Spend a weekend eating burgers, exploring caves and drinking wine in the Snowy River region
The Snowy River region has something for everyone; try a tasty burger near Orbost, explore caves at Buchan or sip on wine while enjoying a great view at Marlo. Make this your next weekend away.
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Its natural beauty is a magnet for the inquisitive and adventurous.
Now roads are finally reopening in Victoria’s Snowy River region.
Tourists are gradually returning to the area, which takes in historic Orbost, Buchan, Marlo and Cape Conran.
Marlo remains open for business, despite having a bushfire warning as recent as Friday.
Melissa Dooley, from Orbost’s Visitor Information Centre, said there was no shortage of natural and man-made attractions on offer.
“Not all the roads are open but many are and there are lots of things to see and do,” Ms Dooley said.
“There are lots of beautiful walks and drives and places to visit.”
uThe Cabbage Tree Creek General Store and Bushware Cafe, just a short drive from Orbost on the Princes Hwy, was a must-visit.
Owners Jo Eade-Fischer and Peter Fischer (pictured, liftout front) said the business, with a quirky interior resembling a lounge room and wide deck overlooking a green valley, was currently serving just a handful of customers a day. Its burger and hotdog menu matches Melbourne’s best.
“We have lost a lot of business, but people will come back,’’ Ms Fischer said.
“They’ll return and things will get back to normal.”
The kindness of the community had deeply touched the couple.
Strangers were dropping off heartfelt letters of support and making anonymous donations of up to $500 to help the business through to Easter, when trade should improve.
Positivity was also in ready supply at the Marlo Hotel.
Owner Russell Bates said local loyalty had seen the pub continue to do steady — but certainly not thumping — trade over the summer so far.
With a 300-seat bistro and plenty of accommodation, the hotel was ready for holiday-makers to raise a glass and drink in the spectacular view from the front deck, which overlooks the stunning Snowy River estuary.
“We consider ourselves lucky because we weren’t directly impacted by the fires,’’ Mr Bates said.
“There are a lot of people and businesses much, much worse off than us right now.
“We are the lucky ones really.”
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The drinks were also flowing again at the Buchan Caves Hotel, which became a haven for locals during the bushfire crisis.
The town was also readying for the Buchan Cup — organisers urging racegoers to get behind the 133rd running of the event.