A must-visit stop for adventure seekers – Wodonga, Australia

Inside the former Wodonga railway station is hidden Miss Amelie – a local haunt where elegance, Michelin-worthy dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.

The chef and owner, David Kapay, brings with him a wealth of experience from both local and international kitchens, having worked alongside culinary legends like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. Here, Chef Kapay unleashes his boldest fantasies, which resonate with the vast majority of the clients.

Together with the sous chef and their apprentices, they've crafted a tasting menu that blends Australian ingredients with creativity and expertise. For example, dishes like mushroom tortellini, barramundi with Tuscan cabbage, and lemon soufflé have become such favorites among the customers that they would never allow those treats to be removed from the menu. Moreover, once a month, Miss Amelie hosts a 7-course 'themed' dégustation, allowing the chefs to break free from the daily routine and give full rein to their boundless imagination.

BeanStation is another trendy spot housed in the transformed Wodonga railway depot, a place that has been receiving and sending trains since 1873. This stylish coffee shop with an industrial vibe doubles as a wine bar, treating its chic visitors to a modern Australian menu paired with Merlo coffee, local wines, and boutique Australian beers handpicked by owners Amanda and Rod Aiton.

Designers have preserved fragments of the old brick walls, adding contemporary lighting and vibrant posters from around the world, all while still maintaining the atmosphere of a railway station – especially on their open veranda, where an antique locomotive might just pull up any moment.

The leisurely Australian breakfast can be ordered all day, and for lunch, options like soba noodle bowl with ham broth and braised hock, or Sichuan pepper beef cheeks with mint are perfect choices. Don't overlook the drink menu; opt for a refreshing local Alpine cider or a bottle of Buller's Rutherglen Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from nearby vineyards.

After 160 years, the old customs building found new life when Wassim Saliba and his wife Marcia decided to open their family-owned La Maison Restaurant. Now, evenings here are filled with the warm glow of candlelight, the soft laughter of guests, and the delightful clinking of glasses, all while enjoying the view of neatly manicured pathways and lush greenery through the panoramic windows of the wooden hall.

Their hand-formed pork dumplings with Sichuan and black vinegar, or charred octopus with nduja dressing as entrées will awaken even the pickiest eater's appetite. King prawn linguine or confit duck Maryland will leave you breathless, with a sense of absolute satisfaction and a deep love for life.

Don't pass up on signature mind-blowing fig & walnut pudding with sticky toffee sauce – it's a treat you might want to take home or ask for a recipe. And to perfectly cap off the evening in this homey oasis, savor a bottle of Kooyonga Creek Sparkling Shiraz 2017 (NE Vic) while basking in the warm hues of the Australian sunset.

Burger Urge, one of the most inventive restaurants in Wodonga, has revolutionized the art of making fast food. They take burger crafting to new heights, using 100% premium Australian ground beef, free-range chicken and eggs, and even offering vegan protein patties – a rarity in most burger joints.

The menu is simply a food lover's dream. Start with tasty cauliflower bites or traditional poutine fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Then, explore the selection of deluxe burgers and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect one. A standout choice is a special creation, where a free-range fried chicken breast, bacon, and truffle mayo are sandwiched between two Swiss cheese toasties.

Don't forget to check out Burger Urge’s shop for cool merchandise, and for beer enthusiasts, it would be interesting to try a limited edition Australians of the Century IPA from Bacchus Brewing Co, featuring tropical fruit flavors and portraits of famous personalities from this country.

Indulge your curiosity in Wodonga, where you'll find a delightful array of galleries, museums, theaters, and festivals. In a single day, you can explore the mountains, tour wineries, and experience the charm of rural farmsteads, surrounded by pure nature. Take in the fresh air, enjoy exciting adventures, and witness breathtaking beauty that will surely captivate every outdoorsy soul.