Top five must-dos for a winter weekend in Barwon Heads

A weekend out of town down to the coast is always fun, even in the winter months. The thrill of hopping in the car, leaving the city behind, breathing some fresh sea air and exploring never gets old.  If you are seeking a coastal, village atmosphere with a touch of the city sophistication that you don’t want to leave behind, look no further than Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads offers the perfect winter weekend escape, and I have pulled together an itinerary for you below, to take all the guess work out of where to go and what to do, so you can just unwind and relax!

1. Eat

What’s a winter weekend away without a roast? Well unless you are vegan, get on into the award winning local butcher Bennos Meating Place for the best meat on the coast. Owned and run by its namesake Benno (Brad Bennet), these guys are the real deal.  They are friendly and chatty, and they even wear the old school butcher’s hats. Meat is sourced locally, grass fed and is absolutely the best quality. Their sausages are award winning and delish. I also love their lamb shanks and pre-marinated ‘steaks on sticks’ – excellent for entertaining and kids. They will do special cuts for you and offer cooking advice too. You won’t be disappointed.

2. Drink

Start at the Barwon Heads wine store,  where the lovely owners, will warmly welcome you and help you to hand pick the perfect alcoholic beverage for your occasion. Whether it be a wine from an award winning winery, a vintage champagne or a craft beer. These guys know what they’re doing and they are also very reasonably priced. Don’t be shy. Head in and have a chat. #Don’tbringitwithyou!

3. View

Visit the Barwon Heads Bluff. It will be cold and windy, but rug up and prepare to be refreshed!  Take the path from ‘At The Heads‘ restaurant and walk up to the very top of the cliffs. There are look-outs all the way along to enjoy breathtaking 360 views of  the Barwon River meeting Bass Straight, bordered by the white Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads beaches. In winter it is common to spot the odd whale breaching, or watch keen surfers brave the icy waters for the winter swell.  The Bluff walk is carved out across the cliff top, purpose built and decked and is popular with joggers, dog and pram walkers and mad keen fitbods running up and down the stairs. This is one of the best coastal walks around and takes only about 20 minutes. I try and do this once a week if I can.

4. Shop

Barwon Heads is a town fast becoming known for its premium boutiques, offering fashion, homewares, surfwear and gourmet food. I have a few personal favourites (where I am known as a repeat shopping offender!) my favourite would be Rigby’s, which is a homeware lovers paradise, filled with eclectic rugs, baskets, wooden toys, alpaca blankets, all lovingly sourced from Morrocco and around the world by family owner, Merilyn. I will always find what I need in here whether it be something unique for the kids rooms or a piece to brighten up a corner in the home.

5.Drink Coffee

It’s the first thing I google when I go to a new place. Where to find the best coffee. What can I say? I am a coffee snob. Good coffee is subjective, but for me, consistency is key and in my 6 years in the village, Annie’s Providore wins out. Their coffee is the most consistent. Strong but not bitter, hot but not burnt, smooth but not milky. You get my vibe. Plus you get a free biccie. (yay). Ideally you should sit down and drink your coffee here because it is such a gorgeous place, with delicious aged cheeses, freshly baked breads on display, baskets hanging from the roof and the Italian products from ceiling to floor. They also offer the mug sized lattes which I adore on my more sleep-deprived mornings. Enjoy.

How about you? What are your top recommendations for a weekend away in Barwon Heads?