Ballarat‘s iconic pie competition has a winner & it’s a cookie dream

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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Roll up to Ballarat this August to taste one of the best pies in Australia.

There are very few things Australians can agree on when it comes to food. Is it a potato scallop or a potato cake? A parmi, or a parma? Was the pavlova invented here or in New Zealand? Is the Shortbread Cream the best biccie to exist, or is it some other, lesser biscuit? Yet, what we can all agree on is the fact that the humble pie is an elite Aussie staple. Of course, then we can all continue to fight about which pie is best – or we can save face and head to Ballarat’s Best Pie competition to find out.

Feral Pie at The Shared Table
Taste the award-winning Feral Pie at The Shared Table. (Image: littleBIG)

Every August, this beloved competition turns the city of Ballarat into a pie haven for the whole month. The competition pits 36 pies against each other for the winning title, from local chefs, restaurants, cafes and venues. And no, they’re not all beef. From savoury to sweet, everyone will have a favourite.

“Whether it’s a pie with purpose or one that pushes the flavour boundaries, this event is all about celebrating our local producers, chefs and hospitality operators – and giving people a delicious reason to visit Ballarat this August," said Hon. John Pandazopoulos, Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair.

This year, winners were chosen in seven categories (because one just isn’t enough), with three brand new ones: Brilliantly Unexpected Pie, Pie with Purpose (rewarding a low-waste or local-produce approach) and People’s Choice Pie (with the public voting for their favourite).

creator holding Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i
Mrs Browne Bakes’ won for her dessert pie entry. (Image: littleBIG)

This year’s full list of winners, for your planning pleasure (taste them all month by following the Ballarat Pie Trail (maps available from the Ballarat Information Centre, or downloaded from the city’s website ):

  • Ballarat’s Best Pie grand prize winner: Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie
    at Naomi & i
  • Best Savoury Pie: Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar
  • Best Sweet Pie: Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i
  • Best Bakery Pie: Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse
  • Brilliantly Unexpected Pie: Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar
  • Pie with Purpose: Feral Pie at The Shared Table
Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse
Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse won Best Bakery Pie. (Image: littleBIG)

While in Ballarat, discover the city’s old world charm with these 15 things to do, and book into our top picks of accommodation options.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)