YARCK
It’s not all A380’s, passport control and duty-free on my travels. I do like to explore Australia too and last weekend I was lucky enough to visit the High Country of Victoria and a tiny town called Yarck. Yarck to me is the strangest name for a town (‘Where the Farck is Yarck?’…bumper stickers can actually be bought in the local store!) but out there in the High Country it is home to one of the most fabulous restaurants in country Victoria.
The Tea Rooms of Yarck was recently awarded 2 hats by The Age Good Food guide 2012 and don’t let the name fool you, it’s a gutsy Italian trattoria first and foremost, set in a romantic rural setting. Pietro Purcu, sources most of his produce from his local farm…eggs, olives, fruits, vegetables, rabbit and goat create a true produce-to-plate experience. We couldn’t decide what to order so had the lot with the chefs suggestion!
Across the road the owners have converted a church and it’s small hall into modern, uncluttered and comfortable overnight accommodation which will save you the trek back to Melbourne, stay the weekend and explore the surrounding area as we did.
Don’t miss this unpretentious trattoria set in the calming surrounds of central Victoria
The Tea Rooms of Yarck:
RUFFY
The next day we travelled “around the corner” to Ruffy to enjoy lunch in the garden at Ruffy Produce Store. This fabulous general store serves breakfast and lunch weekends (including public holidays).
It’s a great country cafe in the tranquil heart of the Strathbogie Ranges, its comfortable and rustic and I loved it. I ordered the most delicious Onion & Gruyère tart with a fabulous coffee followed by the perfect meringue served with locally grown peaches, all enjoyed alfresco under an apple tree… heaven.
You can take home Ruffy Produce too, I bought some Fennel Pickles, Mint Chutney, Tomato Relish and Strawberry Jam. The Mint Chutney is particularly good mixed with yoghurt on lamb cutlets I discovered!
It’s worth the trek just to try one of their daily baked, cake creations…they are to die for!
Ruffy Produce Store
26 Nolands Road, Ruffy Victoria Phone: +61 3 5790 4387
YARCK HOUSE
We travelled to Yarck by car, it’s situated 2 hours drive from Melbourne and rented Yarck House for the weekend, a fabulous ultra modern house that will sleep 10 people across four comfortable bedrooms.
Yarck House was the perfect designer country escape. It comes with sweeping rural views over the pool & includes mod cons such as air conditioning, wonderful bathrooms, a capable kitchen and even a commercial grade coffee machine.
For further information on Yarck House or indeed your next Australian luxury travel adventure please contact me at brent@fairflights.com.au
Where's Brent Been? 
Ooh er, Missus – this looks gorgie! 🙂