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Farm relics sit side-by-side with fine china and silverware at Killingworth Hill Café & Whisky Bar ~ it is rustic, traditional Australiana with more than a smack of sophistication. Drink in this history as you sample some of the finest drams you’ll ever come across. Enjoy a glass of wine, a charcuterie board made with the finest cheeses, meats, patés, pickles, fruits and nuts, or a bowl of homemade soup, a delicious dessert, tea or coffee. Weekly specials
Top things to see and do in Murrindindi Shire this Winter
If you enjoy fern walks and majestic waterfalls, cycling and fishing, local history, fine food and wine, cosy getaways or a relaxing camping holiday, Murrindindi Shire has it all. Experience snow play and
Magical, misty mornings and crisp, winter days provide the perfect setting to discover the Murrindindi region's spectacular landscapes, natural attractions and historic townships.
Whether you're a first time visitor or a Murrindindi regular, now is the perfect time to plan your winter getaway or 'staycation' - from a romantic weekend away to a family trip to the snow.
Visit discoverdindi.com.au to discover the many great things to see and do in our beautiful part of Victoria’s High Country.
tobogganing fun at Lake Mountain
Treat yourself to a tipple of local wine, whisky, beer or cider direct from the makers at their cellar doors and breweries
Enjoy delicious food and drinks, with friendly country hospitality at a cafe restaurant or pub
Snap a pic of a spectacular sunrise or sunset at a scenic lookout
Take a weekend hike in one of our national parks or state forests and check out our Wondrous Waterfalls Trail
Get the kids off their screens and out to one of our fantastic bush playgrounds
Book a romantic getaway in a cosy B&B or country estate
Ride one of our epic trails - mountain, gravel, road or rail
Meandering around Murrindindi . . .
MURRINDINDI
ARTS & TOURISM, BUSINESS & TRADES
GUIDE
Murrindindi’s INDEPENDENT guide to events and attractions across the shire and surrounds for locals and tourists alike. Pick up a copy at one of our advertisers or information centres in the shire or surrounding towns. Please support our advertisers as without them this magazine couldn’t be produced. If we support our local businesses and communities then we improve our local economy. Keep it local if you can.
Produced and published by Ann Friedel Publishing, 11 Albert Street Alexandra Victoria. Material published in the Murrindindi Arts & Tourism, Business & Trades Guide is protected by Australian and International copyright laws. Reproduction of any material in whole or part is not permitted without prior authorisation by the publisher. Ann Friedel Publishing has made every effort to ensure the information provided at time of printing is correct, but accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. Some components of some advertising in this magazine are made by Freepik.com or allfree-download.com. Events listed in this publication may be subject to change without notice.
booking DEADLINE for the SPRING 2026 issue is 31 JULY 2026
Murrindindi-Guide
Murrindindi Mobile Health Van
By Emily Friedel
The Murrindindi Mobile Health Van started with a casual observation. Andrew Embling, director of Alexandra Events, was watching nurses doing health consultations with farmers at the Yea Saleyards when the seed of an idea was planted.
“The guys from Yea hospital were out there doing skin checks. That was a very hot day in February, and they were in the marquee. Anyway, a couple of months after that, I thought, ‘we’ve got to do better than this for them’.”
From there, the idea grew and it wasn’t long before it became a reality. Andrew took the proposal to the Alexandra Events board, got the green light, and announced it at the Alexandra Truck, Rod & Ute Show dinner on the Saturday night. By the end of the weekend, they had raised over $100,000 – well
beyond what anyone had anticipated. With additional support flowing in from local businesses, families and organisations, the total reached around $150,000.
Originally, organisers thought they’d have to make do with a second-hand van. But with the generous donations behind them, Jerry Ryan at Jayco was approached with the idea of fitting out a Mercedes Sprinter. Jerry had a better suggestion: a customised motorhome, and Jayco would help make it happen. Andrew, Jerry and the team from Yea and District Memorial Hospital went down to the Jayco factory and mapped the layout out on the floor together. They ended up with consultation rooms side by side to accommodate two appointments at once, and a soundproofed separating wall to protect patients’ privacy.
The van arrived in December 2025 and was officially launched at the Yea Saleyards on 7 February this year, with sponsors
A round up of the official launch of the Murrindindi Mobile Health Van at the Yea Saleyards on 7 February this year.
and opposition leader, Jess Wilson, among those gathered to mark the occasion. Andrew’s parting words at the launch were prophetic.
“The last thing I said was that this van can be used right across Victoria for any emergency. And what should happen, 36 hours later, the Longwood fire started. We had it out on the ground straight away, and for the first three-and-a-half weeks after that it was used nearly every day – whether it was up at the hubs, up at the Highlands, or just in our Rotary Park, where people could come and see the doctor.”
The Murrindindi Mobile Health Van has been in demand ever since. It is currently free for any local hospitals or healthcare providers to use and can be staffed for different purposes. It has been out and about with mental health clinicians, dietitians, speech pathologists, nurses, and doctors. Warren Davies, known for his mental health advocacy through The Unbreakable Farmer, is among the health van’s many users. It also continues to make regular appearances at the Yea Saleyards, where its story began.
Andrew hopes to keep the van free to access for as long as
Andrew Embling being interviewed by ABC.
Warren Davies (The Unbreakable Farmer), Sarah Austin (Yea and District Memorial Hospital), Cindy McCleish (Member for Eildon), Jess Ryan (Leader of Opposition, Member for Kew), Andrew Embling (Alexandra Events), Jerry Ryan (Jayco) with the new van at the opening.
possible, and he’s grateful for every contribution that makes that possible.
“If anyone wants to sponsor it, they can certainly put in towards the running costs, so we don’t have to charge. That would be great.”
Beyond its current uses, Andrew is working on getting the van to reach more underserved local areas through conversations with local hospitals and healthcare providers. He’s particularly keen to see it reach Eildon, where doctors are scarce, envisioning a regular presence at the local shopping centre. The van will also be a way to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Alexandra Events mental health program.
The Murrindindi Mobile Health Van has already achieved a lot in a short time, providing emergency support and taking medical services to people who might not otherwise have easy access. The combination of being entirely community funded and regular use make it a rare gem for regional healthcare. Jayco may even use it as inspiration for a prototype so that other communities can follow suit. And skin checks at the Yea Saleyards will now be a much more private and comfortable undertaking, for staff and patients alike.
For anyone wanting more information on the van –whether as a healthcare provider looking to take it out, or an organisation wanting to support it financially – call Andrew on 0418 266 038 or Caolan O’Connor (chair of Alexandra Events) on 0402 442 296.
You can also find out where the van will be by visiting the Alexandra Events website: https://alexandraevents.com.au/ murrindindi-mobile-health/
The Murrindindi Mobile Health Van has been used extensively since its launch in February this year. It has been used for cancer screening and mental health services among other things. Photo courtesy Warren Davies.
The van is a converted motorhome that boasts a custom fit-out with two consultation rooms, which was made possible by Jayco.
Yarck Grocer & Café: Good food with a cherry on top
By Emily Friedel
Late last year, Yarck became perhaps the only place in Australia where people can enjoy a huffkin. If you’re wondering what a huffkin is, you’re not alone. It’s one of the oldest bread recipes recorded in writing – a soft roll with a slight dip in the top. Created by a farmer’s wife in Kent, England, these rolls were often packed for the seasonal cherry pickers. One roll was savoury, while the second was a ‘sweetie’ covered with the syrupy pulp of crushed cherries fresh from the tree. The dip meant the huffkin could literally have a cherry on top without it rolling off.
Given Yarck’s history of cherry farming, Jane from Yarck Grocer & Café decided their new store would be the perfect place for reviving the huffkin, sometimes known as the bagel’s country cousin.
“We thought it’d be a fun thing to bring to the menu,” she says. Jane is a pastry chef by trade, with a lifelong passion for biodynamic and organic living that runs far deeper than
Yarck is now home to the huffkin, a type of bread roll with a distinctive dip in the top that is sometimes referred to as the country cousin of the bagel.
Shelley is your friendly face behind the counter at Yarck Grocer and Cafe, offering wholesome food and a friendly atmosphere.
Ian and Jane (pictured right) are working hard to make Yarck Grocer & Cafe something special. They recently started gourmet pizza nights and plan to start selling more of their own home-grown produce. a dietary preference. She had helped start a cooking and garden program at the Steiner school in Mansfield when her own children were students there. Many years later, she came back and worked in a similar role, relishing the opportunity to support the next generation to learn to make their own food and eat well.
“It was incredible to see the work that had gone into the school, and the program had really grown by then. They had a proper kitchen, and the students were all cooking lunch for the rest of the school each day.”
Equally fond of good food and gardening, Jane’s partner, Ian, brings a different but complementary set of skills – he’s a professional singer-songwriter with a background in setting up cafés and bars.
The pair’s passion for organic and biodynamic produce shows, and it’s what led them to become grocers. When the owners of Harvest Wholefoods in Mansfield decided to move to Queensland four years ago, they approached Jane and Ian to take over.
“We thought, why not?” Jane says.
And they haven’t looked back. The Mansfield store has become a destination for clean eating across a wide region, drawing customers from as far as Seymour in the south and Wangaratta to the north – because there’s simply nothing else like it in between. It’s the rare combination of organic fresh produce and bulk wholefoods under one roof, with a refilling station where customers bring their own jars from home, drop them
in the morning, and return at the end of the day to find them filled. No waste, no unnecessary packaging.
The Yarck store came about through a quiet act of community faith. The pub’s then-manager had fielded several approaches from people wanting to open a café in the space but had something more specific in mind – something that would genuinely serve the people who lived there rather than simply pass through. They asked Jane and Ian, and as with the Mansfield store, they figured it was worth a shot.
Yarck Grocer & Café has already become more than a place to do grocery shopping. Families and homeschooling groups have made it their meeting place – somewhere friendly to stop, have a coffee and house-made cake, and spend some time together somewhere that doesn’t feel like a service station. Ian and Jane also offer weekly curated veggie bag subscriptions, helping households embrace fresh, seasonal eating patterns to nourish the body and soul. And they recently started offering gourmet pizzas on Friday nights.
“We always set out to create a space that we wanted to shop in and that we wanted to go and spend time in,” Jane says. Their opening just before Christmas suggested the community had been waiting for exactly that. “We were blown away by how busy we were,” Jane recalls. “There were lines out the door waiting to get these things.”
Then the bushfires swept through, closing the roads and shutting them down for weeks at a stretch. This was a significant blow to the momentum they’d built up.
They have a range of fresh and packaged foods available to keep the pantry stocked.
But Jane is focused on what’s ahead. The kitchen expansion is underway, and once it’s complete, the full vision for the store begins to take shape – her own label jams, chutneys and frozen take-home meals, more produce grown on their own farm and brought straight to the store, a proper outdoor area with greenery and a fire going in winter. And yes, of course, more of the huffkins.
“Aesthetically, it’ll be quite a different place over the coming months,” she says. “We really are just getting back on our feet.”
Maybe most of all, Jane and Ian are looking forward to continuing to be there for the local community.
“Out in the country, we often get overlooked,” Jane says. “So I do feel happy for the customers that are coming in and don’t have to travel to buy good produce. And we love that we’ve been able to open in Yarck and had the opportunity to do that, to have that service for them.”
And for those lucky enough to live near Yarck, they may be the only people who don’t have to go far for a freshly-baked huffkin.
Yarck Grocer & Cafe is at 2765 Maroondah Highway, Yarck (next to the pub). For more information, go to www.yarckgrocerandcafe. com.au or email hello@yarckgrocerandcafe.com.au
The Yarck store, which sits next to the pub, is still evolving after setbacks associated with the recent bushfires. Watch this space.
Lucy and Fulton Zylstra bought the restaurant in Kinglake West on a whim. It’s been a steep learning curve, but a year on and they’re making a go of it.
Little Italy: A slice of life in the Kinglake hills
By Emily Friedel
In almost every story of someone who takes a wild leap into the unknown, there’s a moment when everything falls apart at once. For Fulton and Lucy Zylstra, that moment arrived about four months into owning Little Italy in Kinglake West – on a busy Sunday night, when the chef was gone and Fulton, a man who had spent his career in IT, was solely responsible for the dough.
“I had no idea about fermentation, yeast, amounts, oil, the type of flour, anything,” he says. “But I took over and just mixed that day.”
One of Little Italy’s renowned square pizzas.
The restaurant is fully licensed so no need to BYO.
And then they went to make the pizzas.
“The dough wasn’t stretching like it should. It was sort of tearing because there was no elasticity,” Fulton recalls. “Terrible night. There were meltdowns here and there. It was a catastrophe. We had to close the pizza section that night.”
“I was ready to end our Little Italy beginning that night,” Lucy adds.
They didn’t, of course. Because if Lucy and Fulton were the type to walk away, they never would have bought the restaurant in the first place.
It started with a phone call from Fulton’s brother-in-law, who asked a simple question: did he want to buy a restaurant? Fulton thought about it for a second, then called Lucy.
“I said, ‘Lucy, this restaurant that we used to go to has come up for sale. Do you want to buy a restaurant?’ She said ‘yes’. So she’s just as much to blame as me,” he says with a laugh.
The pair had recently moved to Whittlesea, fresh from Doreen, and had only just bought a house. It wasn’t exactly the moment to take on a restaurant. But when the numbers worked out, they took the plunge. On 15 May 2025, they became the owners of an established Italian restaurant, famed for its square pizzas.
“It used to be called Leonardo’s,” Lucy says, explaining why they needed a name change for the business. “The name was connected to the previous owner, and we felt a change would better reflect where we are now – besides his face was plastered everywhere.”
Although it’s known for the distinctive square pizzas, Little Italy has a lot more on the menu, like this New York cheesecake.
And although Lucy is Italian herself, she wasn’t keen on having her name on the front of the restaurant. So they spent weeks brainstorming, eventually landing on ‘Little Italy’ during a road trip to New South Wales to get car parts. The new moniker stuck.
What didn’t stick, at least initially, was much else. The chef decided to move on, leaving them scrambling for weeks with temporary cooks sourced through hospitality apps. The new point-of-sale system, on its first busy night, sent tickets to the wrong printers, with three of them beeping simultaneously across the kitchen, bar and counter. Fulton had to come back at 4am the next morning to go through the settings and iron them out for Saturday night service.
And then there was the dough incident, which earned Fulton the nickname ‘Dough Boy’. But instead of walking away after that particular catastrophe, he watched videos, practised, failed, and practised again. It took a lot of trial and error before he cracked a consistent mix – one for a long fermentation, another for same-day batches.
Since then, Lucy and Fulton have doubled down on their restaurant dreams, determined to give it all they’ve got. On their recent night off, they went to a local Indian restaurant – specifically to have a break from their own and to avoid eating Italian – but spent the entire dinner talking about the restaurant.
“We live and breathe this place,” Lucy says.
Now, almost a year into their journey, the pair is finding their
rhythm. They’ve trimmed their hours and closed Mondays and Tuesdays to claw back some semblance of a life. The family has rallied around them and it’s all hands on deck in the restaurant – Lucy’s kids, her sister (who makes desserts), and brothers all chip in.
The restaurant has its extended family too – a loyal cohort of customers. Lucy enjoys surprising them with little treats, like offering them coffee prepared the traditional Italian way (in a percolator). One regular now comes in asking specifically for “the magic stuff”. Lucy has also been known to recruit dining guests as guinea pigs for new dishes. A blue vein cheese, pear and rocket pizza went down so well that customers are already demanding it goes on the menu permanently.
And recently, Fulton loaded up a batch of pizzas and drove them down the winding 12 kilometres to Flowerdale –kangaroos, wombats and all – for batch delivery trials to the CFA and Boots ‘n Bobs. The community feedback was so enthusiastic they’re now looking for delivery drivers.
Deliveries aren’t the only new thing they’re trying. They’ve already hosted a line dancing night in partnership with Boots ‘n Bobs, with the dancers coming in for dinner before taking over the floor. Karaoke nights are in the pipeline, trivia nights are being discussed, and customers are actively throwing ideas at them too – from new menu items to themed events. Gluten free pizzas are already on offer for those who need them, and the menu is constantly evolving, with regulars often roped in to taste-test whatever Lucy is experimenting with that week.
A Tequila Sunrise without the tequila, using vodka instead.
The Little Italy kitchen produces all sorts of sweet treats, like this bag of homemade almond biscotti.
Little Italy is open Wednesday to Sunday.
For two people who knew nothing about hospitality a year ago, they’ve come a long way. And despite the catastrophic nights, the broken equipment, the disappearing chef, and the dough that wouldn’t stretch, neither of them seems to regret the phone call that started it all.
“The atmosphere around Kinglake West is great. Everyone’s
Cellar door style bar, cocktails, artisan pizza & grazing
friendly and it’s fun. Owning this place is great,” Lucy says, pausing before adding: “When everything goes right.”
You can find Little Italy at Shop 2/1274 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Kinglake West or call (03) 5786 5216. You can find out more about them, including their menu, on their website www.littleitaly.net.au or on social media www.facebook.com/LittleItalyKinglakeWest or @ littleitaly.kinglakewest on Instagram.
RESTAURANT ACCOMMODATION FUNCTIONS
DINNER: Tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm-9pm
LUNCH: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12noon-2.30pm
INDIAN CUISINE: Tuesday & Wednesday dine-in or take-away
PARMA NIGHT: Thursday dine-in or take-away All parmas and schnitzels $22
FRIDAYS: Seafood Specials
LIVE MUSIC: NO PRESSURE 1st Friday of month
Secure bicycle lock-up & electric bike charging (03) 5797 2000 21a Station Street Yea
W: www.yeapeppercorn.com.au
E: info@yeapeppercorn.com.au
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Satin bowerbirds: impressive bush architects
By Carol Hopkins
If you live in the Murrindindi Shire it’s almost inevitable you will cross paths with a satin bowerbird at some stage. In fact, you may well find one has taken up residence in your home garden. The male of the species is well known through nature documentaries for building bowers in sheltered spots in the undergrowth which he then decorates with blue, and sometimes yellow, objects in an effort to woo a female bird. These bowers comprise two parallel walls of sticks which are often painted with a mixture of saliva and charcoal and form a narrow alley that is only wide enough to admit a single bird. The male puts a huge amount of effort into building, maintaining and decorating his bower. All manner of objects such as bottle tops, pegs, straws, flowers, berries and feathers are pressed into service in an effort to impress potential mates. Around Alexandra it seems the blue feathers from crimson rosellas and the yellow, papery flowers of everlasting daisies are particularly prized. Researchers have found that, like all good architects, each male bird has a particular design in mind when constructing and furnishing his bower and, if things are disturbed, he will rebuild the bower exactly the same way. Unfortunately, rival males often raid each other’s bowers,
Satin bowerbird tending his highly decorated bower. Photo: Joseph C Boone, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>,
stealing precious objects and even knocking down the walls of the bower and so rebuilding is a frequent necessity.
Once the male has completed his bower he will then try and attract females to the area by calling from nearby trees. As well as the harsh hisses, buzzes and wee-ooo calls of this species, males will also mimic other bird calls such as those of pied currawongs, kookaburras and whistling kites. It seems the more elaborate the range of calls, the more likely the
Above: Female and immature males look similar. Photo: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
female is to be impressed. It’s also the case that birds with the most extensive repertoire of calls also tend to have the most impressive bowers.
When a female visits the bower, the male performs a prancing, strutting, calling display in the “fore court” and if the female is swept off her feet by the male’s antics and the presentation of his bower, mating will occur. Females may visit a bower on several occasions before deciding that a particular bird is “the one” for her. However, male birds are not monogamous and often mate with a number of females.
Once mating occurs, the female builds a saucer-shaped nest of twigs lined with leaves from eucalypts or acacias. Nesting occurs between October and February. The nest is placed high up in a tree not too far from the active bower. The female then lays two to three pale brown eggs which hatch after three weeks. Female birds incubate and care for the young on their own. While the chicks are ready to fly after three weeks, they remain dependent on the female for a further two months, finally dispersing at the beginning of the Victorian winter. Satin bowerbirds have one of the longest lifespans of all perching birds – usually eight to nine years with one being recorded as living twenty-six years.
Satin bowerbirds are found in moist forests and woodlands along the eastern seaboard of Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria with an isolated population in far north Queensland. They feed mostly on fruits, and sometimes seeds and leaves, throughout the year, but supplement this diet with insects during the breeding season in summer. They are not particularly finicky with their food choices and have taken with
Male satin bowerbird with violet eye. Photo: By Brett Donald - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5,
gusto to introduced, European species such as privets, camphor laurels and olives and will even raid fruit and vegetable crops.
While female birds reach maturity after two to three years, male birds do not develop their glossy, blue-black adult plumage until they are around seven years old. As immature males, they are almost indistinguishable from the females with a green-brown upper body coupled with a lighter-coloured chest with a scalloped pattern. Both males and females have striking, blue-violet eyes. Females can often be seen moving around in large flocks while the adult males tend to be solitary.
While bower building is an innate skill, it can take young males quite a while to perfect their technique. To help things along, they have been observed building practice bowers, joining forces with other immature males to build bowers and carefully watching adult birds for tips. All this proving that becoming an impressive bush architect is not easy and can never be taken for granted.
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Yellowbellied gliders Yellowbellied gliders
Bees or other insects are likely to spring to mind when the word ‘pollinator’ is mentioned. But yellow-bellied gliders carry pollen on their faces when moving between trees to feed on nectar, so may also play an important part in pollinating trees.
Photo by Steve McBride.
By Emily Friedel
Yellow-bellied gliders may not be as well known as their greater glider and sugar glider cousins. But they are just as remarkable. For starters, yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) are the most vocal marsupials on the planet. They have a shrieking, gurgling call that can sound a bit like a cross between pig squeals and horse whinnies. These vocalisations are used by glider family groups of up to six individuals to advertise their territories and co-ordinate their foraging movements.
Their gliding abilities also set yellowbellied gliders apart. Dr Ross Goldingay has studied many glider species, and his research has included investigations into gliding performance. Although greater gliders sometimes get
erroneously credited with the longest glide distance, Ross is definitive on this one: yellow-bellied gliders hold the record.
“It’s got the best gliding ability of any of the marsupials, so it can glide further and with greater agility. You’ve probably heard of the greater glider, which is a bigger animal – greater gliders weigh about one to 1.2 kilos, whereas the yellow-bellied glider is about 600 grams. For yellow-bellied gliders, we’ve measured glides of 145 metres in length, tree to tree. Whereas for greater gliders, the longest distance is about 75 metres,” Ross says.
Adding to their uniqueness, yellowbellied gliders are among a handful of animals worldwide that feed heavily on tree sap. In some areas, over 80% of their diet is made up of eucalypt sap.
“They feed on sap more frequently than any other Australian mammal. Various other gliders – like sugar gliders and squirrel gliders – will also feed on sap, but not to the extent that yellow-bellied gliders will,” Ross says.
Perhaps what’s more interesting is that these gliders only select certain tree species to harvest sap from and, among those species, they only feed from a small percentage. Studies have indicated that between 1–4% of a given tree species are harvested in an area. Ross says this is related to the tree’s ability to elevate sap flow. He first observed this early in his research career when trying to make his job of trapping gliders easier.
“You’ve got to set traps high in the tree near where the gliders are feeding on sap, and I ended up building permanent
Left: Dr Ross Goldingay. Above: Despite weighing just 600 grams, the yellow-bellied glider has been recorded gliding up to145 metres between trees – nearly twice the distance of the much larger greater glider. Photo by Steve McBride.
ladders on the trees. The permanent ladders consist of 12-inch decking spikes that I had to use a mallet to hit into the tree, and I was noticing that there was sap sort of oozing out of the puncture wound on the tree,” he explains.
“So I did more quantitative work, and it seemed to support that idea that the trees can fluctuate their sap flow, and it’s during the period of high flow that the gliders feed on the sap. And consistent with that is that the gliders will actually test the trees – they don’t use the trees constantly throughout the year. They use them periodically, and sometimes it might only be for a few weeks during the year. But it’s not on a regular seasonal basis – like always in winter or always in spring – and you’ll find that different individual trees are used at different times.”
Some individual trees are so favoured by the gliders that they are used as a food source for decades. This means that many generations of yellow-bellied
gliders may return to the same tree to feed on its sap.
“Last year, I went back to one of my earlier sites at Bombala, where I’d done some of my PhD work. I found a tree that they’d been using 40 years ago, and they were still using it. So that’s quite remarkable. I’ve been doing another study down around Jervis Bay in New South Wales, and again, there are trees there that are still being used after 30 years.”
Ross has gleaned this knowledge over time by observing the distinctive notches the gliders leave in the bark when they extract the sap. They use their lower incisor teeth to create cuts in the bark on tree trunks. These incisions are often shaped like a wide ‘v’, presumably to create a channel where the sap collects at the lowest point. However, on some tree species, the cuts are made in a vertical line.
Other aspects of the yellow-bellied glider’s diet and feeding habits may
be important for keeping the forest ecosystem healthy and balanced.
“They move around from tree to tree, and when they’re spending a lot of time nectar feeding, and you’re looking through binoculars, you can actually see the pollen on their faces. So they’re important pollinators, even though they’re underappreciated as pollinators,” Ross says.
He goes on to explain that the invertebrate component of their diet may also support forest health.
“We don’t know how important they might be in controlling insects, but they probably are very important in doing that, which provides health benefits to the trees in the forest. So they’re occupying an important niche in the forest in terms of spreading pollen of certain tree species and feeding on invertebrates that would otherwise be detrimental to the trees.”
Ross has gone to great lengths to learn about yellow-bellied gliders over the
Sap is an important part of the yellow-bellied glider’s diet, and they may return to the same eucalypt tree to feed on its sap for decades.
course of his career. Although this species is on the larger side, and therefore easier to follow through the bush than smaller species like feather-tailed gliders, observing them has come with many challenges. These have included standing out in the bush at night in below freezing temperatures.
“The Bombala area where I used to work got down to sub-zero temperatures – minus five degrees – and it took me several years to realise that it was an area I had to avoid doing fieldwork in during winter. They’d glide into a tree, and then I’d have to stand there and wait for them to glide back out of the tree, which could be a couple of hours depending on what they were feeding on. And I’d feel the cold going up my legs and there were a few times I had to call it a night because I thought I was going to pass out.”
Sadly, over many decades of studying these creatures, Ross has also witnessed their decline. It was dramatic population reductions in areas affected by Black Summer fires that provided the evidence needed to get yellow-bellied gliders listed nationally as having a ‘Vulnerable’ conservation status.
Locals wanting to help conserve yellow-bellied gliders can begin by knowing where they are in the Murrindindi Shire. Yellow-bellied gliders are found throughout eastern Australia, but not in all forests. Ross says the Atlas of Living Australia (ala.org.au) is one option for determining where they live, also
noting that they prefer habitat away from humans in dense forests that are on the wetter side.
Another important step is to protect the trees they feed on. While yellowbellied gliders need tree hollows for shelter like many other species, research has shown that their presence in an area is generally not influenced by the number of hollowbearing trees. This may be partly due to family groups occupying very large areas (between 30–80 hectares of forest). Trees that supply food may therefore be a crucial target for conserving this species.
“Try to find out what they might be feeding on in terms of sap. If you know what sap trees they might use, that gives you a way of gaining more detailed information about which tree species might be more important in the area. And typically, the trees that they like are similar to the ones that koalas like, so things like manna gum.”
If you find yourself in an area known to have yellow-bellied gliders, or see signs of their sap feeding, keep an ear out after dark for the strange and slightly eerie sounds they make. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of one in torchlight. They may not have the name recognition of other gliders, but yellow-bellied gliders are every bit as special – impressive aerialists, important pollinators, and dedicated sap feeders found only in Australia’s eastern forests. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also adorable.
“Their role?” Ross says with a laugh. “To look cute.”
501 Jerusalem Creek Road Eildon 3713
Capital works update at Snobs
From Victorian Fisheries
The Victorian Government committed $96 million as part of its 2022 ‘More piers, jetties and opportunities for little anglers’ election policy which included $15 million to expand the Arcadia and Snobs Creek fish hatcheries, building greater production capacity to meet the growing demand for native fish stocking in Victoria.
The expansions at Arcadia and Snobs Creek have been completed and commissioned, on time and on budget, enhancing Victoria’s native fish production capability.
At Snobs Creek, the completed expansion has delivered a dedicated Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre, capable of producing up to 500,000 Macquarie perch and 500,000 trout cod annually for stocking into Victorian
waterways. The facility incorporates cutting-edge recirculating aquaculture technology, enabling manipulation of water temperature, oxygen levels, and ambient light intensity to optimise breeding conditions.
Construction commenced in June 2025 with practical completion and commissioning delivered in January 2026.
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Now is the time to target Lake Eildon’s brown and rainbow trout Now is the time to target Lake Eildon’s brown and rainbow trout
By Peter Burtchell
Cooler surface water temperatures during winter make the lake environment more suited for actively feeding trout. Their increased feeding activity improves your chance of landing one. You may also be lucky enough to hook into one of the lake’s larger brown trout that can weigh up to 4kg, and you can rest assured that these trophy-sized fish will test your angling skills just to land them.
Trout in Lake Eildon can be caught in several ways to suit your preferred style, level of enthusiasm and experience. Boat fishers commonly troll with a variety of lures near the surface (flatlining) and deeper down through the water column. Shore-based fishers can walk the bank with a spin rod casting lures or a fly rod to ‘cover ground’ and find active fish. Familyfriendly bait fishing in one spot is probably the easiest and least fuss approach that can still yield fantastic results.
The lake is regularly stocked by the Victorian Fisheries
Authority with both brown and rainbow trout from the local Snobs Creek Hatchery, with other natural recruitment coming from the inflowing rivers, ensuring that great numbers of trout continue to inhabit the lake. The stocking program has also allowed the lake to be open all year round with no closed season.
Later in winter, when the rivers surrounding Lake Eildon are closed to angling, the lake fires up with the annual Lake Eildon’s Trout Flicking and Trolling Competition, which gets into full swing over the last weekend in winter. There are some great prizes to be won, any style of legal angling is allowed and entry to the competition is open to anybody looking for a great weekend of fishing and activities.
For more information on how to fish Lake Eildon, competition entry, or to get the latest fishing report, drop in to see Peter at Jerusalem Creek Fishing and Outdoors, Craig at Eildon Bait and Tackle, or follow their Facebook pages: Jerusalem Creek Fishing and Outdoors and Eildon Bait and Tackle.
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Winter is the time to prepare
As things slow down over winter, it’s the ideal time to get your equipment ready for the seasons ahead. We offer servicing for chainsaws, lawn mowers, wood splitters, and tractors. We can sharpen chainsaw chains and custom make chains. Getting on top of maintenance now means you’ll be ready to go when spring and summer arrive.
Picturesque walks on country lanes
Picturesque walks on country lanes
Tree-lined Swamp Creek Road. Photos Carol Hopkins.
Part 4 by Carol Hopkins
This is the fourth in a series of articles on quiet,
picturesque country lanes in the Murrindindi Shire and surrounds which are perfect for interesting walks. The first three of these articles can be found at issuu.com/ murrindindiguide (summer 2023-24; autumn 2024; autumn 2025). These lanes often provide fresh glimpses into the beauty of our area and make a refreshing change from walking around town or on the rail trail.
Three of the walks described in this series are relatively easy, on good gravel or dirt surfaces, and are out-andback routes of around one to four hours requiring minimal navigation. The Yea Spur Road is more challenging. They can all be shortened by turning around at any time or, in some cases, by organising a car shuttle. Even though these roads are not busy, and one is actually closed to traffic, it is always
best to walk facing the oncoming traffic, move off to the side of the road when you hear cars or motorbikes approaching and, if possible, wear bright clothing. It’s also a good idea, particularly in warmer weather, to carry water with you on the walk. For longer walks, it is worthwhile carrying snacks, or even lunch, with you as well.
So, instead of just walking the same old routes, why not try something different and sample some of the delightful country lanes our shire and surrounds have to offer.
Swamp Creek Road
Locality: Taggerty
Distance: 7kms return
Highlights: Pretty, treelined lane with delightful views across farmland to the Cathedral Range. Abundant wildflowers along the verges in spring.
Getting there: From Alexandra, take the
Above: Views of the Cathedral Ranges from Swamp Creek Road Below: Golden moth orchids on the verges of Swamp Creek Road in spring.
Maroondah Highway south to Taggerty and then turn left onto the TaggertyThornton Road (also marked Eildon). Travel 2kms along this road and turn left into Swamp Creek Road. There is space to park your car a few metres in from the junction.
Description: This quiet, gently undulating road, lined with large trees, takes you through attractive farmland with impressive views of the Cathedral Ranges to the south. Along the way you will pass an olive grove and several dams. In late spring, the verges are ablaze with wildflowers such as chocolate lillies, golden moth orchids and bulbine lillies. The public road ends at the bridge over Swamp Creek, just before entering an alpaca farm. This is your turn-around point.
Connelly’s Creek Road (southern section)
Locality: Taggerty
Distance: 5kms or 8kms
Highlights: Mixture of
farmland and forest with views of distant hills and, in the right months, trees in autumn colours
Getting there: From Taggerty, take the Maroondah Highway south for approximately 3.5kms to Glendale Lane and turn right. Travel along Glendale Lane for 4.3kms until you reach Connelly’s Creek Road on the right. Park your car about 30 metres further along Glendale Lane in a clear space on the right.
Description: The walk follows a tree-lined, gently undulating road through picturesque farmland before entering the Black Range State Forest. To complete the 5kms option, walk to the junction of Crystal Creek Road and Tower Track (in the forest) and then retrace your steps. However, to enjoy the tall trees a little longer, you can continue walking along Connelly’s Creek Road for a further 1.5kms (about 20 minutes) until the road crosses over a small creek valley and then turn around.
Above: View from Connelly’s Creek Road. Above left: Autumn colours on Connelly’s Creek Road Below: Turn-around point for Connelly’s Creek walk.
This will make an 8kms return walk. Or, if you are feeling energetic, you can continue on even further.
Yea Spur Road
Locality: Yea/Flowerdale
Distance: 10kms or 12kms return (to maximise the views) or your own shorter variation.
Highlights: Spectacular, 180 degree views over the Yea plains to distant hills for the entire walk.
Getting there: From Yea, take the Yea-Whittlesea Road for around 13kms and be prepared to turn right into the Yea Spur Road as soon as you see a yellow and black 65km sign. Be careful when entering and exiting this road as there are sharp bends on either side and it
is difficult to see oncoming traffic. About 100 metres along the Yea Spur Road there is a large space on the left where you can park your car.
Description: This is a harder walk than others described in this series and you will need to be reasonably fit. The quiet, gravel road consists of a series of short but steep undulations but the spectacular views are worth the effort. At the start, there are signs saying, among other things, “Private. Do Not Enter”. They are designed to discourage deer hunters. Ignore them as you are on a gazetted public road. You will be walking on a ridge line with patches of woodland on one side and farmland on the other. While the road is lined with clusters of trees, it is quite exposed,
Above: View from Yea Spur Road. Left: Undulations on Yea Spur Road.
and would not be suitable for hot or windy days. The 12kms return option ends at a turning circle for cars with a farmhouse and a collection of sheds on the left. For a 10km option, turn around at two heavy, wooden gate posts, with a rusted gate on the ground, at a high point just after a patch of woodland ends. To capture the views without too much effort you could simply walk out for 45 minutes and then return.
Mountain Creek Track
Locality: Kinglake
Distance: 8kms return
Highlights: The contrasting environments of wet and dry forest along the edge of Kinglake National Park. No car traffic at all.
Getting there: From Yea, take the Melba Highway for about 40kms until you reach Gordon’s Bridge Road and then turn right. It is best to use a GPS to find this road as the signpost is on the left and is obscured by vegetation. After turning right, follow the road for about 1.5 kms until you see Mountain Creek Track on the right. Turn here and continue for a short distance to a carpark. From this point it is walkers only.
Description: From the carpark take the well defined 4WD track across a bridge over a pretty stream. Sometimes there may be a tall, wire gate pulled across the track with a discouraging sign. Just go around it. Everybody else does! The mossy track climbs gently through tall mountain ash forest and is lined with a dense understory of shrubs and ferns. Ignore any side tracks on the right. As you climb higher, the forest becomes drier and sparser but, in spring, there are plenty of wildflowers to be seen. After about 4kms you will reach Eucalyptus Road on the right just before the track ends at the Kinglake-Glenburn Road. Turn around here and re-trace your steps.
Lower section of Mountain Creek Track.
Mountain Creek.
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Discover Dindi in winter
Take the long way through Murrindindi Shire this winter and support our local businesses that have been doing it tough since the bushfires earlier this year. We are open and ready to welcome you!
Whether you are seeking a family adventure, enjoy leisurely scenic drives or exploring nature’s playground, or want to indulge in some arts, history
and culture, here’s some inspiration to get you started.
Family Fun Trail
From first-time hikes and camping trips to fishing on the Goulburn River, snow play at Lake Mountain or even a guaranteed catch at a local trout farm, there’s something for everyone. You can cycle one of the many tracks and trails,
let the kids burn off energy at one of the fabulous playgrounds or partake in some water sports on Lake Eildon. With so much to explore, your family will be eager to return again and again.
Discover the magic of Murrindindi’s waterfalls, each with a character and timeless beauty of its own, with Steavenson, Masons and Snobs Creek falls all easily accessible via short walks from the carpark. There are also some great introductory walks to try, including the Beauty Spot Nature Trail and the Eildon Pondage Loop.
Playgrounds abound, offering endless fun for little ones. Don’t miss Kin Playspace in Marysville and Bollygum Park in Kinglake, setting the standard for parks in the region. For the warmer months, Baanh ba Djila Splash Park in Eildon is a must-visit to add to your family bucket list.
Explore the Yea Wetlands and Discovery Centre, including Badji Baanang an impressive Indigenous garden celebrating Taungurung plants and culture. Learn all about the history of the region’s rail heritage at the Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum while enjoying a ride on one of the old locomotives.
Baanh ba Djila adventure playground and splash park, Eildon.
Yea Wetlands.
Murchison Gap lookout, Strath Creek.
Take a scenic drive through Toolangi and the Kinglake Ranges, stopping at the enchanting Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, a short, family-friendly circuit. Along the way, enjoy the Dindi Arts Trail and make the most of the area’s many lookouts, including Murchison Gap at Strath Creek, Foggs Lookout in Eildon, and Lady Stonehaven’s Lookout in Kinglake – perfect for picnics and rest stops.
Prefer not to pack a picnic or fire up the barbecue? You’ll find an array of delicious eating options at local bakeries, cafés, and historic country pubs, sure to satisfy even the fussiest little ones. And for those on their best behaviour, a stop at a local ice cream or lolly shop is a must for kids big and small.
Still looking for things to do? The yearround events calendar is full of markets, country fairs and festivals to enjoy too! Why not stay a while? Pitch a tent in one of the state and national parks, or book into one of the family-friendly caravan and holiday parks, cottages or hotels on offer. Toast marshmallows
on the campfire, get out the board games or read books in the comfort of your accommodation while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Scenic Drives and Lookouts Trail Murrindindi, or Dindi as the locals like to call it, is renowned for its breathtaking scenic drives and lookouts, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s diverse landscapes.
Escape by car or bike and tour around this spectacular part of Victoria’s high country. Take a drive up and over the Great Divide, wind through lush rainforests, stop off in charming towns and villages and admire the spectacular views at a lookout or two along the way.
Explore The Dindi Trail touring loop taking in the majestic Black Spur, epic views over Lake Eildon on Skyline Road and the Dindi Arts Trail through the Kinglake Ranges. Venture slightly off this trail and wind your way along the Murchison Gap through Strath Creek and Flowerdale, stopping off at the Lookout to take in the epic views of the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
On the hunt for that perfect lookout that will take your breath away? There’s plenty of other contenders too, from the ultimate sunrise and sunset locations to quiet places of contemplation. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rolling hills, pristine lakes and mountain ranges, with a bunch of bucket-list worthy vantage points to explore.
Break up the journey with a meal along the way at a local bakery, cafe or historic country pub. Enjoy a tipple at a winery, brewery or distillery, scattered throughout the region, or pick up supplies at a local market or produce store to enjoy.
Arts, Culture and History Trail
From contemporary art exhibitions and mural trails to historic walks through ancient forests and everything in between, there’s sure to be something to please even the most discerning travellers among us.
Murrindindi Shire sits proudly on Taungurung and Wurundjeri Country, with some of our townships and place names derived from traditional
language. Scar trees scattered along the Great Victorian Rail Trail (note, some parts of the trail are closed due to the recent bushfires, check the website for the latest information) symbolise our relationship to the Warring (Goulburn River) and its associated rivers, creeks and Ngarrak (Mountains). The Daabani Biik Butganani Yanath sculpture trail at the Yea Wetlands deepens our knowledge and understanding of Taungurung culture.
Murrindindi has long been a magnet for artists seeking inspiration from the spectacular landscapes, mountains, rivers and forests. Painters, potters, sculptors and textile artists work from studios and workshops scattered throughout the villages and hamlets of the region. From internationally lauded artists to local creatives, the region offers a unique art encounter.
An array of museums, historical societies and heritage trails scattered throughout the region tell tales of our goldrush and timber history that will leave you fascinated and looking for more.
Galleries and exhibitions can be found in many cafes, restaurants and stores which support and value the contribution local artists make to the community. What better way to admire these works and wares than over a glass
of local wine and a plate of regional produce, or a piping hot tea or coffee best enjoyed with some old-fashioned scones with jam and cream.
A year-round events calendar means there’s always plenty happening. And with so much to do, a weekend or multi-
day getaway is a must, with plenty of accommodation options on offer to suit all tastes and budgets.
For more information on these and other trails in Murrindindi Shire, visit discoverdindi.com.au or drop into a local Visitor Information Centre.
Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum.
Foggs Lookout, Lake Eildon.
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Would you like to bring your loved ones to Eildon while you holiday in our beautiful district. We can provide respite care with flexible visiting hours. Aged Care Assessment required. Call us to discuss.
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Joints feeling stiff in the cold? What you can do about it Joints feeling stiff in the cold? What you can do about it
By Emily Friedel
If your knees groan a little louder on cold mornings, or your hands feel tight and reluctant before you’ve even made the first cup of tea, you’re not alone. Patients have long told their doctors they can feel a cold front coming before it shows up on a weather forecast.
Research is still investigating if weather conditions are indeed a risk factor for joint pain. Some studies have found that aspects of weather – such as temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure – are associated with joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. However, other research has concluded that weather is not related to joint pain.
Nonetheless, several possible reasons have been put forward as to why joints may be stiffer and sorer in the winter. Some have proposed that cold temperatures can cause the lubricant inside joints (synovial fluid) to thicken temporarily, contributing to stiffness and reduced range of motion. Atmospheric pressure has also been suggested as a mechanism for weather-related pain. The drops in pressure that accompany stormy weather are thought to cause muscles and ligaments to expand along with shifts in fluid that cause swelling and pain.
But it may be that the cold itself isn’t the main issue. Instead, behavioural changes triggered by winter weather could be to blame. Shorter days, gloomy weather and low motivation can combine to dramatically reduce how much people move. While regular physical activity is known to reduce joint pain and improve function, decreased activity in winter can make symptoms significantly worse over time. The good news is that movement is within our control, even if the weather isn’t.
Keep moving, consistently. The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel states that regular exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of arthritis and improve joint mobility and strength, recommending aiming to do some form of
exercise every day. The Arthritis Movement notes that lowimpact exercises like walking are among the leading non-drug treatments for arthritis pain and recommends breaking up periods of sitting with short bursts of activity throughout the day.
Warm up before exercise. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Better Health Channel recommends five to ten minutes of warm-up before exercise, noting that this may vary between individuals and in cold weather. They suggest starting with light aerobic movement before dynamic stretches.
Choose low-impact activities. Better Health Channel specifically recommends warm water exercise for people with arthritis, explaining that the body is supported and resistance from moving through water builds muscle strength and endurance. The Arthritis Movement recommends yoga, tai chi or Pilates to combine stretching with core and balance work.
Stay warm. The Arthritis Movement recommends wearing warm, comfortable clothing to maintain body heat and keep joints insulated in the cold weather. They also suggest that warm baths, warm compresses, or heat packs can be helpful for temporarily reducing joint pain by promoting blood flow and relaxing muscles. Using heating techniques before exercise and wearing loose clothes may also remove some of the barriers to moving more.
Although the jury is out on whether the cold causes joint pain, many people report more aches and pain with temperature drops and changes in air pressure. Whatever the reason for winter stiffness, the joints that suffer most over the cooler months are the ones that move least. A few minutes of gentle movement each day can make a real difference, and there’s no need to even venture out into the cold to achieve it.
For more information you can go to betterhealth.vic.gov.au and arthritis.org.au.
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The cast of “Mr. Pres!!!!! – The Fake Musical” –Steve Paix, Julian Dunham and Tamara Kuldin.
Washington DC may be half a world away from Murrindindi Shire, but recently it has seldom been far from the thoughts of one local composer. For the past year or so, musician Steve Paix has been at the piano writing his new musical – a comedy about a mostly fictional American President in the White House – from his home in Murrindindi.
“Murrindindi is a beautiful area,” says Steve. “It’s very conducive to creativity. The chance to make music while surrounded by hills, trees and wildlife is something special”.
Steve is a regular performer in the shire, entertaining at wineries and breweries, markets, community events, and even on houseboats. Perhaps his most appreciative audience can be found at Kellock Lodge, where he sings for residents once a month.
“I enjoy playing the old songs and hearing the residents sing along. Plus, they put up with my bad jokes!” says Steve.
Steve has been performing in Melbourne’s music scene since the 90s. He still works regularly in city jazz clubs and concert venues, backing singers on piano and playing in bands. One of those is a 17-piece big band that performs every second week in South Melbourne, and has been playing at the same venue for over 30 years.
“You find yourself in some interesting settings when you’re a muso,” says Steve. “I’ve seen the kitchens of
Steve performing at a community event in Thornton.
five-star hotels, wandered the halls of members-only clubs, and even been on stage in the middle of the MCG on Grand Final Day with Michael Bublé!”.
Steve has spent years playing the music of great songwriters, from old-time jazz to rock’n’roll, country to pop. This repertoire has
taught him a lot about what makes for a good song –knowledge he applies to his own songwriting process.
“I enjoy finding an unexpected rhyme or metaphor for a lyric, getting a feel for how it could be shaped into a melody, and matching it with a chord progression that includes
a surprise or two for the listener,” says Steve. “Writing songs for a stage show opens up opportunities to be playful with words, and tell stories to help the audience get to know the characters”.
His new comedy, “Mr. Pres!!!!! – The Fake Musical”, began its life as a series of short songs posted on YouTube. Encouraged by his online audience to combine them into a musical, Steve decided to take on the challenge. What resulted is an original story influenced by the characters and events of current-day American politics, but presented with humour, absurdity and plenty of tongue-in-cheek. While the show’s President is not intended to be a representation of the Oval Office’s current occupant, real life has provided Steve with plenty of material to draw from to create a world on stage that blurs the line between fiction and reality.
“It’s not really a political show,” Steve points out. “I wanted to write something that was light-hearted and fun, with unexpected twists to keep the audience guessing”.
The songs cover a range of musical styles including boogie-woogie, blues, classical waltzes, samba, country and pop as well as traditional and modern musical theatre forms. Echoes of Gilbert and Sullivan, Stephen Sondheim and Randy Newman may be heard in some of the music. “I like to combine familiar elements with things the audience hasn’t heard before,” says Steve. “It
makes a show of new songs easier for an audience to digest. And hopefully there are some laughs in there too”. The show’s themes include the desire to be respected, the seeking of parental approval, and the observation that life is a delicate balance of opposites – light and dark, joy and despair, pleasure and pain.
The show will have its premiere at the Memo Hall in Healesville. Steve chose the venue because he wanted somewhere easily accessible for people from his local area, as well as a Melbourne audience. He has enlisted the help of two very talented friends to perform with
him – Julian Dunham as the President, and Tamara Kuldin as the First Lady. “They are both knockout singers,” says Steve. “I think the audience is going to love hearing them perform the songs”.
Finally, when asked about his hopes for the possible success of his “Mr. Pres” show, Steve has this to say: “It may not make it to Broadway, but I’d be happy if it gets to Broadford”.
“Mr. Pres!!!!! – The Fake Musical” by Steve Paix debut performance on Sunday 21 June at 2pm, Memo Healesville. Tickets at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ culturetracks
Phone: 1300 368 333
Local musician and composer, Steve Paix.
Frosty’s winter feast at Sedona Estate
Tucked into the rolling landscapes of Murrindindi, just ten minutes from Yea, Sedona Estate is quietly building a reputation that stretches far beyond the region. Blessed with a unique microclimate, the boutique vineyard has garnered national and international acclaim for over two decades.
Most recently, Sedona Estate was recognised on the global stage at the London Wine Competition, taking home gold for its 2021 reserve merlot and silver for the 2022 reserve shiraz –further proof that exceptional wines are being crafted in this hidden wine region of Victoria.
Behind each bottle is the experience and passion of owners Paul and Sonja, whose 30 years as vignerons have taught them exactly which parcels of their vineyard yield the finest fruit.
“Concentrated and plush, our reserve merlot reveals layers of dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and spice, with the promise of graceful ageing for those willing to wait,” says winemaker Paul Evans.
But as any country host will tell you, great wine is only half the story.
This winter, Sedona Estate invites guests to complete the experience at an intimate evening of food and wine. Acclaimed Yarra Valley chef Ryan Frost
Custom designed hand tufted pure wool rugs. Each rug your unique statement piece.
will craft a three-course seasonal feast, thoughtfully paired with the estate’s award-winning wines.
Frosty’s Winter Feast will be held on Saturday 13 June, at the Sedona Estate cellar door – an evening designed to be savoured slowly, by the fire, with good company and exceptional local produce. With just 24 seats available, this is a rare opportunity to experience Sedona Estate at its most personal.
Bookings are essential – and expected to fill quickly. Please contact Sonja on wine@sedonaestate.co.au or 0432 435 180 for enquiries and to book. Sedona Estate is located at 182 Shannons Road, Murrindindi.
JUNE 2026
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies visit their facebook page
P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 23)
SATURDAY 6 & SUNDAY 7 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Organic metal sculptures / pen and ink artworks of Australian animals. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com F: www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503 P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 40)
SATURDAY 6 ~ THE VICTORIAN TRUCK DRIVERS MEMORIAL SERVICE
Rotary Park, Alexandra
2pm. A memorial service held to unveil names of lost truck drivers. W: www.vtdm.asn.au
SUNDAY 7 ~ ALEXANDRA TRUCK UTE AND ROD SHOW
Grant Street, Alexandra
Rigs, rods and utes on show, live music, specialist vehicles, markets, championship woodchop. Entry free. 10am-4pm. (see ad back cover) W: www.alexandratruckshow.com.au E: info@alexandratruckshow.com.au P: 0418 266 038
SUNDAY 21 ~ “MR. PRES!!!!! – THE FAKE MUSICAL”
235 Maroondah Highwayy, Healesville
A musical by Steve Paix. Song after song of tongue-in-cheek fun. Tickets: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/culturetracks
An intimate evening of food and wine. Acclaimed Yarra Valley chef Ryan Frost will craft a three-course seasonal feast, thoughtfully paired with the estate’s award-winning wines. 3-course Winter Dinner. Tickets are limited to 26. (see article page 64) W: sedonaestate.com.au E: wine@sedonaestate.co.au P: 0432 435 180
JULY 2026
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies visit their facebook page
P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 23)
SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Organic metal sculptures / pen and ink artworks of Australian animals.
W: www.monkeytaildesign.com
F: www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503
P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 40)
AUGUST 2026
GIGS AT PIXIES AT THE BILLABONG
Pixies at the Billabong,19 Main Street, Eildon
For what band is playing at Pixies visit their facebook page
P: 0436 969 285 (see ad page 23)
SATURDAY 1 & SUNDAY 2 ~ DARREN GILBERT OPEN STUDIOS
5 Giffard Street, Yea
Organic metal sculptures / pen and ink artworks of Australian animals. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com
F: www.facebook.com/darren. gilbert.503
P: 0421 378 451 E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au (see ad page 40)
THURSDAY 27 TO SATURDAY 29 ~ LAKE EILDON’S TROUT
FLICKING & TROLLING COMPETITION
Jeruslam Creek Marina, 501 Jerusalem Creek Road, Eildon
Any style of legal angling is allowed, great prizes to be won. F: https://www.facebook.com/jerusalemcreekbaitandtackle
SEPTEMBER 2026
SATURDAY 5 ~ GOULBURN FISHING FESTIVAL
Lions Park, Riverside Drive Eildon
Celebrating the start of the trout fishing season and promoting Eildon as a fishing destination. Fishing industry traders, exhibitors, stalls. 9am-2pm. Fireworks 7pm. (see ad page 38) W: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest
Visitor Information Centre Arts Space & Exhibition Space Made in Marysville & Region (locally made products & produce)
MiRa Marysville offers local knowledge, an intriguing gallery, artisan wares, creative workshops & fabulous performances.
Nestled in Marysville’s stunning natural environment and open 7 days a week, there’s always something for everyone.
Stay in the loop – become a member of MiRa and stay up-to-date with events, exhibitions and the latest offerings in store
1st Sunday of the month 9am-1pm ~ Rotary Park, Alexandra Various stalls, music, jumping castle. Contact Andrew Embling 0418 266 038
EILDON TWILIGHT MARKET
CLOSED FOR WINTER ~ 4pm-8pm
The Eildon Pondage, Riverside Drive Eildon Local food and beverage trucks, local producers, quality local artisans, artists and creators. Live music showcasing local youth and artists. Family activities, pet friendly (dogs must be on a lead). Gold coin entry.
Karine 0400 715 319 | karine.haslam@gmail.com
KINGLAKE PRODUCE & ARTISAN MARKET
4th Sunday of month 10am-2pm (held on 3rd Sun in December)
Kinglake Community Centre, 1 Exton Rd, Kinglake Central
Fresh from us to you. High quality items, grown or made by our stall holders. Proving quality products and food every month, all year round.
2nd Sunday of month – Murchison Street, Marysville
Crafts, gifts, clothing, plants, locally produced preserves, jams, chutneys, lavender products, shortbread biscuits, honey, fresh fruit and vegetables and wine. Additional stallholders invited. 0494 329 695 I marysvillemarketinc@gmail.com
STRATH CREEK COUNTRY MARKET
3rd Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm Pioneer Reserve, Ferguson Street, Strath Creek
Local produce, hot food, wine & spirits, coffee, fresh bread, preserves & honey, quality locally made homewares, health & skincare products, plants & poultry, live music and a playground for the kids. Stallholder applications welcome via strathcreekcm@gmail.com
TAGGERTY 4 SEASONS MARKET
Saturday of Australia Day, Easter, King’s Birthday and Melbourne Cup Weekends 9am-1pm – 3 Taggerty-Thornton Road, Taggerty
Local produce including olive oil, wine, honey, fudge, baked goods, preserves, soaps, crafts, bric-a-brac, fruit, vegetables, plants, free range eggs, BBQ sausages and espresso coffee. taggertycommunityprogress@gmail.com
TALLAROOK FARMERS MARKET
1st Sunday of month (except January) 9am-1pm 44 Main Road, Talarook
Fresh local produce. Relax in the market cafe while listening to local musicians. Free kids activities. market@tallarook.org.au | Facebook Tallarook Farmers Market
YARCK COUNTRY MARKET
3rd Saturday of month 9am-1.30pm Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy, Yarck
The market helps to fund the hall maintenance and provides an outlet for local produce, jams, craft, plants and wines. 0407 879 612 | yarckhall@hotmail.com | www.visityarck.com.au
YEA RAILWAY MARKET
1st Saturday of month – Yea Railway Reserve, Station St Yea
Fresh local produce, arts and crafts, children’s activities, playground and skate park. The market showcases local producers, growers and makers and is a community event with a gold coin donation entryfunds from entry are donated to local charities each month. 0427 722 624 | globalgemsandfinejewellery@gmail.com
ELECTRICIAN
Grimshaw Electrics
Hadfield Contracting
2132
eildonoutboard@virtual.net.au
ØSales of New Mercury/Mercruiser Engines
ØSales of Second Hand Engines and Boats
ØShowroom full of everything your boat needs for your day on the water. Spare Parts, Electrical Accessories, Mooring Ropes, Cleaning Products and much more
ØWater sports accessories & PFD’s
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• Pumps,
Business & Trades listings
ACCOMMODATION
Alexandra Motor Inn 5772 2077
Alpino Apartments
Marysville 0408 103 481
Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park
Taggerty 5774 7263
Black Spur Inn, Narbethong 5963 7121
Bonfire Station Farmstay 0423 457 072
Buxton Hotel, Buxton 5774 7381
Eildon Parkview Motor Inn 1300 131 129
Eildon Pondage Holiday Park 1800 651 691
Elite Stays
Marysville / Taggerty 0413 795 283
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Lake Eildon 5774 2585
Little Luxe Cottage stay@littleluxecottage.com.au
Molesworth Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park 5797 6278
Parklife Alexandra
Alexandra 5772 1222
Riverbend Holiday Park
Thornton 5773 2305
Royal Mail Hotel, Yea 5797 2515
Rubicon Hotel Motel
Thornton 5773 2251
Saladin Lodge
Narbethong 0429 699 969
Snobs Creek Holiday Park 5774 2903
Taylor Bay Country Club
Taylor Bay 0497 889 353
Tower Motel, Marysville 5963 3225
Yea Motel 5797 2660
Yea Peppercorn Hotel 5797 2000
AGED CARE
Darlingford, Eildon 5774 2711
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES
North East Air, Buxton 0438 572 376
ANTENNA / TV SERVICES
Chris’s TV 0405 554 915
APPLIANCE STORE
Chookies Alexandra 5772 2152
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Alexandra Automotive 5772 3232
Eildon Auto Spares 5774 2712
Thornton Auto Repairs 0482 703 881
BEE SUPPLIES
Dindi Bee Supplies, Yea 0413 627 194
BOAT HIRE
Boost Wake, Eildon 0414 313 255
Lakeview Boat Hire,Eildon 0488 051 721
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Eildon 5774 2585
Northern Waters Boat Hire 0476 518 227
BOOK SHOPS
Books at Yarck, Yarck 0400 418 139
Goulburn River Books
Alexandra 5772 2935
BREWERIES
Bonfire Station Brewing Co, Taggerty 0423 457 072
On Point Brewery
Alexandra 0413 562 693
BUILDERS / RENOVATIONS
BTD Build 0478 201 997
MillBuilt millbuilt.com.au
Readybuilt 0418 338 556
BUSHFIRE ASSESMENT
BAL Assesments 0417 885 747
BUTCHERS
Thornton Butchers & Deli 5773 2224
C ARAVAN PARKS
Alexandra Showgrounds Caravan Park 0417 179 313
Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park
Taggerty 5774 7263
Breakaway, Acheron 5772 1735
Eildon Pondage Holiday Park
Eildon 1800 651 691
Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park
Lake Eildon 5774 2585
Mar ysville Holiday Park 5963 3247
Molesworth Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park 5797 6278
