Culinary mastery, country hospitality, historical exploration and all within a close proximity to the Grampians National Park! Cavendish is a top-notch destination, and these are our top 16 things to do in Cavendish.
1. Bridge Café
A central hub for the community, the Bridge Café offers both eat in and takeaway coffee, meals and all those in-between moreish delights! Plus they are stock full of all the bits and bobs for day-to-day living/ holidaying. We highly recommend one of their famed and fabulous homemade sausage rolls.
2. Bunyip Hotel
A local gem, the Bunyip Hotel is where city food meets country pub. With an ever-changing menu of delicious chef prepared meals (Jimmy Campbell, former head chef of Sydney restaurant Movida), as well as a Sunday Chef’s Table and an extensive beer and wines list, the Bunyip Hotel is a must-eat, must-drink and must-enjoy local.
Image: @thebunyiphotelcavendish via IG
3. Bluestone Gaol
Take a step back in time and explore what it was like to be an inmate at the old Cavendish Gaol. Found along Settler’s Walk just behind the Police Station in Scott Street, the Gaol is the former police lock up with the first inmate housed in 1862.
4. Jack’s Daughter Clothing
Specialising in handmade vintage inspired clothing and vintage reproduction from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, all Jack’s Daughter Clothing is designed and handmade in Cavendish! Browse online or arrange a time to view the custom-made pieces in the Cavendish studio.
Image: @missharlowdarling via IG wearing Jack’s Daughter Clothing
5. Fossicking
Only 30 minutes out of Cavendish, visit the Mooralla Gem Field and try your hand at unearthing a gemstone. Renowned for its spectacular specimens of smoky quartz crystal as well as a variety of semi-precious gemstones and crystals including lilac amethyst, rock crystal and citrine, the site is Victoria’s only fossicking reserve. Before you start digging, be sure to organise a fossicking licence by visiting the Service Victoria State Government Website.
6. Settler’s Walk
Established to honour the soldier settlers of the mid-20th century, the Settler’s Walk winds its way along the banks of the Wannon River and features plaques to acknowledge and hail local legends, as well as a meticulously restored settlers cottage.
Image: @secretshq via IG
7. Cavendish Bush Mural
An unexpected discovery, the Cavendish Bush Mural can be found on the wall of the public toilets in Barker Street. Created by local artist Roger Edwards, the mural taps into the traditional bush surroundings of Cavendish including its native flora and fauna.
8. Mooralla Golf Course
Only a 15-minute drive from Cavendish, the Mooralla Golf Course is set amongst huge gum trees and abuts the Grampians. The course was built by locals in the 1940s and is open all year round.
Image: Mooralla Golf Club
9. Old Cavendish Cemetery
Found along the picturesque banks of the Wannon River, the Old Cavendish Cemetery was used from 1849 to 1922. Surrounded by Monterey Pines and Eucalypts the cemetery is a history lover’s dream with the headstones, memorials and iconography from varying periods.
10. Trestle Bridge
Constructed in 1918, Cavendish’s trestle bridge is unmissable (literally). The huge structure is clearly visible as you travel along the banks of the Wannon River. As the sun settles and the water beneath glistens, the bridge is positively spectacular!
