Culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical exploration, exceptional events, serene stays, proximity to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and sweeping views of the Western District, that is the Cavendish experience.
Eat
An exceptional dining experience awaits you in Cavendish at the Bunyip Hotel. While the river views are blissful to take in as you dine, it is the foodie feast that will steadfastly stick. James Campbell, former head chef of illustrious Melbourne restaurant Modiva, has returned to his home town to serve up locals and fortunate visitors a country feast with a modern-day twist. James perfectly mixes his farm upbringing with his impeccable culinary experience to deliver dishes that are fresh and fabulous. You can even encounter his cooking style up close and personal with a chef’s table lunch offered at the pub.
The Bridge Cafe is irrefutably a central hub of Cavendish. Not only does it provide a relaxed dining experience but it also acts as the local post office and convenience store. The stretch of capabilities of The Bridge Cafe in no way deters from their delicious food offerings. Owners, Shane and Susan, lovingly bake and stock the menu, so all the breakfasts and lunches are teeming with tastiness.
Explore
Combine exploration and historical discovery on The Settlers Walk. This trail was established to memorialise the soldier settlers of Cavendish and runs along the idyllic banks of the town’s river. The gentle walk takes approximately 45 minutes, longer if you immerse yourself in each historic site. Plaques along the way acknowledge and hail local legends, a restored settlers cottage gives a glimpse into an era of pioneering, and the eerie bluestone gaol highlights the way in which punishments were delivered in this founding time. Toward the western end of the walk, you can take in the old Cavendish graveyard with gravestones dating back to 1849. The surrounding landscape of The Settlers Walk is peaceful and picturesque with birdlife aplenty, ancient Red Gums and crystal river reflections.
Events
Cavendish is known as Red Gum territory, so to celebrate these towering beauties with a bi-annual festival, held in April, seems most fitting. The Cavendish Red Gum Festival, held in April, is all about the Red Gums. Through a diverse range of activities, visitors are invited to enjoy, explore and learn about this unique locality. The magnificent Red Gum is given appropriate honours through art, kids fun, bus tours, environmental forums, wood milling and turning, the coveted Red Gum Cup (for AFL and netball) and the Red Gum Stage (live tunes from day to night). It is a family-friendly event, so best red-y yourself for some fun!
Held in November at the Cavendish Soldiers Memorial Hall (Barker Street), The Cavendish Fleece and Flower Show is a community fair that showcases the beauty of flowers and the cosiness of locally grown fleeces. Displays and projects are centred around these two entities and guests are invited to peruse and praise the magnificent creations that have been artfully shaped and fashioned. On top of these showstoppers, the fair also has art, craft, needlework, cookery and photography exhibitions.
Stay
Enjoy the flicker of a campfire, the serenity of a starry night’s sky and the tranquillity of getting back to nature at the Cavendish on Wannon Camp Ground. This campground is superbly positioned on the Wannon River (Cadden Street, Cavendish). It is a community-run campground and has both powered and unpowered sites available, along with toilets, showers, playground and camp kitchen. Pets are also welcome.
To learn more about Cavendish and the surrounding Greater Hamilton region, speak to a local on 1800 807 056.
