The charming town of Nagambie is just 138 km from Melbourne. Situated on the Goulburn Valley Highway, it’s around halfway between Seymour and Shepparton in the heart of the Nagambie Lakes wine region. It is full of history, horse studs, vineyards and waterways. Nagambie was named in 1872, and in the local aboriginal language means “still waters”. The area is well known for its beautiful lake, attracting fishermen, rowers, and water skiers.

Black Caviar Statue

Black Caviar’s life-sized bronze statue is located at Jacobson’s Outlook in High Street Nagambie. Created by sculptor Mitch Mitchell, the statue was formally opened in October 2013. The statue is based on a photograph of jockey Luke Nolen riding Black Caviar in the Schweppes Stakes at Moonee Valley in October 2011.

Champion racehorse Black Caviar was born on 18 August 2006 at Gilgai Farm, Nagambie, growing up to become the fastest horse globally, winning all 25 of its races and earning $8 million in prize money. In 2013, Black Caviar retired from racing.

Lake Nagambie

Behind the Black Caviar statue lies beautiful Lake Nagambie. It is man-made and the largest body of water in the area covering 170 hectares. Before the construction of the Goulburn Weir, the “lake” was a swampy lagoon. Since its creation, however, it has become an increasingly popular destination. Fishing is a hugely popular pastime on the lake. The annual Go Fish Nagambie takes place each February and sees fishermen vying to catch the biggest Murray Cod for an $80k prize. In addition, rowing and yachting regattas, including the ‘Head of the River’, occur on the lake. Lake Nagambie recently also hosted the International Rowing Championships.

The lake’s eastern shore follows the tree-lined High Street with a wide centre median boasting a grassy picnic area with tables and public toilets.

Jacobson’s Outlook

A Methodist church originally stood on the site where Black Caviar now stands. The church was built in 1855 by the townspeople and stood for 118 years. However, in June 2003, a semi-trailer veered off the highway, colliding with the church. The semi-trailer came to rest inside the church, which resulted in the collapse of the building.

Goulburn Weir

The historic Goulburn Weir was built between 1887 to 1891 to regulate water flow for irrigation in Victoria. It is the first significant diversion structure building for irrigation in Australia. The dam wall is 209 metres long and 16 metres high. The Goulburn Wier diverts water via the Stuart Murray Canal and Cattanach Canal for later irrigation of nearby farming crops. The design of the Goulburn Weir was considered very advanced. It was so unique that the back of half sovereigns and ten shilling notes featured the design from 1913 to 1933.

The weir also contained one of the first two hydroelectric turbines in the southern hemisphere. In 1983 and 1988, stabilising and refurbishment works were undertaken. However, two original gates and gear have been preserved to recognise their place in Victoria’s history. The lush park around the weir includes a playground, picnic tables, electric BBQs and public toilets.

Kirwin’s Bridge

The heritage-listed Kirwin’s Bridge is a short 6km north of the lake. Kirwin’s bridge is a single-lane timber bridge, 310 metres long. The bridge opened in 1890 and is still used today for motor traffic. It features a unique design with a mid-river bend and two passing bays for vehicles. Kirwins Bridge is one of Victoria’s oldest timber bridges still in operation.

Chinamans Bridge

The heritage-listed Chinamans Bridge opened in 1891 and is another of Victoria’s oldest surviving timber road bridges. The bridge was one of several “strutted-stringer” river bridges built in Victoria. However, its timber lift span made it unique, which was constructed to allow riverboat traffic to pass under. The bridge takes its name from the Chinese market gardeners who farmed the rich soils of the Goulburn River.

Royal Mail Hotel

The Royal Mail Hotel is known by locals as the ‘The Top Pub’ and sits on the top end of High Street. Built in 1871, it was originally a stopover for mail delivery for Cobb & Co. and passenger accommodation.

Tahbilk Winery

The handmade brick and mudstone winery was built alongside the Goulburn River in the 1860s. Tahbilk celebrated its 160th birthday in 2020 and has been in the Purbrick family for five generations. As a result, Tahbilk is recognised as the oldest winery in Victoria and gained heritage status in 2004. The area Tabilk-Tabilk, meaning “place of many waterholes”, by the local Daung-wurrung clans. The cellar door is open daily, and the original underground cellar is still available for visitors to wander through.

Cellar Door Hours

Weekdays 9 am to 5pm Weekends and Public Holidays 10 am to 5pm

Tahbilk Eco-Trail and Wetlands Walk

Behind the Tahbilk Wetlands View Restaurant lies a hidden oasis of wetlands and a walking trail. The 6.3km trail follows the Goulburn River as it meanders through billabongs, river flats, bridges, bird hides and past lily ponds. Visitors must register at the restaurant before beginning the walk. Dogs are not permitted on the trails. In addition, on days of a total fire ban, the walk is closed.

Mitchelton Winery

Famous Architect Robin Boyd CBE (1919-1971) drew up the plans for the winery, cellar door and tower, and renowned architect Ted Ashton completed them. The first crop of vines were planted in 1969. The winery was named after historic explorer Major Thomas Mitchell.

The iconic building opened in 1974 and boasts a world-class restaurant surrounded by lush lawns, making it a popular destination for outdoor concerts in the ‘on the green’ setting. Gerry Ryan OAM purchased Michelton in 2011. A $16m luxury boutique hotel and day spa were added in 2016. The ‘Airstream Hotel’ opened in 2020 with seven full-sized, sparkling silver RVs for guests. The winery has vineyards in Nagambie and Heathcote and purchases grapes from growers across Victoria.

Cellar Door HOURS

Open 7 Days Mon-Thurs 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Fri-Sun 10.00 am – 6.00 pm for Wine Tastings, Education and Wine Sales.