Looking for a weekend getaway destination that combines art, nature and cracking good food, wine and coffee experiences? Only two and half hours from Melbourne, you’ll find all this and more in Mansfield. Sitting at the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Mansfield is surrounded by mountainous terrain that makes skiers, snowboarders and rock climbers go weak at the knees.
And what better way to explore Victoria’s High Country than in the iconic Mercedes-AMG G 63? The legendary off-roader and luxury SUV is just as comfortable tackling tough terrain as it is delivering a smooth and powerful ride through the alpine region’s long and winding roads.
Mansfield itself is much more than a pitstop on the way to the ski fields, thanks to a community of talented locals who channel their creativity into winemaking, landscape painting, cake baking, coffee roasting and more. Whether you stay for just a night or linger a little longer on an extended break, here’s some of Mansfield’s best places to eat, play and stay.
EAT & DRINK
Get a coffee buzz
From landscape painting workshops to pastries with a cult following, there’s lots to see and do in Mansfield. But first up, coffee. Right in the centre of town on Highett Street you’ll find Mansfield Coffee Merchant. With a mission to “bring a bit of Melbourne to Mansfield” this coffee roaster and café is almost always busy (a sure-fire sign the coffee is top-notch).
Grab a table out the front under the verandah and plan your day ahead with a latte or espresso in hand. If you like a slightly dark roast, try Bueller’s Blend. You can also pick up some beans, cans of cold brew or compostable coffee pods (compatible with Nespresso machines) to enjoy later.
Experience pastry perfection
Be sure to make pastries a priority by visiting the perennially popular Alpine Patisserie, where you’ll pick from an impressive selection of much-too-pretty-to-eat tarts and cakes. Fair warning: arrive later in the day and you might just miss out.
Unafraid to push the boundaries with inventive flavour combinations (lemon, strawberry and peanut butter cheesecake anyone?), the sweets here are made with fruit harvested from the owner’s home garden. If you’re a bit of a patisserie purist, there’s plenty of French classics like buttery, flaky croissants. This is also a top spot to pick up some essentials, including sourdough baguettes, local honey and imported French cheese. Très bien!
Enjoy a natural wine-tasting session
If you appreciate wine, your visit to Victoria’s alpine region won’t be complete without tasting some cool climate drops. Just a 15-minute drive from Mansfield, Delatite Winery’s architecturally designed cellar door gives you a taste of minimal intervention natural wines while offering blockbuster views of Mt Buller and the surrounding ranges. Book a spot near the floor-to-ceiling windows to take it all in.
This family-owned winery has been rated a 5-red star winery in the Halliday Wine Companion since 2009, and they are renowned for their 2019 riesling – don’t leave without trying it.
Get your fill at The Fields
With both indoor and outdoor seating, The Fields is cute, casual eatery and bar, and a great dinner spot for all seasons. Choose from crispy vegetable dumplings, salt and pepper squid, and prawn crackers that are a cut above the ones you usually get from your local takeaway joint. Add a glass of King Valley pinot grigio, try a pina colada slushie or order a non-alcoholic lager if you’re the designated driver. Does ordering stress you out? Opt for the Izakaya Set Menu and let the chef take the wheel. A range of plates will soon arrive at your table without having to debate the merits of each dish.