Wind down your windows and crank up the road trip playlist as you drive through the rolling hills that cradle Glen Forbes and Bass.

This bucolic corner of Victoria is home to acres of nature reserves, lush farms and dream fishing spots. With views across the sea towards Phillip Island, Glen Forbes and Bass are treasures of the Bass Coast.

Diner eating bao at fig and the bay Corinella

Four women drinking wine in the vineyards at Bass River Winery

Glen Forbes and Bass restaurants & cafes

First up, head to Bassine Specialty Cheeses for some indulgent bries and camemberts that are made right there on the farm. Established in 1966, these folks know what they are doing, recently winning a Gold Medal for their fresh Whole Milk at the Dairy Industry Australia competition.

Load up on fresh produce at Macca’s Farm, home to free-range meats, organic fruits and vegetables and locally sourced jams. Stop in at the cafe for lunch, and indulge in their seasonal menu that uses ingredients straight from the farm.

Fig & The Bay in Corinella invites you into a freshly renovated heritage homestead, with wide verandas and sun soaked outdoor seating. The coffee is top notch and the breakfast menu raises the bar.

Nestled among the hills is Bass River Winery, where you can taste the premium single estate wines at the cellar door. They even make limoncello, grappa and a dessert-style Iced Riesling. A little further north is the delightful The Gurdies Winery.

Where to stock up

• Taste your way around the cheeses at Bassine Speciality Cheeses (Glen Forbes) then take away your favourites.
• La Provincia (Corinella) is a family-run café and wine bar stocking homemade passata, small goods, fresh vegetables, cheese, wine and preserves.

Bassine Cheese lady eating cheese board with cows in background at Glen Forbes

Nature reserves & parks

This area is rich in lush nature reserves and parks, where you can go for meditative strolls. Gaze out across the hills at the Glen Forbes Recreation Reserve – there's a tennis court, basketball ring, children's play equipment and an off-leash dog reserve.

Go birdwatching at the Reef Island Reserve, home to an abundance of curlews, oystercatchers, herons and more. Bring a camera to take photos of Churchill and Phillip Island across the water, or enjoy an afternoon of fishing at the Bass River Fishing Area.