Sitting at the bottom of one of Victoria’s most recently active volcanoes, Mortlake is the centre of the rich agricultural and pastoral Great South Coast region of Victoria.
In the Volcanic Lakes and Plains region at the foot of Mt Shadwell, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mortlake. From fishing to olivine fossicking in the volcanic rocks of Mt Shadwell, Mortlake has it all.
The thriving rural town on the Hamilton Highway has a variety of eating spots, great sporting facilities including a 50-metre swimming pool, skate park, historic bluestone precinct and a relaxed country atmosphere.
Fertile volcanic plains surrounding Mortlake have long lured farmers and specialists producers. Wholesome local produce and boutique artisans abound.
Feast your eyes on the expansive cold cabinet smallgoods showcase at award-winning Brendan Bouchier’s butcher shop. Can’t choose? Try the flagship smokey hams, crafted from Prime Otway Pork in two German-built smoking ovens.
Traditional dairy farming is evolving. Mortlake Organic Dairy is a new venture bringing together L’Artisan Cheese, Symons Organic Dairy Co and a wealth of dairy industry know-how to craft artisan and organic soft cheeses, washed rind cheeses, haloumi and parmesan using milk from two local organic dairy farmers.
Take a walk down the main street to immerse yourself in the period bluestone buildings and shopfronts. Check out the Art Deco public swimming pool entrance (in summer take a dip) or hunt for antiques and collectables to take home with you.
A picture-perfect, nostalgic relaxation spot, complete with historic rotunda and summerhouse. Idyllic parkland centres on Tea Tree Lake, which is well-stocked with fish and yabbies. Dangle a line from the pier, go spotting for wildlife including more than 100 bird species, or laze away an afternoon soaking up the peaceful, natural vibe.
Giddy-up to a country race meeting steeped in history, colour and excitement. Established in 1869 and with iconic Mount Shadwell as backdrop, the Mortlake Racing Club continues to thrive.
Thousands of people throng to the track for the annual Mortlake Cup meeting held on Derby Day. The family-friendly meet that’s loved by punters, socialites and locals is an ideal way to squeeze a taste of the spring racing action into your itinerary.
Mortlake Swimming Pool has its origins in baths built in 1926. In summer the pool is a big part of community life — a natural gathering place for young and old. The 50m rectangular outdoor pool is solar-heated and open through the summer season. A shaded toddler pool, vast lawn areas and canteen make for hours of splashing family fun and ice-creams all round.
If gem stones are of interest the Mortlake Quarry allows fossicking for Olivine. Olivine is an olive-green, grey-green, or brown mineral occurring widely in basalt, peridotite, and other basic igneous rocks.
It is a silicate containing varying proportions of magnesium, iron, and other elements. The large ejected rocks are called volcanic bombs. These bombs can contain olivine, a green crystal also known as peridot. Contact the Mortlake Information Centre to book your fossicking adventure. (03) 5599 2899.
Mortlake is home to the renowned Clarke’s Pies — A favourite for south Western Victorians. Stop into Clarke’s Bakery to try one for yourself and pitch yourself in the pretty Market Square in the town centre to enjoy the country ambience.
Begin at the former Temperance Hall and step back into the mid 1850s when Mortlake was growing apace to serve the needs of hungry gold-diggers and a flourishing pastoral community. Uncover the secrets and fascinating trivia of the time while taking in 20 historic buildings, including a close-knit cluster of bluestone beauties in the Shaw Street Bluestone Precinct.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
