The Local Rag

25/07/2024

Trentham’s just hits different.

For more than 160 years, The Cosmo has been keeping locals, and weary travellers, well fed and watered. And the beer garden has to be the best in the country.

10/06/2024

The incredible Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch is back on July 7th as part of the . Tickets are on sale now, get in fast.

09/06/2024

It’s a Sunday night, albeit a fake Sunday night due to the long weekend, but always a good time to appreciate a pub.

This week, let’s shine a light on Ballarat’s which has been serving beers to thirsty Ballaratians(?) since 1866.

04/05/2024

There wouldn’t be many people who took more steps in Australian today than ‘s Spud Man. Day one is done and dusted at the event, another big day for the community tomorrow.

23/04/2024

Take a trip back in time to the amazingly retro Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill.

On Thursday mornings the Indian Pacific train stops at the outback town of Broken Hill and travellers are invited on a tour; starting with scones, tea and coffee, milkshakes and spiders at Bell’s Milk Bar. A few local actors even dress up in fifties garb and perform a skit for the fascinated trave...

20/03/2024

They were once the place of birthday parties, junior sport celebrations, and everything in between. Now, they're almost gone.

There's a moment from my childhood that bounces around my brain constantly. I often bring it up whenever the words 'Pizza Hut' are uttered, or there's reference to an all-you-can-eat type situation. The moment, happened inside the dine-in Pizza Hut in Traralgon, at one of the many birthday parties i...

05/03/2024

Unfortunately over the past weekend, the 'Big Tree' in Guildford, Victoria suffered heavy storm damage. The well-known tree, estimated to be between 500 and 1000 years old, won the National Trust's 'Tree of the Year' award in 2023. Work is underway to conserve the branches lost and ensure the safety of the tree.

28/02/2024

Now home to Sunbury's largest beer garden.

Sunbury residents rejoiced as their favourite local hangout, the Ball Court Hotel, swung its doors open once again in early January after an extensive renovation worth millions. The rejuvenated venue, now more community-oriented than ever, promises an array of exciting features tailored to delight l...

22/02/2024

Check it out this weekend.

OK Charlton returns to the Victorian north east town this February, taking over the Charlton Motel for two huge nights of music and activities. This year you'll hear tunes from The Peep Tempel, The Slingers, Nice Biscuit, Watty Thompson & His Total Fire, Band, The Belair Lip Bombs, Polly and The Poc...

19/02/2024

Two ripper flavours to tear into.

Cape Byron Distillery, the renowned B Corp certified producer from Byron Bay, has unveiled its Brookie's Free Spirited range—two delicious non-alcoholic premixes poised to shake up the beverage scene. Inspired by their award-winning spirits and infused with the essence of the Byron Bay rainforest,...

18/02/2024

It's all happening in the Yarra Valley.

Get ready to spice up your life at The Herb and Chilli Festival, back for another year of flavour, fun, and multicultural cuisine. The event, located in the stunning Yarra Valley, will take place on March 18th and 19th and is perfect for those who love all things herb and spice. Founded and organise...

13/02/2024

Time for a visit.

Forget coastal escapes, Aussies are seeking cultural experiences closer to home this year, with regional towns taking the top spots in the 2024 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards. Bendigo, Victoria, famed for its gold rush history and vibrant art scene, snagged the coveted title, reflecting a shif...

11/12/2023

Sounds ideal.

Summer is here, and along with it will come good times in the Apollo Bay Hotel's new beer garden. Following a $1.2M upgrade, the beer garden boasts a fresh coastal aesthetic taking cues from the nearby coastline, and plenty of room to spend a warm Apollo Bay day. “We wanted to create a space that....

10/12/2023

Production will commence in mid January.

The isolated town of Walhalla in Victoria's Alpine region will be the backdrop for a new Hollywood film starring Liam Neeson when filming begins in January 2024. The film, a sequel to The Ice Road (2021), will feature the town of Walhalla, including landmarks such as the Star Hotel as it is made to

02/12/2023

Australia's largest-ever steam locomotive.

In the annals of Australian railway history, there stands a formidable giant, a true testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the Victorian Railways – the H class steam locomotive, affectionately known as "Heavy Harry." Among its kin, H220 emerged as the largest non-articulated steam locomotive ...

26/11/2023

Bookings are open now.

In a delightful announcement, the family-owned boutique winery, Avani Wines, has declared the return of its much-loved Summer Dining Pop-Up Sessions. The enchanting events will take place at their picturesque Mornington Peninsula cellar door, nestled in the idyllic surrounds of Red Hill. Running for...

22/11/2023

The team will continue to focus on Warrnambool, and Port Fairy.

It's been a tough few weeks for the Kermond's Hamburgers crew with the loss of business partner Tim Tanner from its Geelong outpost. Following this, the Kermond's Hamburgers team have decided to close their Geelong restaurant. The team will continue to focus on their Port Fairy, and Warrnambool burg...

16/11/2023

Probably the most awards olive oil in the land.

In a triumphant sweep, Grampians Olive Co., the foremost olive producer in the Grampians region, has secured two Gold medals and the prestigious Champion Best in Class title at the recent 2023 Australian International Olive Awards. The recognition underscores the company's commitment to quality and....

15/11/2023

Time for a trip up the highway.

The much-anticipated revival of The Goods Shed in Ballarat is set to redefine the city's culinary landscape as it unveils its Dining Hall on November 21. Award-winning developer Pellicano has transformed the historic bluestone building into a multifaceted hospitality and entertainment hub, featuring...

15/11/2023

Must be time for Christmas shopping.

The history of the continent of Australia is long, and not without its controversy. Home to the longest-living culture in the world, Aboriginal Australians have called the island home for more than 50,000 years. There are an array of books written on the history of Australia, from the evidence of th...

12/10/2023

Cut out the duopoly.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a distinctive food distribution system that offers an exciting opportunity for consumers to directly support local farmers while gaining access to fresh, locally sourced produce. This article will delve into the world of CSAs and explore the benefits and cons...

11/10/2023

Perfection.

The picturesque town of Berri in South Australia's Riverland region welcomes a new gem to its tourism landscape with the grand opening of Par Five Shacks. Nestled alongside the Berri Golf Course, this luxurious retreat offers a unique blend of modern luxury and natural beauty, showcasing the essence...

11/10/2023

Victoria's 'other' Peninsula is well worth the trip.

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Victoria, Australia, the Bellarine Peninsula is a hidden treasure trove of natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. For those who savour the combination of breathtaking landscapes and convivial libations, this charming region is home to an array of except...

05/10/2023

Time for a trip to South Australia.

The picturesque town of Berri in South Australia's Riverland region welcomes a new gem to its tourism landscape with the grand opening of Par Five Shacks. Nestled alongside the Berri Golf Course, this luxurious retreat offers a unique blend of modern luxury and natural beauty, showcasing the essence...

04/10/2023

Support the local producers, not the duopoly.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a distinctive food distribution system that offers an exciting opportunity for consumers to directly support local farmers while gaining access to fresh, locally sourced produce. This article will delve into the world of CSAs and explore the benefits and cons...

30/09/2023

Bayside locals are about to become well fed.

In a mouthwatering development for barbecue enthusiasts, Red Gum BBQ is set to spread its authentic American-style charm to Seaford this October with the launch of its second location, Red Gum BBQ At Home. Renowned for its irresistible, slow-cooked Southern barbecue, the Red Hill-based restaurant is...

22/09/2023

Get stuck into it this weekend.

At the time of writing this, gold prices in Australia are at a tick over $2,500 per ounce of gold. Now, as a kid, I remember it being firmly around the $450 mark. Why then didn't I set out to do some gold prospecting in Victoria? With that kind of pricing, it seems very sensible

12/09/2023

"Untangling these various influences is difficult, so the role played by the warming climate is heavily debated."

This century, Australia has suffered more frequent and more severe bushfires. The Black Summer fires of 2019–20 were the worst on record for the area burned and property loss. How much climate change has contributed to these increases is a hot topic. Bushfire risk is dialled up by four switches: f...

12/09/2023

The Valley is much more than wineries.

Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Victoria's Yarra Valley, a haven of Yarra Valley pubs awaits, each embracing the region's unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. Beyond the renowned vineyards and sweeping vistas, the Yarra Valley boasts an inviting array of pubs, some....

08/09/2023

They've sold 1.6 tonne of vanilla slice since taking out the award.

The vanilla slice is an icon. The classic bakery dessert can be found, and enjoyed thoroughly, in any town bakery around regional Australia. But which one is the best? Well, for that, it's hard not to watch closely at the results happening at the annual 'Great Vanilla Slice Triumph Merbein'. The Gre...