Let me tell you about my recent trip to Nagambie—that charming little town nestled in Victoria's wine country. What started as a weekend getaway turned into a lesson on the importance of knowing your transportation options when visiting a small rural town.
After arriving by train, I quickly discovered that unlike Melbourne, you can't just step outside and hail a cab. Nagambie requires a bit more planning, but don't worry—I've done the legwork so you don't have to.
When You Need a Ride in Nagambie
Picture this: You've just finished a fantastic wine tasting at Mitchelton Winery, the sun is setting over the Goulburn River, and you realize you've had one too many glasses of their excellent Shiraz to drive back to your accommodation. This was exactly my situation last Saturday!
Nagambie might be small, but thankfully, it's not without options. The local taxi services, while not as abundant as in bigger cities, are reliable once you know how to access them.
Local Taxi Companies Worth Knowing
The main operator in town is Nagambie Taxi Service, run by a fellow named Dave who seems to know everyone in the area by first name. I called him when stranded at the winery, and within 15 minutes, I was greeted by a friendly face and a clean, well-maintained vehicle.
What struck me most was how Dave turned a simple taxi ride into an impromptu tour. He pointed out historical spots I would have otherwise missed and recommended a fantastic local bakery for breakfast the next morning.
For those staying a bit further out, Seymour Taxis also services the Nagambie area, though you might wait slightly longer. They're particularly useful if you're traveling between Nagambie and neighboring towns like Seymour or Euroa.
Planning Ahead: The Rural Taxi Rule
Unlike city taxis that you can hail on a whim, rural services like those in Nagambie work best with advance booking. I learned this lesson the hard way when trying to get to Lake Nagambie for an early morning fishing session.
The night before, I asked my B&B host about morning transportation. She laughed kindly and handed me a business card for Nagambie Taxi, saying, "Better call Dave now if you want to be at the lake by sunrise." That advice saved my fishing trip.
Beyond Traditional Taxis
During busier periods, particularly during the rowing events or wine festivals, you might find the few taxis in town fully booked. That's when knowing about alternatives becomes crucial.
Several local residents offer informal driving services, especially for winery tours. My accommodation host connected me with Margaret, a semi-retired local who offers pre-arranged driving services in her comfortable SUV. She charged a flat rate rather than using a meter, which actually worked out cheaper for my day of winery-hopping.
Cost Considerations
Taxi fares in Nagambie aren't metered the same way as in larger cities. Most drivers will quote you a flat rate based on distance. My ride from Mitchelton Winery back to town cost $25, while a trip from Nagambie to Tahbilk Winery (about 8 kilometers) was around $30.
Keep cash handy—while some drivers now accept cards, the cellular network can be spotty in certain areas, making electronic payments unreliable.
The Local Knowledge Advantage
Perhaps the greatest benefit of using local taxi services isn't just transportation but information. These drivers have lived in the region for decades and know everything from the best fishing spots to which cellar doors offer the most generous tastings.
When I mentioned wanting to see kangaroos in the wild, my taxi driver took a short detour down a country road, where we spotted a mob of them grazing in the early evening light—a highlight of my trip that wasn't in any guidebook.
A Few Practical Tips
Based on my experience getting around Nagambie, here's what worked best:
- Save taxi numbers in your phone before arriving (cellular service can be patchy)
- Book your ride at least a few hours in advance, especially for early mornings
- Ask your accommodation host for recommendations—they often know which services are most reliable
- Consider arranging a pickup time for your return journey when being dropped off
- Don't be shy about asking drivers for local recommendations
There's something refreshingly personal about transportation in small towns like Nagambie. No ride-sharing algorithms or anonymous drivers—just locals helping visitors experience their town. Next time you find yourself in this beautiful part of Victoria, remember that getting around is less about convenience and more about connection.
Whether you're heading to the lake, visiting wineries, or exploring the town center, Nagambie's taxi options might be limited compared to the big city, but they offer something much more valuable: a genuine slice of local life that makes your journey all the more memorable.