A foodie's paradise... Phillip Island... - Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds

I recently went on a road trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. It was more of an excuse to catch up with my bestie, but whenever we catch up it always involves lots of laughter, crazy fun and fabulous food. The plan was to see the penguins at sunset (which we never did see – blame the Coronas) but in its place we at least had a pleasant introduction to Phillip Island’s regional food and wine, and definitely the warranting of an additional follow up road trip.

We made it to Phillip Island just in time to catch the end of the Churchill Island Farmers’ Market that runs on the fourth Saturday of every month and it was not by accident that we were there on this day… This market would have to be the most picturesque market in Australia – if anyone disagrees, please let me know because I would love to go to wherever is deemed better as this one was spectacular.

It was a bit of a dreary, wet old day, but wow. Luscious green fields, the most beautiful ocean and waterway backdrop, the cutest and most curious highland cattle wandering the fields as you drive in to the markets. It is pretty hard to beat. The farm you drive through on the way in is apparently a heritage farm (Churchill Island Heritage Farm) and the Highland cattle are gorgeous. There were two calves which came really close to the car and were incredibly playful – I sooo wanted to take them home.

There is also a lovely lavender patch which was pretty much in full bloom.

The market wasn’t huge and apparently varies from month to month. But there were definitely some delectables; marinated olives and olive oil, sourdough breads, wine, apple juices, jams, some great heritage style vegies, beer and the most amazing smoked trout dip that became the entire focus of our weekend.

It is always so easy to spend money at farmers’ markets – so many ‘gotta haves’ which I had to have, and then proceeded to have. Speaking to some of the producers, they were not all from Phillip Island, some coming from quite far away. However while not all actually local, all produce must be grown or produced by the vendor which was really nice to see. There are so many markets that tout themselves as farmers’ markets when they are not. Our afternoon consisted on sampling our goodies and we were quite distressed to find that the smoked trout dip was in fact sensational and did not last at all long.

From there our focus became exclusively about acquiring some more which was how we ended up at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm at Rhyll. Take note and look out for it: it is called Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm Smoked Trout Dip – got that? And one tub will not be enough, two will get you further, but three for one weekend would be a good start (and that’s not sharing…)

The trout farm was a lot of fun. My bestie’s kids had great fun fishing (and not succeeding) for trout and I had a great time nanna napping on the park bench trying to shake my Corona induced headache from the night before. Fortunately there is always the second chance at the indoor pond where you are guaranteed to catch your dinner. Mind you the um.., casting skills of a member of our group was doubtful and I think even the guide was somewhat surprised (exasperated, stunned, speechless) when a hook ended up lodged in the roof when a cast of less than a metre was required… not mentioning any names (Nellie)…

Once we caught out seven trout we had them cleaned and prepared for dinner to take home. I loved this concept. We got to choose our toppings and they were wrapped up in foil ready to go – or we could have had them cooked on there by their chef. It is an expensive way of cooking fish, but I guess it is all in the fun. Oh, and yes, we bought more dip.

I loved Phillip Island and I can’t wait to go back and spend a little bit more time there. Such a pristine and fertile regional with many wineries to keep one occupied along the route there. Some great regional produce and a great sense of community for those who support them, which of course is invaluable to any region. Bit distressed that we were too late for the chocolate factory on the way home, but like I said, next time…