Mildura, VICTORIA
Airing Date: Aug 29th, 2005
Mildura is located about 550km north-west of Melbourne along the Murray River. It is often referred to as the Mediterranean of the outback.
On average Mildura and the Murray outback enjoy more days of sunshine a year than Queensland. The average maximum temperature in Mildura in winter is 16 degrees and 32 in summer.
Chef Stefano Di Pieri is credited with helping transform the town into a well recognised gourmet destination, following his TV series Gondola on the Murray.
The town is a real culinary delight with the main feast street offering more that 20 restaurants, cafes and bars who pride themselves on serving fresh local produce seven days a week.
Coffee is also a big deal in Mildura, with Stefano's father bringing in the towns first espresso machine in 1959. Since then the coffee business has boomed and you can enjoy a great coffee just about anywhere you head in town..
Stefano himself has a large influence on the town's food culture. His main restaurant Stefano's is very well renowned for serving gourmet cuisine.
In fact Gourmet Traveller magazine rated the restaurant in the top 20 Australian restaurants and The Age named it the country restaurant of the year.
He also has a more laid back caf style restaurant and even a gourmet food shop, for those of us who head through town, taste the meals, and are inspired to try it ourselves.
In the 1880's paddle-steamers used to rule the Murray and nowadays The P.V. Rothbury reflects some of the town's heritage. The boat takes visitors on a tour of the region and up to Trentham Estate, the regions award winning winery. .
Mildura used to be sultana country, but now, as well as being a foodie's paradise, and known for its award winning wines, they're trying their hand at micro brewing.
The Mildura Brewery Pub was established in 2004 in the former Astor Theatre. It produces four permanent naturally brewed beers, along with unique specialty brews for the town's restaurant precinct.
The beers are inspired by and named after local icons like Mallee Bull and Desert Premium Lager.
Since the first beer rolled out of production in late 2004 the Mildura Brewery has taken beer-drinkers by storm, securing about 30 Melbourne outlets in its first month of operation. It's brewing up a storm. .
Further information:
Gondola Getaway package: From $350 a person twin share and includes three nights accommodation, breakfasts and picnic hamper.
Contact the Mildura Grand Hotel on 1800 034 228.
Cruise to Trentham Estate: From $52 a person. Includes cruise, BBQ lunch and tour of the winery.
Contact PV Rothbury on 03 5023 2200.
Prices correct at 29/8/05
