Easter is the perfect time to go on a vegan daytrip in Victoria. From beachside towns to inland ranges, Victoria has a number of vegan daytrip experiences for you to enjoy. Here are three vegan Easter daytrip ideas so you can get away from the city and try some new vegan-friendly locations.
Take the Edgy Veg Trail in The Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges in Victoria’s northern inland is most well-known as the home of Edgar’s Mission. In 2022, The Macedon Ranges is also home to this year’s Edgy Veg Trail Awards. About an hour’s drive from Melbourne, The Macedon Ranges offers you a ‘veg trail’ of vegan meals and veggie growers which is part of the region’s Autumn Festival for 2022. You can even vote for your favourite meal for a chance to win a weekend escape to Harpsichord House.
There’s a wide spread of participating cafés and restaurants and many on the list already have vegan options on their menu. Restaurants and cafés that have created bespoke ‘edgy veg trail’ meals for the occasion include:
- Home Grown on Piper in Kyneton
- Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery in Kyneton
- Social Foundry in Kyneton
- Cafe Paysanne in Woodend
- The Milko in Woodend
- Hanging Rock Café in Woodend
- Newham General Store in Newham
- 3 Little Pigs in Gisborne
- The Jolly Miller in Gisborne
- The Corner Coffee Bar in Gisborne
- Saigon Yame in Gisborne
- Vics at Seasons in Riddells Creek
- Verdure in Romsey
The Macedon Ranges Edgy Veg Trail runs until Tuesday April 26. Check with each venue regarding their trading hours over Easter and download your map from the Trail’s website. A full list of vegan dishes on offer at each location can be found here.
Head to Rye on the Mornington Peninsula for Beach, Burgers and Beverages
Less than an hour and half’s drive from Melbourne, Rye is the perfect spot for beach, burgers and beverages. Rye is a back-beach locale that’s also brimming with vegan food.
First you can head to No 16 Beach General Store for your mid-morning coffee and vegan-friendly treats. You may be lucky to find a hot vegan savoury pie or two. Then, you can head to Number 16 Beach across the road for a beachside walk. You’ll delight in the rugged cliffs, sandy shores and rumbling waves. If you need some supplies for a vegan picnic, you can find a number of items at 16 Beach General Store from a selection of vegan cheeses, jars of pickled vegetables, fresh vegan bread and sweet treats.
No 16 Beach General Store 414 Tasman Drive Rye Victoria 3941. Open Monday to Saturday 7am to 5pm and Sunday 7am and 3pm. Reduced hours may apply over the Easter weekend. For a full list of Rye’s beaches head to The Coastal Walk website.
For another takeaway option, try the vegan food goodness at Hunter Café and Store. This is an all-vegan café which is also in close proximity to Rye’s back-beaches. Choose from a wide selection of short-order items from burgers and burritos to fresh juices, smoothies, cakes and slices. You can also purchase Hunter merchandise and vegan store items to take home.
Hunter Café and Store 364 Dundas Street Rye 3941. Open 8am to 3pm Wednesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday to Tuesday. Reduced hours may apply over the Easter weekend.
Visit Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula for Real Food and Bay Walks
Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city which is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. For the best plant-based burgers, bagels and treats then check out Feast Geelong. They even have a creamy vegan stroganoff using Barr None ‘lamb’ from Noo Moo Foods. Want lemon curd glazed or cinnamon sugar doughnuts? You’re covered for those here, too. You can also find some chocolate Easter surprises here in case your Easter Bunny needs a vegan supplier. Need vegan salads, smoothies, vegan groceries and great coffee? You can get those here as well. Feast Geelong offers real food real fast.
Feast Geelong 5 Ormond Road East Geelong Victoria 3219. Easter hours: Friday and Saturday 8am to 3pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
Eastern Beach Reserve is a short drive away and located on the city’s waterfront. Here, you’ll find a bay walk area that’s dotted with the Bay Walk Bollards. Over 100 bollards are painted as lifeguards, football players and firefighters to name a few. There’s also a shark-proof sea bath, historical art-deco-style boardwalk and leafy picnic areas.
Eastern Beach Reserve 95 Eastern Beach Road Geelong Victoria 3220.
