Allan Campion's guide to Australia's most edible city.

Many readers would be familiar with the Mount Zero Olives brand from their frequent attendance at farmers’ markets (St Kilda, Gasworks, Collingwood etc) and appearance on quality food stores shelves. I’ve waited a long time to visit the home of Mount Zero Olives, although I’ve been visiting the region they hail from (The Grampians) since I was a teenager.

Most of my time has been centred on Halls Gap and down into Dunkeld at the southern end of the mountain range. It’s only in recent years I’ve started to explore the northern end of this amazing place.

There are a number of reasons for visiting this region, mine are usually to do with bush walking, abseiling and rock climbing (photos are included at the end of this post). And catching up with friends who make the trip from South Australia on bi-annual catch-ups. On a recent trip my Saturday itinerary was set to include a late lunch at Mount Zero Olives.

Getting to the place requires a reasonable map and following frequent signs along sandy roads. Once there however it has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere with stunning views over the property and Mount Zero.

The grove was planted in the 1950’s and taken over by the Seymour’s (current owners) in the early 1990’s The property is operated on biodynamic principles and has built its reputation on quality olive oil, marinated olives and products such as tapenade. Varieties include kalamata, aberquina, manzanilla and ‘wild’ olives.

The olive oil range includes regular blends alongside lemon or basil infused. There’s now Mount Zero lentils (green and red), farro, chickpeas, falafel mix and (most recently) quinoa, plus red wine vinegar, verjus, dukkah and Pink Lake salt.

The cafe is set in what was a school house with substantial extensions and additions by the family over 20 + years. There’s ample outdoor and dining areas based around the cafe and produce store. All the Mount Zero products are on display and many on tasting too, so plenty of options to try before you buy.

The daily menu is mostly vegetarian, so got a big tick from me instantly. Have to say that everything ordered by the lunch group was outstanding quality. There was a generous tasting platter of olives, oil, bread, pickles, dukkah and salami. The pizza was an absolute delight too with its crispy base of gutsy olive tapenade topped with cherry tomatoes, portobello mushrooms and a generous handful of dressed rocket leaves. Fresh, simple and ridiculously good to eat.

Finally the pièce de résistance and something quite hard to find – an awesome veggie burger. This one made with chickpeas and lentils (Mount Zero of course) and set on a seriously big bun with tomato, cheese and salad. It is without a doubt the veggie burger by which I’ll judge every veggie burger from now on. We finished with coffee and cake, plus a guided tour around the various buildings. It was a great visit and absolutely filled all expectations.

I highly recommend this place to all food lovers – put in the effort to visit Mount Zero Olives (at least once) and maybe stay a while to explore this awesome mountain range. The road to Mount Zero Olives is just past Dadswell Bridge on the Western Highway. They are open Thursday – Sunday, school and public holidays from 10am – 5pm. Visit Mount Zero Olives online.

That’s the end of the foodie post, the remainder of these photos show the beautiful area around the Northern Grampians where we were lucky enough to have a half day trip with Earl from Hangin’ Out in the Grampians.

He runs amazing guided rock climbing, abseiling and bush walks and we’ve been out with him many times. If you want to do any of these activities he has all the gear you’ll need and really knows the area after over a decade of living and working in the area. Hopefully the photos will inspire you to get out and do something adventurous!

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