Australians seeking the perfect country weekend escape now have a compelling new destination that's redefining regional tourism. Nestled on the border between New South Wales and Victoria, Wildergreen represents a first-of-its-kind lifestyle precinct that offers urban dwellers an authentic multi-seasonal regional sanctuary experience.
A Culinary Journey at Embr Restaurant
At the heart of the Wildergreen experience lies Embr, a wood-fire Italian restaurant that masterfully blends fine dining with the comforting warmth of family-style meals. Under the guidance of Sardinian-born Head Chef Daniel Girau, the restaurant brings authentic Italian flavours to the Australian countryside with a distinctive local twist.
The menu showcases seasonal Italian favourites, ranging from traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas to expertly hand-stretched pasta. Chef Girau emphasizes that fire forms the foundation of their culinary philosophy. "At Embr, fire is at the heart of everything we do," he explains. "It shapes the flavour, pace, and personality of the dishes, highlighting the smoky depth of our wood-fired oven while bringing simplicity, honesty, and a touch of theatre to every dish."
Diners can explore an impressive selection of share-style dishes, including the classic Margherita pizza featuring a rich tomato base and creamy burrata centre. The Gigli Alla Norcina stands out as a dairy-free pasta option that impressed even without traditional cream sauces, boasting mushroom flavours enhanced by black pepper notes.
For those seeking alternatives to pasta and pizza, the menu offers substantial options like a one-kilogram, fire-roasted Fiorentina steak designed for two people, or a plant-based cauliflower steak with romesco sauce catering to vegan preferences. The culinary experience concludes with inventive desserts such as Limoncello Tiramisu and refreshing Lemon Myrtle Panna Cotta.
Family-Friendly Facilities and Entertainment
Wildergreen demonstrates exceptional consideration for families through its innovative Treehouse facility. This eco-learning sensory zone provides supervised play for children aged five and over, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their dining experience knowing their children are engaged in creative, educational activities.
The Treehouse service comes complimentary for families dining at Embr, eliminating the need for parents to arrange separate babysitting. The space incorporates natural textures and stimulating environments designed to encourage discovery and creativity. Younger children under five can also participate but require parental supervision.
After dinner, guests can unwind at The Playground, an entertainment area featuring live music and an extensive drinks menu. The carefully curated selection includes both Italian and Australian wines alongside seasonal cocktails that maintain the energetic atmosphere long after the kitchen closes.
Strategic Location and Accommodation
Wildergreen's positioning makes it accessible to major urban centres while providing a genuine country escape. The precinct sits approximately three hours from Melbourne and an eight-hour drive from central Sydney, offering the perfect balance of remoteness and accessibility.
For overnight stays, the Quest Echuca Apartment Hotel provides comfortable accommodation featuring studio executive apartments with king beds and fully serviced kitchenettes. Visitors have praised the quality of sleep and surprisingly reliable hotel amenities, including excellent water pressure and temperature control in bathrooms.
Paul Barnes, Moama Bowling Club CEO, articulates the vision behind Wildergreen: "With Wildergreen, we wanted to create more than just a venue — we wanted to create a sanctuary. It's a place where design meets nature, where families and friends can gather with ease, and where every season brings a new story to discover."
He adds that Embr restaurant serves as the cornerstone of this vision, transforming Wildergreen into a destination for dining, connection, and everyday good times that puts the Echuca-Moama region firmly on the map for quality regional escapes.
As the festive season approaches, Wildergreen presents an attractive alternative to material gifts, offering the opportunity to create lasting memories through shared experiences. The combination of exceptional dining, family-friendly facilities, and comfortable accommodation establishes this regional sanctuary as a standout destination worth the journey inland.
