Two of the most appealing aromas in the world must be the early-morning scent of fresh, warm bread and the delightful smell of coffee.

Follow the aroma to the Merino Bakery. Known as ‘the local bakery’ because it’s been in operation since 1969, the Merino was taken over in 2016 by the locally born and bred Martyr family – not that it was new for Amie and Chloe – they had already chalked up ten or so years in the business when their parents joined them. The Merino Bakery roasts its own beans for a fresh, aromatic coffee experience so as well as serving piping hot coffee from early mornings, they sell their own Merino Bakery blend, Flinders Coffee.

As well as preservative-free bread freshly baked on the premises, the bakery offers design-your-own sandwiches, rolls and salads for the perfect healthy meal or grab-and-go options for those in a hurry. Their pies are superb—Merino Bakery has won an enviable number of medals over the years at the Great Aussie Pie Competition, and recently entered three varieties, winning two silvers and a bronze. With about 15 flavours, there’s a pie to satisfy all palates. And for something sweet there are all sorts of treats from cakes to slices.

Merino Bakery has both al fresco and inside dining and offers free wifi. The air conditioning is very welcome on warm days, and so is the Nörgen-Vaaz icecream in nine flavours (or Slushies for the kids). So come and spend your ‘merino money’ ($2 discount voucher) here and enjoy the shearing memorabilia which gives the shop its name.

Merino Bakery is located in the main street opposite IGA. It is open from 5.00am to 5.00pm weekdays, 5.00am to 1.00pm Saturdays and 7.00am to 1.00pm Sundays.