Dunkeld Artisan Bakery

If you're passing through the southern Grampians, this bakery in Dunkeld, Victoria is the kind of stop people plan their day around. It has been going for 9 years, and the tagline, "Same Potters. Same bakery magic.", fits a place that has settled in comfortably since relocating to Parker Street.

The pies are what one customer came for. Locals talk about the beef and pepper pie, the veggie pasty and a sausage roll with relish that tastes homemade rather than standard bakery fare. One visitor was after the chicken and mushroom pie but arrived late to find only veggie pasties and beef pies left, and still came away happy with the pastry and the generous fillings. There's a lesson there: pies go early, so aim for earlier in the day.

Beyond the savoury side, the sourdough and specialty breads are a draw, as are the croissants, danishes, brownies and apple slice. The cinnamon and coffee scrolls get plenty of love, and one traveller said they were a highlight of a short stay in town. We've also heard people appreciate that the bakers make something a little different each day instead of churning out the same lines in bulk.

Coffee is taken seriously here, and you can also get breakfast, toasties and a drinking chocolate worth carrying home. One local put it simply: they bake fresh and serve fresh. There's indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area a nice spot on a sunny day, and you can take everything away if you're on the road. They also take custom cake orders, and there's free parking nearby, including a wheelchair-accessible car park.

It does get busy with locals and tourists alike, and the counter can move slowly at peak times, so give yourself a little patience. The friendly, welcoming staff and the country feel tend to make up for it. Check the hours before you head in, as they're closed early in the week, and try to arrive by early afternoon when the selection is at its fullest.