Updated ,first published
Contemporary$$
A day tripper’s dream destination that still feels secret.
Planning a gourmet getaway in the Goldfields? Drop a pin on Tenth Street in Hepburn Springs, where a canopy of trees will guide you down to a little charmer ironically called The Surly Goat. Half fireside bar, half sun-dappled dining room, it’s all seasonal, all local and consistently delicious.
Knowledgeable staff will set you up with spiced almonds and an excellent local wine before you embark on an ever-changing four-course menu. A teeny fried chicken wing sandwich, all crunch and funky green chilli sauce, is worth the day trip alone. Heady vadouvan-spiced butter laps gurnard; fennel foam hides pearls of tender potato.
Perfectly rosy scotch fillet comes with a pumpkin puree so light you question the truth of its existence. With its ultra-relaxed style and a captivating bar menu for walk-ins, this is a place you’ll keep on repeat.
Best for: The excellent-value four-course chef’s menu.
Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
Last visited: May 2026
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