Ladys Pass: Wine, Gin and a Notable River Red Gum

Ladys Pass is interesting for its very different attractions: a tasting room in a restored 1860s stable, a solar-powered distillery, astronomical observations with exclusive access for members, and a regionally significant River Red Gum on private property. These do not make up one cohesive type of outing, but offer different reasons to explore the area. For trip planning, it is worth setting a clear priority: is your main interest wine and architecture, gin and food, astronomy, or natural and cultural heritage? The specific conditions of each offering can help you decide.

Wine and architecture

The Munari Wines tasting room is located in a restored 1860s stable. The tasting room and the older building fabric are therefore part of the same experience: the historical setting shapes the place just as much as its focus on wine. The Flynns Wines tasting room has a different planning requirement, as it is open only by prior appointment. If you plan to visit, arrange a time in advance. For travellers comparing wine experiences, this creates a clear distinction between Munari’s architectural setting and Flynns’ advance-booking requirement.

Gin and a food experience

Envy Distilling is completely off-grid and emissions-free, and runs its facilities on solar power. This makes its energy supply one of the distillery’s distinct features, alongside its gin. A menu of sweet and savoury dishes was put together for an event at Envy Distilling, paired with two gin cocktails per person. This arrangement brings food and cocktails together for a specific culinary occasion. If you are planning a trip specifically for this, confirm dates and availability in advance.

Natural heritage and the night sky

Another point of interest is the River Red Gum on private property in Ladys Pass. The heritage report, prepared on 15 December 2025, describes it as 34 metres tall, with a notably low crown; the associated statement of significance was last updated on 18 July 2023. The report also identifies the tree as regionally significant because of its scientific and social values. Its height and crown give a concrete sense of its form, while its regional assessment adds to our understanding of its scientific and social significance. This natural heritage story is therefore about more than the tree’s size; it also concerns how it is assessed.

For astronomy enthusiasts, the Leon Mow Dark Sky Site is another notable destination. The site offers exclusive access for astronomical observations to members of the Astronomical Society of Victoria. The Messier Star Party is held there every year in March. These two details answer different planning questions: membership is required for observations, while March indicates the event’s recurring time of year. If you want the Star Party to determine your travel dates, check the specific event dates in advance.

Combine your trip idea with your accommodation search

When looking for holiday accommodation in Ladys Pass, the order of your interests can help: first decide whether a pre-arranged appointment, an event date or astronomical observations will determine your plans. Flynns requires an appointment in advance; the menu at Envy Distilling is part of an event; and the Dark Sky Site offers members access for observations. You can then shape your trip around architecture, food, stars or natural heritage. For families or groups with different interests, this is a good way to start the conversation: which activity requires firm plans, and which topic is mainly an area of interest?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rosebrook, Richmond, Timboon, Rhyll, Gladysdale, Sutherland, Wedderburn, St Andrews.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.