Nestled on Main Street in the heart of Rutherglen, Parker Pies has become a beloved local institution and a must-visit stop for anyone exploring this historic Victorian wine region. This family-owned pie shop is famous for its golden, flaky pastries and rich, hearty fillings crafted from high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. From classic steak and mushroom to creative options like lamb with rosemary or Thai-inspired chicken curry, there’s a flavour to excite every palate and plenty of regulars swear by the inventive selections as some of the best pies in Victoria. Visitors can enjoy their pies fresh on site in a casual, welcoming space, including outdoor seating or grab a selection of frozen pies to take home and bake later, alongside their signature homemade tomato chutney that’s become a fan favourite pairing.
Eat
Gourmet Dining
Grace. Bar + Eatery is a small bar and eatery set within a charming heritage building on Rutherglen’s historic main street. Featuring a menu of creatively constructed seasonal dishes that are globally inspired and perfect for sharing. They lean European, with a dash of Melbourne. The menu at Grace. changes regularly and focuses on showcasing high quality produce alongside an evolving wine list and a predominately Australian spirit list.
Valentines Artisan Sourdough Bakers specialise in handcrafted European inspired artisan sourdough bread using certified sustainable and chemical free Australian grown flour. Serving specialty coffee roasted in-house with a simple bakery style menu of sandwiches, paninis, handmade pies, cakes, slices and pastries. Valentines Artisan Sourdough Bakers are a family owned and operated business, which has been in the Northeast area for over 30 years. The second generation has now taken the reigns with a beautifully designed new bakehouse and bread production facility.
Caffeine N Machine brings together exceptional craft, culture and community. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked breads, delicate pastries and expertly prepared Merchant Roasters coffee, all served in a space designed with care and intention. Just beyond the café awaits one of Rutherglen’s true surprises: a complimentary motorcycle museum featuring over 50 vintage, modern and handcrafted machines. It’s a celebration of history and creativity that captivates enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This light-filled, modern-industrial venue has been thoughtfully restored to honour its origins as the 1929 Jasper Brothers GM Holden dealership. Two wall-mounted vintage motorcycles welcome you on arrival, hinting at the stories that follow inside.
Crafting exceptional brews in the heart of Rutherglen, where tradition meets innovation in every sip. The Convent Brewery’s beers are brewed with passion, premium ingredients, and a commitment to quality. The perfect sip, every time. Their restaurant brings the heart of Mexico to Rutherglen with delicious, flavourful dishes. Made with love and a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine. Elevate your events with their catering. Immerse your guests in a culinary experience that fuses tradition with flavour.
The Pickled Sisters Cafe and Restaurant has been part of the Rutherglen culinary landscape for over 21 years. Now in a new location in the Main Street of Rutherglen, the team look forward to the next chapter of the Pickled Sisters story. The menus change seasonally and showcase the fabulous array of local produce available in Rutherglen and North East Victoria. The restaurant offers three distinct dining areas, with an elegant classic interior, a greenery filled covered courtyard, as well as outdoor dining under a grapevine canopy. Private functions, off-site catering, and picnic hampers are all catered for. Pickled Sisters is open for brunch and lunch Thursday to Monday, with evening dining on Saturday evenings.
A visit to Rutherglen would not be complete without experiencing at least one flavour of Gelatina’s delicious gelato, made in store with local produce. Lets say one because, it’s guaranteed that you will be back to taste the rest. Gelatina offer taste before you buy so that you are happy with your purchase and offer traditional and waffle cones as well as little cups. You can purchase gelato in cups or cones, sizes either small, medium or large. They also have 1/2 litre or 1 litre takeaway tubs. Please note that Gelatina is closed during the winter months.
Nestled in the heart of Rutherglen, The Other Place is a vibrant café serving up fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch delights. From hearty meals to lighter bites, every dish is crafted with care using ingredients from trusted local suppliers. Their coffee machine is always humming, ready to pour your perfect cup. And when it comes to sweets, their house-made cakes are the real showstoppers—baked from scratch daily, never from a packet or bakery. With flavours that change regularly, there’s always something new to tempt your taste buds. Relax in their fully fenced courtyard, soak up the sunshine, or grab a treat to go as you explore the charm of Rutherglen. They welcome families of all kinds—two-legged and four-pawed alike.
Play
Rutherglen Activities
In a town practically dripping with history such as Rutherglen, a walk is a must – and there’s one to suit everyone! Discover historical landmarks like the Gold Battery and Rutherglen Wine Bottle, fascinating sculptures, famous bridges, the rushing Murray River and a pelican called Pierre! If you plan to undertake a walk in bushland, be sure to let someone know where you are heading and what time you expect to return. Wear appropriate clothing, and take snacks and water. Stay on the track, and do not wander off. For more advice on how to prepare and be aware when undertaking a walk, check out the Parks Victoria website.
Step back in time at the Rutherglen Gold Battery, located just on the northern edge of town, an easy stroll from the centre. Built to crush quartz from nearby reefs and release the gold hidden within, the Battery is a fascinating reminder of the region’s golden past. The first Government Battery was erected on Gooramadda Road in 1899. Originally a modest three-head crusher, it expanded to six heads by 1905. In just five years, it processed 110 tons of quartz and produced an impressive 628 ounces of gold. Surplus water from the nearby quartz mine powered the operation, with the Battery needing a huge 3,000 gallons to crush only 10 tons of stone. In 1908, a new Battery was constructed in its current location, this time fitted with five heads, a Wilfrey table, Bergin pan, portable steam engine and protective shed—together weighing a hefty 27 tons. After careful restoration in 2011–12, the Gold Battery is once again open for visitors. Collect an access code from the Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre to step inside, where storyboards and video displays bring to life the hard, noisy and gritty work of gold processing in the early 1900s.
Rutherglen Silos
Visit the Rutherglen Silo Precinct in the heart of Rutherglen and see four enormous, colourful, contemporary murals by Wangaratta-based artist Ronan Holdsworth.
Titled ‘Birds of Seasons’, these vibrant artworks celebrate the local fauna that subtly guides the rhythm of life in the region. These small, beautiful birds have historically played a vital role in signalling the changing seasons to First Nations peoples and farmers alike. Each silo in the series represents a specific season, and within their forms, intricate details reveal historic markings and stories from the local community. Conveniently located in the heart of Rutherglen, the Rutherglen Silos are an accessible and captivating stop along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
Rutherglen Rail Trail
Rutherglen’s cycling and walking trails are one of the region’s most rewarding ways to soak up its sun-drenched landscapes, historic wineries and riverside serenity. At the heart of this network is the Rutherglen Loops, a versatile 48 km web of interconnected paths that lets you tailor your adventure – from easy 4 km family-friendly rides around town to a full-day 23 km journey winding through vineyards and cellar doors on the scenic Wine Loop. Along the way you’ll pedal past classic wine country vistas, tranquil riverbanks and the natural beauty of Lake Moodemere, with plenty of chances to pause for tastings, picnics and long lunches with vineyard views. This network incorporates a section of the iconic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, a much-celebrated, mostly sealed trail that traces former railway lines through northern Victoria. From Rutherglen you can follow the flat, easy route north to Wahgunyah along the Murray River — a gentle 9 km stretch perfect for casual riders or walkers who want to combine exercise with scenic river views and visits to nearby cellar doors.
In the warmer months cool down in the local swimming pool conveniently located right next door to BIG4 Rutherglen Holiday park.
Playground & Skate Park
Located right next door and within sight from BIG4 Rutherglen Holiday Park is the local Apex Playground and Skate Park. We can guarantee kids (and adults) will enjoy this facility whilst staying with us.
Enjoy fishing or boating on the nearby Murray River or local lakes, ideal for a relaxing day on the water.
Take a bespoke guided cellar door tour in a vintage Roller or a classic Chevy. Add a fabulous winery lunch and some luxe accommodation and there’s no better way to taste all the riches Rutherglen has to offer.