From country hospitality in Tallarook, Central Victoria to coastal wellness escapes along the Great Ocean Road, every visit helps support local businesses and communities.

Tallarook, central Victoria

Just over an hour north of Melbourne is Tallarook. The welcoming regional town is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and outdoor adventure. Known as the gateway to the Tallarook State Forest and the start of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, it offers the perfect blend of nature, history and small-town charm.

At the heart of the community is the Tallarook Hotel, a classic heritage pub that brings locals and visitors together. ‘Regional communities have a way of looking after each other that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it,’ says director James Carlin.

Winter is a particularly special time at the Tallarook Hotel, with roaring open fires, hearty meals, weekly specials, and a range of beers, wines and spirits to create the perfect local pub atmosphere.

With recently reopened upstairs accommodation, the hotel is an ideal stop for visitors looking to explore the region and experience genuine country hospitality.

‘We’ve always believed country pubs are about so much more than food and drinks. They’re where communities come together.’

James knows that winter can be a quieter time for businesses but it’s also a chance to create experiences that give people a reason to get out and connect. His advice for businesses that might be experiencing lower cash flow at this time ‘work together with other local businesses, try new ideas, and never underestimate the value of genuine hospitality and great customer service.’

Whether you're stopping in after a day exploring the Great Victorian Rail Trail or settling in for a leisurely lunch, the Tallarook Hotel offers an authentic regional experience that captures the spirit of the region.

Things to do in Tallarook

• Explore the Great Victorian Rail Trail, Australia's longest continuous rail trail.
• Discover the scenic walking and cycling opportunities throughout the area.
• Use Tallarook as a base for exploring nearby wineries, nature reserves and regional attractions.
• Find out more on what to do in Tallarook.

Great Ocean Road, south-west coast of Victoria

Few road trips are as iconic as the Great Ocean Road. Stretching along Victoria's dramatic south-west coastline, this internationally renowned destination is home to pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, native wildlife and charming seaside towns.

Located in the coastal town of Anglesea, the Great Ocean Road Resort provides a relaxing base from which to explore the region. Director Damien Cerantonio, says the area was one of the main reasons he got into tourism.

‘I wanted to become involved in tourism to add to the memorable experience the Great Ocean Road provides travellers, by providing unique and boutique accommodation for travellers when visiting our region.’

The eco-certified resort sits opposite the Anglesea River and just a few steps from the beach.

Winter is the perfect time to experience the resort's popular getaway packages, including the Mini Break For Two and The Great Cosy Escape, which combine accommodation, spa treatments and dining for a truly relaxing coastal retreat.

For businesses looking to capitalise on winter, Damien offers the following advice, ‘package up your offering with other businesses in your region to produce packages which represent the best of your region and provide value to your customers.’

Beyond the resort, visitors can discover one of Anglesea's greatest attractions – its incredible natural diversity, from beautiful beaches and dramatic cliff-top walks to inland mountain bike trails and abundant native wildlife.

The Great Ocean Road awaits, with local eateries to discover, fresh produce to take home and plenty of opportunities to support local businesses.

Things to do along the Great Ocean Road

• Relax on Anglesea's beautiful beaches and coastal walking tracks.
• Explore the Surf Coast's cafés, galleries and local businesses.
• Sample the regional flavours at one of the many restaurants.
• Use Anglesea as a starting point for discovering the Great Ocean Road's world-famous natural attractions.
• Find out more on what to do along the Great Ocean Road.