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Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, breakaway creek, AU-VIC

Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre

4.7
4.7
51 Reviews
$40 and under
Indigenous
Top tags:
The Tae Rak Bush Tucker Café serves meals prepared by a local Gunditjmara chef, with a menu featuring modern dishes using regional produce infused with local bush herbs & spices. The café has indoor and alfresco dining overlooking the shores of Lake Condah, and there's plenty of space for the kids to run around. Try the signature Kooyang (eel) Tasting Plates for a deep dive into Gunditjmara culture with traditional smoked eel, eel paté, and smoked eel Arancini balls.
Serving meals 10am~2pm, and coffee & cake all day.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indigenous, Australian, Café
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 9:00 am–4:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (03) 4504 2426
  • Website
    https://www.budjbim.com.au/visit/tae-rak-aquaculture-centre/
  • Payment Options
    Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Ricky North
  • Catering
    Contact our team with catering enquiries: https://www.budjbim.com.au/contact/catering/
  • Location
    Vaughan's Rd, breakaway creek, AU-VIC 3303
  • Area
    Heywood
  • Cross Street
    Vaughans Road, Breakaway Creek, VIC, 3303
  • Parking Details
    Private Parking
  • Additional
    Cafe, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

What 51 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Victoria

    Best Value

  • Victoria

    Good for business meals

  • Victoria

    Good for business meals

  • Victoria

    Innovative

  • Victoria

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Victoria

    Great for scenic views

51 Reviews

  1. Localdinet

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    We have been before and then the food fabulous. Service was just okay but shot staffed. Long wait time. This time there was more staff but the food was disappointing. We both felt that way. We will go again but go midweek when hopefully there’s not such big groups.

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  2. SophieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were unable to book a guided tour and were glad we have previously read a great deal about the Gundjitmaras eel aquaculture. It was wonderful to see Tae Rak and learn more about their history and this heritage area. Lunch was delicious . Staff were friendly and professional and food was excellent and moderately priced. We were very impressed by the staff response to a very large booking and some communication breakdowns with that groups booking - they produced vegetarian options promptly once informed these were required Technology was the only negative, letting us down when Tae Raks system didn’t receive our booking ( although I’d received email confirmation).

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  3. TanyaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were really impressed with this cafe. The building is stunning and in a beautiful location. Lovely service and hardly any wait for our meals. The meals were a generous size and everything was delicious! We will definitely return.

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  4. LeeH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All meals were superb. Service very friendly and scenery perfect.

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  5. PeterB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting plates fantastic and staff went out of their way to present gluten free options.

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  6. KathyT

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 October 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The staff do an amazing job. We’ve been several times and it’s always great.

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  7. AlisonA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Simple menu with good food that was very well priced. Will visit again.

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  8. Stacey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Beautiful! Delicious! Such lovely staff, gorgeous views and the best cake and coffee! Thank you

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  9. Kaitkb

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 September 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was incredible! Very beautiful atmosphere and cafe, will definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. DebraK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, great location and well worth the visit!

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  11. WillH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The eel tasting plate was lovely and a good size for 3 people, but would have been a little on the small side for 4. Service was very friendly but also quite slow - we arrived 90 mins before our guided walk was due to depart and needed every minute of it.

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  12. LouiseB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 September 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Busy Fathers Day lunch. Amazing and delicious selection of main courses and the tasting plate made a great “dessert” even though it’s usually ordered as an entree.

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  13. Sammy

    Austria

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Relaxing views, great food, friendly staff. Fantastic location to learn about the World Heritage Site.

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  14. RebekahD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing views, friendly staff, big delicious meals. Overall an amazing experience. I wish I booked the tour aswell. It would be an amazing day. Highly recommend the kangaroo, beautifully cooked and great seasonings. Hats off to the chef for a lovely meal that melts in the mouth

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  15. Farideh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service . highly recommend the cafe .My guest from Melbourne were pleasantly surprised .

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  16. DebA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 August 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Indoor dining area was full but did not feel busy. Great view over the water. Would be keen to see information board to help identify the bird life. Will definitely visit again and bring more visitors.

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  17. StephenH

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 30 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and well presented. Unusual foods gave a pleasant taste surprise, a rewarding experience. Staff were warm and welcoming. Overall a great time was had.

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  18. MichelleF

    Victoria

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing in every way from the friendly staff. I tried the smoked eel arancini & it was superb. Coffee was on point. Would highly recommend people take the drive & check out this hidden gem.

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  19. ClareK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 July 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Fab ambience friendly helpful staff know their stuff food beautiful explanation of tucker was well received looking out onto Tae Rak perfect. Will return and do the 2 hour eel tour with family. Thank you your place is beautiful

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  20. DameinB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cold morning out on Tae Rak was made better with big breakfast, coffee and sneaky carrot cake muffin with sugar gum icing 👍🏾

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  21. Hels

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful and communicative staff. The tasting plate was a great way to experience the flavour of eel. Fantastic scenery; peaceful. Well-signposted on the way. Overall a very pleasing experience, thank you so much.

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  22. RawleighCox

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic environment, Great Food and service, if I could give more than 5 Stars I would. Thanks 😊

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  23. DianeB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great service, perfectly prepared meals, divine dessert and great coffee … all in an uniquely picturesque landscape. Highly recommend a visit.

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  24. GregC

    Victoria

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 June 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great to finally experience this significant site and beautiful place that everyone has been talking about. We were not disappointed. Friendly relaxed atmosphere and the food was great.

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  25. SandraM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 June 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Beautiful spot and a lovely meal I would highly recommend Tae Rak.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a great experience at Tae Rak! History great, Food was great, good coffee and people were so lovely. My 3 year old son fell over and had a tiny scratch on his hand, the chef come out with a Band-Aid and a special sticker to make him feel better (which worked)! All round good people! Will be returning!

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  27. GeoffreyB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 June 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    My family visited the cafe and we were quite impressed with the lovely meals and nice selection of food and drinks , my daughter was really happy with the situation and the atmosphere. Overall we are happy to have seen the sights etc . Some time we will return ...

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  28. meaghanA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting plate was amazing. View was beautiful and the service was so friendly. We will definitely be returning soon for our best outing.

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  29. Kristy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good coffee and large servings of delicious food in a beautiful setting, great value for money. Interesting cultural displays. Can’t wait to go back and try the tasting plate

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  30. AnsisN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Wonderful food. Friendly and efficient staff. Great view y the lake. Will be back Just a hint, if you are ordering the tasting platter, order large

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  31. JennyF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect sunny Mothers Day - Very relaxed atmosphere, food arrived quickly and was delicious. 2nd time here will come again.

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  32. Duck

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely setting. Friendly efficient staff. (Signage could be improved for directions to Customer entry). Food was good quality and well prepared.

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  33. LynMc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant was beautifully designed. The setting with it's view was so picturesque. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. The staff were so friendly and helpful. A great experience.

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  34. TimC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 April 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing location in world heritage site. Food high quality and the eel tasting plate was delicious and great to experience what the place is famous for.

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  35. Neysa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Qe had a magical 2hrs enjoying lunch, sitting by the water bird watching and were lucky enough to hear one of the guides speaking about the eels and their journey. We fi ished up on the deck overlooking Lake Condah with Lemon Myrtle scones and a hot Chai and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The food and service were so lovely and we felt very welcomed.

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  36. Beccy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was incredible. The food was great. The views stunning.

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  37. KeichaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was amazing-thanks Kiah and PJ. Food was equally amazing. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the views. Keen to book tours in future!

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  38. GwenA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We dined outdoors even though there was misty rain as it is undercover. The smoked eel aracini balls were lovely and then we indulged in a lemon myrtle scone which was great too. The setting looking over the lake with the birdlife was magnificent.

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  39. FionaB

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great friendly welcoming staff. Well presented and delicious food.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing experience. Such great food and service. So much to learn about eels and their amazing life cycle. An absolute gem.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

FAQs

Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre is rated 4.7 stars by 51 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Google Map for Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre

Vaughan's Rd, breakaway creek, AU-VIC 3303

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Vaughans Road, Breakaway Creek, VIC, 3303
  • Area
    Heywood
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 9:00 am–4:00 pm
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indigenous, Australian, Café
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Private Parking
  • Payment Options
    Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Ricky North
  • Additional
    Cafe, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
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