries, cakes and biscuits. Leave room for the French-style vanilla slice and the lemon curd donuts - they’re simply too irresistible to go past. Izzy’s Group also has two restaurants in Hamilton and Koroit which are open for dinner.
When a bakery only makes 24 vanilla slices a day and sells out before 11am - you know it’s going to be good. Located 30 minutes from Dunkeld, Willaura Bakery is the oldest continuous running bakery in Victoria. Charming and inviting, the bakery is known for more than just its sell-out classics. It’s also known for its friendly and welcoming staff - everything you’d expect from a good ol’ country bakery.
If you’re on a long drive down south of the Grampians, Penshurst Store is well worth the visit. The country town bakery sells Rox Coffee, pies, pasties, sausage rolls, focaccias, soups, fresh bread baked daily and sweet treats. You will also find a range of produce from local makers including honey, eggs, jams and preserves, jewellery and makeup among other local goods.
Waack’s Bakery is often referred to as Western Victoria’s greatest bakery. Why? Well firstly Stawell’s Waack’s Bakery once made a half-kilometre-long lamington just to lift the town’s spirit. Secondly, they do a darn good range of baked goods. You can even see how good with a wall dedicated to trophies and framed certificates for Best Vanilla Slice, Best Hot Cross Buns and Best Meat Pie (to name a few). You’ll find Waack’s Bakery in Stawell, Horsham and Ararat.
If you’ve strolled through the heart of Halls Gap township then you’ve definitely smelt pastry in the oven at Halls Gap Bakery. From fresh bread, croissants, pies, sausage rolls, tarts, donuts and slices you’ll be overwhelmed with the choices! It’s the perfect stop for a quick road trip lunch or to grab a box of goodies to enjoy on the nearby picnic benches overlooking the rugged mountains of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
