Heathcote: Wine, Walking Trails and Nature

Heathcote combines walking trails and nature experiences with Shiraz, regional food and Victorian architectural history. The trails vary considerably in length, route and destination: some lead to a picnic area or lookout, while others pass the historic cemetery on the way to the Pink Cliffs. There are also wine tastings and a monthly market. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether walking, nature watching, or wine and local food should be the main focus.

Walking trails with a range of route profiles

The Liquid Amber Trail is a 1 km loop from the Visitor Centre to the liquid amber trees and a picnic area on McIvor Creek. The McIvor Creek Trail runs through Heathcote and is about 2 km one way. The slightly more challenging Viewing Rock Loop Trail is different: this approximately 2.6 km loop leads to a large rock above Heathcote and offers impressive views. For a longer walk, the 8 km Pink Cliffs Loop Trail passes the historic cemetery and climbs to the Pink Cliffs.

When choosing a trail, it’s not just the kilometres that count, but also the route and destination: a loop or a one-way route, a picnic area or lookout, a shorter option or a longer loop with a historical connection. This lets you plan your day around the type of walk you want, rather than treating all the routes as interchangeable strolls.

The O'Keefe Rail Trail starts on Herriot Street, where parking is available. Check the information about the starting point and parking again before you arrive.

McIvor Creek and the Pink Cliffs

McIvor Creek runs parallel to Heathcote’s main street. Fishing and birdwatching are popular activities there. In addition to the walking trails described, the creek offers another way to connect with nature during your stay.

Pink Cliffs Reserve is on the edge of town and is suitable for bushwalking and photography. Check current park conditions before visiting. The Pink Cliffs Loop Trail also leads to the Pink Cliffs; together, the reserve and trail offer different reasons to consider this landscape when planning your visit.

Shiraz, the market and Victorian architecture

Heathcote is known for Shiraz and has more than 30 cellar doors. As the number may change, check which providers are currently operating before your trip. Heathcote Winery offers wine tastings and wine sales; check their availability before visiting as well.

The Bush Market offers regional food on the first Saturday of each month. If you’re planning your trip specifically around a visit to the market, confirm the date before you travel. This lets you include the market as a specific reason for your visit, rather than treating it as just any stop along the way.

Heathcote’s Old Gaol is a historic building in the town featuring Victorian architecture. It adds a glimpse into Heathcote’s architectural history to the nature and food and wine experiences. This makes the building a point of interest in its own right, even if your trip is mainly focused on walking or wine.

Plan your stay around your interests

The trails described offer a direct comparison of their lengths and destinations; the market and wine tastings provide a different focus for planning.

Discover more destinations: Wongarra, Drysdale, Speed, Willung South, St Arnaud, Maffra, Merricks, Keysborough.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.