Tourist News Summer 2017

Touristnews YaRRa VallEY and MT dandEnong RangEs

sUMMER 2017/2018

fREE

A DAY IN

MaRYsVillE RICHARD HOWDEN ON

sUMMER winEs waRbURTon SWIMMING SPOTS

sUMMER is hERE oncE again…

ConTenTs suMMer 2017/2018

6

9-10

14-17

20-34

five reAsons To visiT yArrA glen

Town sTeePed in hisTory

suMMer in The yArrA vAlley

With a booming cafe culture, adventure activities, antiques, bushwalking and summer race days, Yarra Glen is a must to visit.

Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, Monbulk is a quaint little town that is steeped in rich history.

suMMer in The dAndenong rAnges

35-37

42-44

PArks And gArdens Summer is the perfect chance to head outdoors to a favourite park or garden and spend quality time with friends and family.

The Dandenong Ranges are awash with beautiful places to visit during the summer season.

52

46-51

fArM fresh

wine CounTry

nighT MArkeTs

The summer harvest season: it’s a time that many look forward to, when trees bloom into wonderful colour and the freshest fruit is eaten straight from the tree.

It is always the right season to sample the spectacular beauty of the Yarra Valley, but summer brings something special to this wine lovers’ paradise

Market lovers who’ve been burnt by the sun foraging for foodie joy or the perfect bargain, don’t despair.

ediTor Peter Douglas Mail News Group. Phone: 5957 3711 Email: editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au AdverTising Naomi Gibson Mail News Group, 244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville 3777.

Phone: 5957 3700, Fax: 5957 3777, Email: naomi.gibson@mailnewsgroup.com.au design Mark Dinnie Star News Group, Creative Services Department, Cnr Princes Hwy & Army Rd, Pakenham 3810, Phone: 5945 0666

Touristnews YARRA VALLEY AND MT DANDENONG RANGES

SUMMER 2017/2018

FREE

A DAY IN

MARYSVILLE RICHARD HOWDEN ON

SUMMER WINES WARBURTON SWIMMING SPOTS

Published by Mail News Group Pty Ltd, 244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville 3777, PO Box 470 MAnAging direCTor Paul Thomas

2 SUMMER 2017/2018

Enjoy the abundance of activities on offer in the Yarra Valley over the summer months.

SUMMER IS HERE ONCE AGAIN…

Cover: ‘Kristabell’ from the Blue Lotus Water Garden.

Touristnews

12357201-JV35-17

•฀Uniquely฀situated฀on฀ten฀peaceful฀acres฀close฀to Healesville฀Sanctuary฀and฀only฀a฀short฀drive฀to฀the Yarra฀Valley฀wineries •฀AAAT฀rated฀3฀1/2฀and฀4฀star •฀Standard฀and฀Deluxe฀Accommodation •฀Fully฀licensed฀Restaurant/Reception฀Centre฀seating up฀to฀120฀people,฀ideal฀for฀functions,฀weddings฀and conferences.

In-room฀facilities฀include: •฀Queen฀size฀beds •฀Ensuites •฀Free฀Foxtel •฀Free฀wi-i •฀Split฀system฀heating/cooling On-site฀facilities฀include: •฀Licensed฀à฀la฀carte฀restaurant •฀Outdoor฀solar฀heated฀pool •฀Children’s฀playground •฀Barbecue฀area/Beer฀garden •฀Tranquil฀bush฀walk •฀Ample฀parking •฀Private฀bus฀service฀to฀‘Day฀on฀the฀Green’฀concerts Wedding฀Packages฀Available Special฀Senior฀Days฀Shows Phone฀to฀check฀availability Celebrating 16 years of great hospitality under the same family management.

326 Badger Creek Rd, HEALESVILLE Bookings essential | Ph 5962 5148 www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au | E: info@sanctuaryhouse.com.au Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

SummER Of ExpEcTaTION With a jam-packed issue full of suggestions at your disposal, thanks to the hard-working team at ‘Tourist News’, it’s time to receive a boost of warm-weather inspiration.

We’ve shone a bright light on some of the best tourist attractions, as well as uncovered some hidden gems, in the region.

Racing in the Yarra Ranges is always a fine day for punters and fashionistas alike, with the atmosphere and the quality fields giving the city meets a run for their money.

We’ve prepared a handy summer racing guide, so you can stay informed.

Also inside, discover five reasons why you should visit beautiful Yarra Glen - not that you needed that many.

Needless to say, summer is the perfect time of year - holiday time - to hit the road and explore the region with much fervour.

For the wine-lovers, we’ve prepared our Wine Country mini-supplement, which features an informative interview with local wine expert, Richard Howden.

Firstly, there are some tried and true favourites such as U-Pick and the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre.

As if that weren’t enough, we’ve got local markets and accommodation covered, too.

We go in depth and take a look at William Ricketts Sanctuary, as well as the many tourist hot-spots in Monbulk.

No excuses; make sure you get out there and explore all the wonder and beauty of the Yarra Ranges.

For the more adventurous, we’ve got an enticing little yarn on the everpopular Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

PETER DOUGLAS, EDITOR

Located at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges and Gateway to the Yarra Valley.

40 accommodation spa suites Tranquil views Club 4 Kids Indoor and Outdoor Play Equipment Entertainment lounge Swimming pool Tennis court Cocktail lounge and function rooms available for all occasions Walking tracks Close proximity to the Yarra Valley Wineries and scenic attractions of the Dandenong Ranges.

Bistro open lunch and dinner 7 days a week

1217104-HM12-16

GET ready to plan your summer of fun for 2017/18, as experienced in the Yarra Ranges.

Ph: 4 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

Healesville Walk Pharmacy Open 7 Days a Week NOT YOUR AVERAGE PHARMACY Extensive Vitamin Range Natural Herbal Remedies Organic Skin Care Natural Baby Products Sun Care Range Designer Cosmetics Brands Prestige Fragrances Brands Home Wears & Gifts Sunglasses & Hats Kids, Toys & Gifts Instant Digital Photos Medication Compounding Free Blood Pressure Checks Free Heart Checks

ALL YOUR HOLIDAY NEEDS Emergency prescriptions can be arranged if you run out while away Healesville Walk Shopping Centre (next to Coles) Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 4165

Soul Pattinson Chemist 12357156-EPJ35-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 5

TAKE FIVE - YARRA GLEN

1

2

Adventure

Cafe culture: Winning wines!

5 of the Best

YARRA GLEN 3

Play, picnic, ride, skate, barbecue ... and climb over gigantic dung balls as giant dung beetles lurk nearby!

Locals love their award-winning adventure playground and so do families from all around Melbourne.

With equipment to challenge all ages, the playground is also accessible for all abilities.

The adjacent skate park is great for older kids. McKenzie Reserve, corner Bell Street and Anzac Avenue.

4

Take a wander Antiques road show Excited by the antiquities of the Antiques Road Show?

Well, Yarra Glen has its own antiques road show with several well-established antique and collectible shops along the main road - Bell Street.

Take a trip down memory lane, experience the excitement of finding a long-soughtafter collectible or just marvel at the beauty and design of yesteryear.

6 SUMMER 2017/2018

No need to rush ... Yarra Glen’s network of trails makes it ideal for strolling!

In recent years trails have been developed aimed at linking communities and natural beauty spots.

For a longer walk explore the Steels Creek to Yarra Glen trail.

Shorter walks around the town include the wetlands adjacent to the shopping centre, the Yarra River walk and the Yarra Flats Billabongs walk.

Take your camera to capture some of the abundant birdlife.

Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast cafestyle, a formal dining experience or a discovery tour of the area’s many awardwinning wineries, Yarra Glen is at the heart of a great food and wine celebration of local produce.

Pop into Yering Station winery for the oldest and longest-running farmers’ market, held in the heritage barn on the third Sunday of each month. It’s an institution for food lovers!

5

Race days Pack a picnic, throw out a rug on the lawn or set up under a big umbrella and experience the friendly, country atmosphere of a day at the races.

Yarra Valley racing is stacked with opportunities over summer for a great day out, fashions on the field, kids’ activities, live music, great food and, of course, the opportunity to get up close to the action on the track.

Check out the Christmas and new year meetings and bet you’ll love it!

Touristnews

FEATURE

WATER GARDENS, MONET STYLE

Can you spot Eddie?

The 14-acre tropical styled gardens also feature many wonderful vistas and exhibits including rare plant displays, fountains, water features, Japanese arch bridges and easy walking tracks. There’s also a lovely alfresco café with views over the lily pond, an ice cream kiosk and a huge plant nursery with gift shops.

The Blue Lotus Water Garden is located at 2628 Warburton Highway in Yarra Junction, and is open from 27 December until 15 April. To find out more visit www.bluelotus.com.au

12366195-ACM49-17

YOU know summer is here when the Blue Lotus Water Garden’s Giant Lily emerges from its winter sleep...

Based in Yarra Junction, the Blue Lotus Water Garden is a tropical style water garden spread over 50,000 square metres (14 acres) and features tens of thousands of stunning flowers.

As Blue Lotus Water Garden owner and creator Geoff Cochrane explained, along with a number of natural wonders, this year the garden has brand new and exciting exhibits, including a new Giant Lily and a magnificent replica of Monet’s Garden.

“This year the garden has bred a new Giant Lily bigger than the ones before,” Geoff said, “It’s possible the lily pads may reach over two metres in width; big enough to float on. If the monster reaches this size, it may be the biggest waterlily ever grown.

“In 2018 the garden are also opening a new exhibit which features a collection of waterlilies grown by the famous painter Claude Monet in France. Monet loved waterlilies so much that he painted over 200 artworks featuring the flowers.

“So if you want to see Monet’s waterlilies growing you will find them at the Blue Lotus Water Garden.”

Not only is Blue Lotus Water Garden’s famous for their Giant Lilies, but also for the massive floral display of stunning lotus and waterlilies flowers. With two lakes and dozens of ponds, the flowers turn the extensive network of water into a sea of colour.

“The gardens are very family friendly with dozens of picnic huts and great barbecue facilities,” Geoff said.

“Activities for the youngsters include feeding the Giant Goldfish that are so big they may set a Guinness Book Record. The kids will also love the fairy garden and if you visit on a weekend, the Lotus Fairy Queen tells stories to the children about the magical world of fairies.”

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 7

12370014-DJ49-17

discover monbulk

8 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

DISCOVER MONBULK

TOwN STEEpED IN hISTORy Yarra

Optical

your eyecare in the hills 12361829

On line appointments now available: www.yarrarangesoptical.com.au

12361829-LB35-17

EYE TESTING AVAILABLE

12370008-FA49-17

69 Main Street, Monbulk

Ph: 9756 6626

thbys Bakery r o N in n rd W Awa

Men & Women’s Professional Styling & Hair Care Salon.

Enquire about our Hair Tattoos

• Best Muffins i n th e ing Pies Hill s

Best Pies in the Hills

Touristnews

OPEN 5AM-6PM Weekdays 5am-4pm Sat Sun

Shop 6 (facing Woolworths) 37 Main Rd, Monbulk Ph: 0467

289 302

12370007-ACM49-17

140 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC, 3793 Phone: 9756 6536

SUMMER 2017/2018 9

DISCOVER MONBULK NESTLED in the Dandenong Ranges, Monbulk is a quaint little town that is steeped in rich history.

Originally called Monbolok or Monbolac, an Aboriginal name meaning “hiding place in the hill”, Monbulk is anything but what the name suggests, and although it may be hidden behind Mount Dandenong it has much to offer visitors.

The town has remained a popular place for visitors travelling through the Growers and Farmgates sub-region of the Dandenong Ranges.

With some delicious dining options, Monbulk is a great spot for lunch or a snack when walking through the Dandenong Ranges National Park or cycling through the hills.

In town, the thriving main street is filled with cafes and bakeries, offering an assortment of cakes, pastries and of course coffee.

With over 400 local businesses from traditional shop front to home-based gift stores, Monbulk offers a diverse range of shops that sell all sorts of trinkets and treasures at reasonable prices.

Though little and hidden, Monbulk offers superb bakeries, fresh food, cosy cafes, unique gift shops, clothing boutiques and the quaint stores that line the main street are just as charming as the people who run them.

For those wanting to go a little off the beaten track, Monbulk is one of the last gateways to the Yarra Valley and with various streams trickling through the town, there are plenty of hidden oases to enjoy a picnic.

Sassafras Creek is a tributary of the Yarra River - it rises on the eastern slopes of the Dandenong Ranges, then flows north to join the Yarra River near Woori Yallock.

Yabbies and all sorts of small crustaceans inhabit the slow-flowing creek, and bordering Monbulk lies Sherbrooke falls, a small grassy knoll next to the trickling stream where visitors can indulge in the shade and soothing sounds of the stream.

For those more intrepid adventurers among us, a two-kilometre walk meanders through the forest containing mountain ash - the tallest flowering hardwood in the world.

With green lush ferns growing alongside the creek, there is also the chance to hear a superb lyrebird which can often be seen among the forest understorey.

Though its name may mean hiding place in the hills, there is no hiding Monbulk’s culture and overwhelming character.

MONBULK BOWLING CLUB Winner of “Excellence in Customer Service - Bistro” 2014, 2015 & 2016

LIVE MUSIC every Friday Open Wednesday to Sunday for Dinner from 5.30pm

12370849-CG49-17

Come and join us for dinner and fantastic

11 Moores Road, Monbulk | To book Ph. 9756 6183 facebook.com/monbulkbowlingclubandbristro/

Monbulk Jewellers

Jenny’s Shoppe Monbulk

Friendly, Trusted family run business since 1985

2/37 Main St., Monbulk. Vic

•฀Gold,฀silver฀&฀gemstone฀set฀jewellery฀•฀Watches,฀Clocks,฀Barometers฀&฀more.

•฀Gemstones฀rocks฀and฀natural฀crystals •฀Quality฀Guaranteed฀repairs฀on฀Jewellery,฀Watches฀&฀Clocks.

•฀Rings฀Custom฀designed฀&฀made,฀if฀you฀can฀dream฀it,฀we฀can฀make฀it.

Rings฀remodelled฀or฀remade.

Specialising in Mother of Bride/Groom, guest or any other special occasions

12370102-DJ49-17

Also a huge range of smart casual daywear, shoes and accessories.

Jewellers Shop & Art Gallery Mon - Fri 9am to 5.30pm

Sat 9am to 2pm

Kenneth S Hunt Ultra-Realistic Fine Art Golf Art – Masters Touch Portrait Painting Oil painting and pencil drawing

Commission work available

People, pets, landscapes or whatever you want immortalized on canvas.

102 Main Road Monbulk 9756 7652 www.kennethshunt.com.au

Brands like Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, Romance,KTM, Swish, Seven sisters, New London, See Saw, J Generation, Yarra Trail, Marco Polo, Corfu, We cater for sizes 8 to 26.

Shoes sizes 6 to 13 brands: Hinako Isabella, Aco, Clarice, just to mention a few.

Monday-Friday 9.00 - 5.30 Saturday 9.00 - 3.00

Ph. 9756 6102 12370581-LD49-17

10 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

marysville

Tour marysville’s sweeT spoTs

By Peter Douglas IS THERE a more effective way to re-charge the batteries than through a day trip?

Why not try beautiful Marysville which is noted not only for its inspiring surrounds but also for its many activities that are awaiting discovery.

To help the journey, Tourist News has mapped out the perfect day in Marysville - from start to finish.

8.30am (Lady TaLboT ForesT drive) To get acclimatised try the Lady Talbot Forest drive.

Starting at Woods Point Road, the drive follows the Taggerty River valley up to the top of Mount Margaret Gap. From there complete the 46km Lady Talbot drive by continuing down Mount Margaret Road, through the state forest to the Buxton-Marysville Road, and back to Marysville.

Perhaps, pack a Thermos and enjoy a hot cuppa at one of the numerous picnic spots.

10.30am (KeppeL LooKouT TraiL and sTeavenson FaLLs) After taking in the scenery, it may be time to get the experience in full.

The trail starts at Kings Road Car Park, Marysville, and winds up through the forest to four of the region’s top lookouts.

Follow the trail across Roberston Gully before climbing up to Keppell Lookout, around the ridge - passing Oxlee and De La Rue lookouts - and to the top of Steavenson Falls.

Descend to the base and follow the Tree Fern Gully Trail. Be sure you wear sturdy footwear and carry water and snacks.

2pm (GaLLipoLi parK) It’s now time to take in some culture.

Located along Falls Road, Marysville, the popular Gallipoli Park underwent a $1.8 million park redevelopment after the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.

One of the many characters at Bruno’s Art Gallery.

Among the features are a children’s playground and a reflective garden.

The park restoration comprises three main components - The Kin Playspace, Reflective Garden and the New Life Sculpture.

Gallipoli Park includes a gazebo and ‘garden rooms’, and the New Life Sculpture.

The sculpture is a permanent symbol of new life in the community so visitors should take time to reflect and to enjoy this space.

3.30pm (bruno’s arT GaLLery) This simply had to be included on the list.

This destination features the original, unique artworks of local sculpture and painter Bruno Torfs.

Nestled among the rainforest setting lives a collection of unforgettable characters, lovingly hand-crafted by Bruno from clay and fired on-site in his kiln.

Bruno Torfs’ creativity knows no bounds.

Also located on Falls Road, this is truly a world of beauty and fantasy that visitors can immerse themselves in for hours.

5pm (marysviLLe LoLLy shop) With such a big day now in the bag, it’s probably time for a sugar fix.

Complete with an endless variety of lollies, including the favourites many may remember as a kid - English Sherbet Fountains, Castlemaine Rock and the old ‘Yorkie’ - there will be plenty of chances to indulge.

Located at 8 Murchison Street, Marysville, this stop-off will be the sweet spot in what will have been an unforgettable day.

ANNETTE.AUTHORISEDCELEBRANT@GMAIL.COM | www.annettefitzgerald.com | 0413604317

For more information on these destinations, visit www.marysvilletourism. com.

Touristnews

12370104-ACM49-17

In addition, the shop often stocks local crafts, foods and skincare products.

SUMMER 2017/2018 11

12357207-JV35-17

12 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

Healesville “Grand� Hotel Open 7 days - 11:30am till late Happy Hour Fri 4- 6pm Restaurant - Beer Garden- Balcony - Bottle Shop - Accommodation 270 Maroondah Highway Healesville T: 5962 4003 W: healesvillegrandhotel.com.au E: info@grandhotelhealesville.com.au Onsite Accommodation available both in the Hotel and a short stroll from the Hotel Drive Thru Bottle Mart Open 7 Days a week

12357209-JV35-17

SUMMER IN DANDENONG RANGES Puffing Billy

Olinda falls

The much-loved steam train is synonymous with Belgrave, and is a symbol of the Dandenong Ranges.

Located in the Olinda Reserve and accessed via Falls road, Olinda Falls is only a five-minute drive from the township. Visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air, soaring gum trees, and the sonorous sound of a stream, which as you walk closer builds into the rushing sound of a waterfall. In summer the waterfalls are the perfect place to take a dip and cool off while listening to the many distinctive birds that call Sherbrooke Forest their home.

Each day it departs on its journey through the green and lush hills of the Dandenongs, passing over the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge on its way to Gembrook. In the summer, Puffing Billly offers a relaxing respite from the oppressive heat as the train winds its way through the cool gullies of the Dandenongs.

sherBrOOke fOrest The towering gum trees of Sherbrooke Forest back onto the township of Belgrave, and within minutes visitors are enveloped in a world of lush fern trees, all manner of moss and colourful fungi, and an incredible collection of wildlife which stares curiously at you through the brush. Parrots and lorikeets dart in and out of trees and lyrebirds run across walking tracks that wind their way through the Dandenong Ranges. Summer proves the perfect time to escape the heat, with the forest providing shade and cool climate temperatures. emerald lake Park Emerald Lake Park is one of the premier park and tourist attractions in the Dandenong Ranges. As one of the destination points for the iconic Puffing Billy, the park offers a range of activities including picnics, walking trails, paddleboats and fishing - something for everyone. the secret lOOkOut - kyeema track Rather than pay entry at SkyHigh, another view can be found only a few kilometres away that offers spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline. Amid the cool ferny glades and lush towering native Mountain Ash, Kyemma track is only a 500-metre walk to an old hang-gliding takeoff sight where visitors can take in the expansive view of Melbourne and beyond. Just as breath-taking at night as it by day, there is plenty to see and you may even see a Superb Lyrebird or curious echidna wandering across the trail. From the car park on Osprey Road, follow Kyeema Track along the ridge to the view point.

King Henry Arts Cafe 9AM TO 5PM. 7 DAYS A WEEK BEAUTIFUL HOME-BAKED GOODS, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DEVONSHIRE TEA, AFTERNOON TEA, BAR SNACKS, GAMES ON THE DECK, GIANT CHESS ON THE LAWN, AND A WANDER THROUGH OUR BEAUTIFUL GARDENS, ALL ON OFFER FOR YOU TO ENJOY TODAY, TOMORROW AND EVERYDAY!

320 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD, SASSAFRAS, VIC 3787

14 SUMMER 2017/2018

12370806-HM49-17

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

Touristnews

SUMMER IN DANDENONG xxxxxxxxxx RANGES

In summer the Olinda waterfalls are the perfect place to take a dip and cool off.

12372577-LN49-17

Australia's Favourite Steam Steam Train Train Australia's Favourite

Buy Buy tickets tickets online online Touristnews

1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, VIC 3160 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, VIC 3160 email: info@pbr.org.au email: info@pbr.org.au

Telephone: (03) 9757 0700 Telephone: (03) 9757 0700 www.puffingbilly.com.au/touristnews www.puffingbilly.com.au/touristnews

1231967-33-16

Puffing u Billy travels travelsthrough through Puffing P u Billy tthe h magnificent magnificent forests forests tthe h a n and fern gullies ofthe the aand n fern gullies of Dandenong Ranges.

Ranges.

D D Dandenong E n Enjoy an authentic authenticExcursion Excursion E n Enjoy an T r Train journey or travel first T r Train journey or travel first cclass aboard the the daily daily cclass ll aboard ‘‘Steam S & Cuisine CuisineLuncheon’, Luncheon’, ‘‘Steam S & w which offers offers aa delicious new and and w which d delicious g le gluten freethree threecourse coursesummer menu m menu (bookings essential). ((bookings b essential).

SUMMER 2017/2018 15

suMMer in DanDenonG ranGes

Discover profounD peace in the hills

By Peter Douglas LET’S face it - not all of us want to jump out of a plane or abseil from great heights to get our kicks.

Some of us just need time to reflect, spend time with nature and replenish the spirit.

One of the most tranquil places you’ll find in the Dandenong Ranges, where you can find that inner peace, is the internationally renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary.

Hidden away in a dense inlet along the winding Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, the sanctuary offers a natural setting in which many mystical sculptures lie half-hidden among the ferns along the pathways.

The sanctuary provides a unique experience, with an art gallery and culturally significant forest-style garden.

1057586-SH10-13

Journey the pathways and discover many mystical creatures.

• Wedding Packages Available •

A VISIT to Grants on Sherbrooke is always a pleasure.

Located in the Dandenong Ranges this well known refreshment icon has catered to tourists and locals since the 1950s. Owner/operators, Cheryl and Geoff Campbell completed refurbishments late in 2005 doubling the size of the original building.

Grants specialise in Australian seasonal cooking and guests can dine in air conditioned comfort indoors or by the cosy log fire in winter. In summer, guests can dine alfresco among the natural bush setting.

Browse in the Gift Shop, which has one of the largest ranges of quality Australiana Gifts and Souvenirs east of Melbourne.

Our services include: • New Menu • Licensed Café • Functions - from 15 to 120 guests • Devonshire Tea

The floor to ceiling windows in the restaurant allow patrons to view the natural Australian bushland with rosellas, kookaburras, lyrebirds, cockatoos, wallabies and even the occasional echidna wandering around. Grants is the only place in Victoria where visitors are permitted to hand feed the native birds. 9am to 5pm in feeding area only.

• Extensive Range of Gifts & Australiana Souvenirs • Light Meals • Cosy Log Fire • Take-Away Food • Indoor and Alfresco Dining

• Events • Disabled Facilities and Access • Open 7 days 9am to 5pm • Evenings by arrangement

Grants Picnic Ground • 70 Monbulk Road, Kallista • Phone 9755 2888 Melways Ref 75K4 www.grantsonsherbrooke.com.au 16 SUMMER 2017/2018

touristnews

SUMMER IN DANDENONG RANGES One of the most alluring features for sanctuary-venturers are the more than 90 sculptures by artist and environmentalist William Ricketts, which lie cradled in dense greenery.

To enhance the experience, visitors are invited to take an audio tour of the sanctuary, which brings to life the work and passion of William Ricketts.

The tour provides much insight into Ricketts, particularly the time spent with communities in Central Australia.

Ricketts had a clear message to the Australian people regarding the relationship between our natural environment and Indigenous people.

He believed that all Australians should adopt Aboriginal philosophies, respecting the spirituality of Mother Earth and all things in the natural world.

Some of his works throughout the grounds also depict his feelings on the takeover and devastation of white man into the natural environment.

Carved into rocks and tree trunks that dot the paths that flow throughout the property, the themes in his artwork reflect his philosophies of connections with human nature and the earth.

So why not pay a visit and take time to unlock the history and natural connection to the land, through taking the 500-metre audio tour.

MP3 players are available for hire at the sanctuary.

Alternatively, the tracks are available for download.

The paths are easily accessible and adequate seating is provided for visitors.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling particularly inspired to continue the spiritual journey, there are plenty of options throughout the beautiful region.

For example, there is the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens (previously known as the National Rhododendron Garden).

Or the George Tindale Gardens, with a beautiful array of flora set amid a rock garden and set against a backdrop of Mountain Ash trees.

The Piranda Garden (Olinda) and Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden are also a popular option among visitors, photographers or those just seeking to escape the rat race for a few hours.

Most gardens offer free entry, though it’s best to check www.parkweb.vic. gov.au for opening times and information.

OPEN SINCE 1958

12370228-LN49-17

World FamousTraditional Bavarian Buffet!

Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner.

Entertainment, yodelling, the Bells & traditional Floor show! bookings - 03 9751 1003 - 508 mount dandenong tourist road - olinda www.cuckoorestaurant.com.au - info@cuckoorestaurant.com.au - @cuckoofeast Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 17

ranges hisTory

surprising hisTory of The hills

By Peter Douglas THERE are more reasons to love the Dandenong Ranges than the summer edition of Tourist News can cover.

Though one aspect that is worth exploring is the deep history embedded within all the popular tourist destinations that visitors may come across.

So, when you’re out ‘n’ about exploring this summer, why not consider the following while enjoying an outing in the hills.

Day-trippers: They loved the region even in the early 1900s. When motoring was in its infancy, from about 1913 onwards, the Dandenongs were among Victoria’s most desirable destinations.

Volcano: Geologists have estimated that 300 million years ago a large volcano existed in the region that now goes by the name of Mount Dandenong.

First inhabitants: The Wurrundjeri and Bunurong tribes were believed to have arrived about 20,000 years ago.

Source: The Dandenong Ranges by Nick Anchen

Steam surrounds the much-loved Puffing Billy in Emerald.

Picture: ROB CAREW

12336226-PB13-17

12371493-HM49-17

61 – 63 Yarra Street, Warrandyte Phone: 9844 0365 Come and relax in this unique tranquil bush garden cafe SEASONAL MENU AND FULLY LICENSED (specialising in wines sourced from local Australian wineries) EXTENSIVE DELICIOUS BREAKFAST MENU (Eggs Benedict our most popular) GOURMET LUNCHES (Specials board changes often) Large selection of Herbal Teas & Devonshire Teas available THE BEST EVER COFFEE Open 7 Days a Week 8.00am – 5.00pm Rear on-site car park ample room for buses

Ultimate Weddings & Cocktail Parties up to 60 18 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

STANDING TALL IN TIMBER COUNTRY

By Kath Gannaway THERE’S so much to discover about the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre.

Now operating as a cafe and community space under the wings of the local community, the impressively-scaled timber building is itself the first exciting discovery.

As you drive along the main Toolangi road through the forests, you catch a glimpse of something that invites another look.

The architect-designed building made from Victorian timbers including locally grown messmate and mountain ash, blends into the landscape and maintains a connection with the surrounding bush both inside and out.

Step inside and you will discover the unique Ecology Cafe run by barrista Wirrun Sky who has honed his skills in the cafe-culture capital of the Yarra Valley, Healesville.

The menu changes regularly, but is best described as contemporary-style with a twist.

It is overseen by a Michelin Star winning chef who utilises bush ingredients as much as possible. When it comes to meat dishes, hoofed animals are largely off the menu.

Rabbit is a favourite meat and Ginger Mick’s wild rabbit pies got rave reviews as part of a C J Dennis Poetry Festival dinner recently.

Soups, focaccias and hand-made breads are regular menu items with delicious cakes, biscuits and desserts including such treats as apple, chocolate and mint pastries, lemon myrtle cheese cake, black-bean brownies and orange and poppy-seed muffins.

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free foods are available.

You may discover something about the bush, a local artist or a fascinating aspect of history in the gallery.

The current exhibition celebrates the 150th anniversary of the description of Leadbeater’s Possum as a new species in 1867.

Thought to be extinct, it was re-discovered in 1961.

And, you may discover things about Toolangi and the surrounding districts that you never knew.

The Committee of Management members who greet you are passionate

Ecology Cafe. locals with a wealth of knowledge about the bush and the history of the area ... and who love sharing it.

Keep an eye on the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre Facebook page for upcoming exhibitions and events, including film nights.

Ecology Cafe is open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and the cafe and centre is available for functions by arrangement.

Phone Steve on 0447 330 863 for inquiries.

Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre 1683 Healesville-Kinglake Road, Toolangi

now open Open 10am-4pm Saturday- sunday or book your next function or special event Offering locally roasted organic coffee, teas, hot chocolate and cold drinks, light meals, cakes and snacks, milkshakes and ice cream.

Our menu of classic and contemporary dishes incorporates Australian bush foods.

We also offer 2nd hand books for sale, exhibitions ’of the day’- both art and educational and a theatrette showing ’forest films.

12365755-ACM49-17

Located between towering Messmate Stringybarks and Mountain Grey Gums, inside the unique and iconic, Forest Discovery Centre building on Main Road in Toolangi.

While you’re here check out the Toolangi Sculpture Trail or go for a stroll through the forest to the Yea River.

Bookings/enquiries please contact 0447 330 863 Touristnews

Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre Pop-Up Cafe SUMMER 2017/2018 19

yarra valley snapshoT

Top siTes To visiT

By Derek SchlennSteDt THE PENINSULA TUNNELS Located on the Yarra River, only 14km east of Warburton is the Big and Little Peninsula Tunnel. Created by prospectors in the 1800s to help scour the river for gold, the tunnel and sluice created has itself become a golden location for families to cool off.

Today, it is a lovely place to explore, enjoy a picnic or a swim and the watercourse at the tunnel’s entrance has created a lovely pool that is almost spa-like.

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, just one hour from Melbourne in the stunning Yarra Valley. Wander through the tranquil tracks and meet some iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus. With sprinklers dotted throughout the grounds and a river for kids as well as animals to lay-in, there’s always something to do and see at Healesville Sanctuary in summer.

STEAVENSON FALLS An easy 700 metre walk takes you to an awe-inspiring view of one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. Only minutes from Marysville the waterfalls plummet a massive 84 metres and have been a local favourite since the 1860s.

Whether it’s huge volumes pounding down over towering cliffs or pounding rocks over a series of mini-falls before swirling into pools of crystal-clear water, the first sight of a waterfall, and the touch of fine mist on your face is magical.

DONNA BUANG

Kids can enjoy playing at the Seville Water Play Park.

With a nearly 10 degree drop in temperature for every 1000 metres above sea level, the place to go in summer to escape the blistering heat is upwards.

At an elevation of 1245 metres high, Mt Donna Buang in Warburton offers panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and an escape from the summer heat.

Great for picnics and bushwalks Mt Donna Buang also has a fresh spring for hikers to fill up their water bottles with crystal clear cool waters straight form the heart of the mountain.

Yarra Valley Aviation is based at Lilydale Airport (13 McIntyre Lane, Yering) in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, just 45 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

12359793-HM35-17

With over 30 years experience in the photographic industry, Ric Wallis created PhotoEscapades and Teamed up with Yarra Valley aviation to take small groups of amateur photographers to remote locations using luxurious 8 to 10 seat aircraft. “The trips are a lot of fun,” Ric said. “They’re exciting. We provide our customers with a wonderful experience while taking their photography to new levels.”

To find out more about PhotoEscapades, call Ric on 0418 365 566 or visit www.photoescapades.com.au.

0418 365 566

20 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

27 December 2017-14 January 2018 Australia Day weekend 26-28 January 2018 Experience the exhilaration of a 240 metre dual

slide down the Tube Run or join in a game of Laser Skirmish. Explore the resorts

Flying Fox,

ski and walking trail network on foot or hire a

mountain bike from the Lake Mountain Cafe open for refreshments and home to a giant Jumping Castle!

12370056-HM49-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 21

sUMMer iN Yarra ValleY

Cafe offers hills baCkdrop

FAMILY FRIENDLY CAFE * LOCALLY OWNED

-207 MAROONDAH HIGHWAY, HEALESVILLE, 3777 OPEN MON-SAT 7AM-5PM SUN 8AM-4PM CLOSED TUESDAY

Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch as well as morning and afternoon tea, The Valley Grind caters for both private functions in the cafe and also delivers to customers outside its premises.

And as owner Karen Odermatt explained, the recently opened cafe is yet to expand its horizons throughout the coming warmer months.

“Our cafe is cosy and inviting and can offer seating up to 16 people outside,” Karen said.

“We plan to open in the warmer weather for Friday and Saturday night tapas, beer and wine.”

With a team of friendly staff and a chef with nearly two decades of experience under their belt, the cafe can cater for various food allergies and all staff have undertaken coffee training.

And with a focus on supporting the local community, The Valley Grind stocks various teas and coffee products as well as the internationally popular Joco cups.

The store also intends to offer local chocolates and biscuits in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Valley Grind Cafe is located at 207 Maroondah Highway Healesville.

For more information, phone 5962 3848 or find them on Facebook for the cafe’s latest special offers and menus.

Victoria’s BEST BACON

Victoria’s BEST SAUSAGES 2011-2012

2005-2012

Victoria’s BEST CABANA 2009-2010 1012193-SH48-11

A local family run business, Healesville’s The Valley Grind Cafe provides scrumptious food, affordable prices and a cosy environment for guests to sit back and enjoy summer in the hills.

Top Butcher 12365796-HM49-17

22 SUMMER 2017/2018

Steve & Shane Tel: 5962 5071

Winner State Championship 209 Maroondah Hwy For Best Bacon & Sausages 2005, 2009, 2011 & 2012 Healesville Vic. 3777 Touristnews

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

ScULpTURES STANd TEST of TIME

By Kath Gannaway ON the edge of the forest, just up from the Toolangi Discovery Centre, a rustic gate invites you in.

In 1996 nine artists descended on Toolangi Forest to each create a sculpture using the materials the forest had to offer.

While some survived the ravages of time and the deliciously damp Toolangi environment, few in fact remained intact with most in various states of decay, or reclaimed by the forest.

It was all part of the plan which spoke to the cycle of life in the forest.

In 2016, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Toolangi Sculpture Trail, 15 artists revisited the original concept and over 14 days invested the trail with brilliant, thoughtful, quirky sculptures, siting their works among the remnants of the original collection.

The trail is an easy and tranquil 1.5 kilometre walk. The sculptures at time leap out, such as the field of white branches strewn among the green of the forest floor, a colourful owl watching from above draws the

eye to the upper canopy.

“The family” by Toolangi sculptor Savaad Felich also look skyward.

The family figures, carved from recycled jarrah warehouse timbers are situated beneath a canopy of tall trees for which Toolangi is renowned.

The group is viewing the majestic height of the trees leading upwards and skywards, encouraging the viewer to look beyond our sphere.

‘Syzygy’ by Brigit Heller has been created from dead branches that reflect on the different stages of a fallen tree. The symbolism of the circle and its reflection on the continuum of life is one of the trail’s most outstanding works.

Take a walk on the quiet side, and discover why art and nature are so enticing.

The Toolangi Sculpture Trail, part of the Toolangi Bushland Reserve, is open every day, in all weather, and entry is free.

Visit toolangisculpture.com for more information.

Gateway to forest sculpture. 174936

Quirky wildlife. 174936

Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

The family by Savaad Felich.

174936

DEN OF ANTIQUITIES Dorothy & Mike Winter 12365792-HM49-17

Sale on now... plus off, 20% come in store to grab a bargain.

Buyers and Sellers of Antiques 1239216-ACM50-16

25a Bell Street, Yarra Glen 3775 Fax & Phone: 9730 2111 Dorothy Mobile: 0413 454 966 Mike Mobile: 0414 934 363 Email: denofantiqities@gmail.com

Ph: 5962 5334

CLOSED TUESDAYS Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 23

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

ARTIST bY dESIgN

By Kath Gannaway COMING from a fashion background designing for such names as Trent Nathan, Marianna Hardwick, Jag-Adele Palmer and Bettina Liano, it is not surprising that Andrew Peerman looked to the visual arts when he made a career change six years ago.

Human form, balance, proportion, colour and texture are at the heart of what he used to do, and at the heart of the portraiture and landscapes that are now both his passion and his work.

His latest exhibition is a selection of portraits at Art Framed Yarra Valley gallery space in Healesville. The works are done with pencil and ash on high quality rag paper, creating a result that is at once honest and intriguing.

ANDREW PEERMAN PORTRAITS

Andrew’s style of drawing is hectic, with rapid, concentrated layering applied with intense crosshatching and varied line-work which produces a realistic life-like image. The gallery space allows the works to be seen from a distance highlighting the accurate depiction of the subjects, but it is also fascinating to observe the details of Andrew’s work when viewed up close.

Andrew Peerman Portraits Exhibition is on show at Art Framed over summer. Commissions are available on request.

PENCIL ON PAPER DRAWINGS COMMISSION WORK Gallery Exhibition at Art Framed Gallery Yarra Valley over the summer period 252A Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 andrewpeerman@gmail.com / 0401 761 242 12370771-DJ49-17

Artist Andrew Peerman.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Open daily 6:30am - 6pm except Christmas Day 24 SUMMER 2017/2018

12371354-ACM49-17

Now double it.

Touristnews

suMMer in yarra Valley

Jewellery that tugs at heartstrings Handmade and influenced by the heart, Mount Evelyn’s Jodee Creations design and produce unique nature-inspired jewellery.

Adopting a boho luxe feel, Jodee Creations original jewellery range is designed and created by artist and local businesswoman, Jodie Westall-Kimpton.

Where possible, Jodee’s jewellery is largely handmade from Australian materials. The exotic, intricate and earthy variations in the pieces incorporate superior materials including sterling silver, rose gold, sustainably managed wood, hand pored resin, Australian opals, eye catching fabrics and semi-precious stones.

“One of the focus’ behind Jodee Creations is to produce pieces that have a personal meaning that connect the buyer,” Jodee said.

“As a part of our award-winning service, we offer customers the ability to order their own custom-designed and made Jodee Creations piece. For those that wish to place their own stamp on our already successful designs, our pieces can be personalised with details such as names and dates or hand painted by our head designer.”

With a passion for design, colour and travel, Jodee has combined flavours of the world within her store, housing beautiful items including cushions, throws, clothing, handbags and purses, and additional jewellery items to add a splash of colour to her customers’ lives.

To discover more about Jodee Creations head to 4 York Road in Mount Evelyn or visit www.jodeecreations.com.au. Like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to their newsletter to stay informed about specials and latest releases.

Alpine Retreat Hotel 4 YORK RD MT EVELYN VIC or shop online @ jodeecreations.com.au

Wood, Silver, Handmade Jewellery, Made Personalised Gifts, Australiana, Jewellery, Wedding Locally Ideas, Cake Toppers Homewares, Australiana, Gifts, Prints & Soy Candles

•฀Catering฀for฀Weddings,฀Parties, Functions & Conferences •฀Fantastic฀views฀ •฀Dinner฀7฀nights,฀Lunch฀Thursdays฀through฀to฀Sunday •฀2฀minutes’฀walk฀into฀the฀township 3340 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5966 2411 www.alpineretreat.com.au 1236881-DJ32-16

touristnews

Designed / Made in AUSTRALIA

9736 4336

Mon - Wed 9.00 -4.30, Thurs - Fri 9.00 -5.00, Sat 9.30- 1.30 CLOSED SUNDAY OR CALL US FOR A PRIVATE OPENING 12366234-LB49-17

SUMMER 2017/2018 25

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

FAcToR IN ART dRAwcARd

By Peter Douglas One’s first thought about the Yarra Ranges’ biggest drawcards may be the stunning views or the incredible wineries.

But it shouldn’t be forgotten the region also plays host to a thriving, vibrant art community.

Throughout the Yarra Ranges, art-lovers don’t need to look too hard to find a great place to view some incredible pieces of art.

From the visually impressive Burrinja Cultural Centre in the south of the region, to the Tarrawarra Museum of Art in the north, and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to stop in and discover local exhibition.

Take for example, Burno’s Art and Sculpture Garden, where you’ll find the original and unique artworks of sculptor and painter, Bruno Torfs.

Or, why not consider a trip to the Warburton Water Wheel.

More than just a local tourist attraction, the Waterwheel is home to a handmade shop, a hub for local wine and an art gallery.

Meanwhile, ponder a trip to the stunning Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale, which features exhibition spaces, programs for all ages and abilities, a resource library, museum shop and more.

Performance art at Burrinja: From left, Emily Huybers, Sam Brew and Miranda Walker. Picture: ROB CAREW

HERE’S oUR Top SELEcTIoN oF pLAcES To ExpLoRE LocAL ART: ■ ■ ■

Toolangi Sculpture Trail Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden Arts Centre, Warburton

■ ■ ■

Warburton Waterwheel Tarrawarra Museum of Art Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

■ ■ ■

William Ricketts Sanctuary Sherbrooke Art Society Burrinja Cultural Centre

For more details, visit www.visityarravalley.com.au or www.visitdandenongranges.com.au.

OF

F E R . Y V TO U

U

TO

V OFFER. Y

IAL EC SP

*

R

ECIAL OFFE

R.

L

T. SP

Y

A

IS

f

RI

.

ST

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY Book today

*Valid off 14,000ft tandem skydives only. Not available with any other discount or offer. Valid until 30/06/2017.

$3 of 0

MELBOURNE • GREAT OCEAN ROAD • YARRA VALLEY 12330543-50-16

26 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

GET YoUR MoToRS RUNNIN’

By Kath Gannaway IF it’s horsepower that gets your engines revving, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have plenty on offer.

If the glint of sunlight hitting the chrome of a classic Chrysler makes your heart skip a beat, or the rumble of a magnificent old Indian makes you want to take to the road, you’ll be in your element at any one of the region’s popular summer car shows.

Car and bike shows bring thousands of people to the hills and valleys each summer, and while there’s a lot of under the bonnet turbo-gazing, and no shortage of swapping stories of piston passion, you don’t have to be a petrol-head to appreciate just why these shows are so popular.

‘Family friendly’ means everyone from toddlers to granddads with row after row of magnificent machines, music, children’s entertainment and activities, and fantastic food on offer.

The Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show run by the Rotary Club of Wandin on the third Wednesday of the month, it draws huge crowds from October through to March at the Wandin East Reserve.

An evening event, it is a great chance to appreciate the colour and spectacle of the main attraction, have a bite to eat and kick back to a band as the sun slowly disappears behind the treeline.

The All American Car Display and Man Cave Alley at Gembrook Sports Ground is another mega event with up to 500 hot rods, custom cars, classic, vintage and veteran American cars and trucks on display, there’s something to see for everyone.

Run by the Rotary Club of Emerald in conjunction with the Thunderbirds Rod and Custom Club, the 25th anniversary show on Sunday, 18 February, 2018, is bound to be something special.

The Pegasus Yarra Valley Car and Bike Show follows in the footsteps of the Mountain District Car and Bike Show which ran for 10 years in Healesville drawing people, cars and bikes from far and wide to the Don Road Sporting Complex. The turbo-powered one-day event will be held on Sunday, 18 March.

The Yarra Valley Chrome Bumpers get around 300 cars each month to their show, held in the Bunnings carpark at Chirnside Park on the second Friday of each month. The show, which starts at 7pm, is another great community event with proceeds going to support the Lilydale and Gruyere fire brigades.

Again the focus is on fabulous machines, family and fun.

Visit the links below for more details and make a local car show part of your summer experience. www.yarravalleychromebumpers.com www.facebook.com/Wandin-Rotary-Custom-Cars-Bike-Show-184020812067858/ www.facebook.com/Pegasus-Yarra-Valley-car-and-bike-show-396160824098045/ http://www.emeraldrotary.org.au/all-american/

All roads lead to Wandin.

Take a stroll on the wild side.

Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

The art of the bike.

Chromed up and looking good.

12345960-CB22-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 27

direcTory

direcTory

2

Healesville Walk Pharmacy

1. YARRA VALLEY BIKE HIRE

6. HEALESVILLE WALK PHARMACY

116 Main Street, Lilydale Tel:9735 1483 M: 0423 006 641 www.yarravalleybikehire.com info@yarravalleybikehire.com

Shop 3 - 251 Maroondah Highway Healesville Open 7 Days Tel: 5962 4165

7. BLUE WATER LOTUS FARM

6

2. LAKE MOUNTAIN

2628 Warbuton Highway, Yarra Junction www.bluelotus.com.au

3 4 9

Tel: 03 5957 7201 www.lakemountainresort.com.au

8

3. HEALESVILLE GRAND HOTEL

8. SANCTUARY HOUSE

270 Maroondah Highway, Healesville Tel: 5962 4003 www.healesvillegrandhotel.com.au Drive Thru Bottle Mart Open 7 Days

326 Badger Creek Rd, Healesville Phone: 5962 5148 Open for dinner Tues –Sat 6-9pm

1 7

4. BEECHWORTH BAKERY

9. GIANT STEPS

10

336 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 Phone: (03) 5962 6111 11am - late Thursday to Monday CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday

316 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville Phone:1300 233 784 Monday-Sunday 6:00am-6:00pm

5 MAP PROVIDED COURTESY OF

REGIONAL TOURISM WEBSITES •฀visitdandenongranges.com.au

5. FERNTREE GULLY HOTEL

•฀visityarravalley.com.au •฀visitwarburton.com.au

1130 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully Phone 9758 6544 28 SUMMER 2017/2018

ILLUSTRATIVETRAIL MAPS •฀visityarravalley.com.au/places-to-go/top-trails •฀visitdandenongranges.com.au/places-to-go/top-trails

Touristnews

Touristnews

10. SAGE HOTEL RINGWOOD 211 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood Phone: (03) 8845 1100 SUMMER 2017/2018 29

suMMeR in YaRRa VaLLeY

Racing is heaTing up

By Peter Douglas ALTHOUGH Melbourne’s famed Spring Racing Carnival is starting to cool down, summer racing in the Yarra Ranges is just heating up.

The region offers some of the most picturesque, enjoyable race-meet opportunities, with the historic and incredible facilities at Yarra Glen and Healesville providing the ultimate backdrop for a great day out.

Yarra Valley Racing at Yarra Glen will host many fantastic meets, including the Harness Christmas Race Day on Friday 15 December, the Christmas Race Day on Friday 22 December, and the Kids Race Day on Thursday 28 December.

Other top events over the warmer months include the Chill Out Race Day on Tuesday 9 January.

But the racing action doesn’t stop there, with the Blue Diamond Stakes Day to feature on Saturday 24 February.

Also, at the Healesville Races, the meets include the ever-popular Christmas Race Meeting on Saturday 2 December.

The always well-attended Healesville Cup will feature on Saturday 13 January.

Gates open at 11am with the first race set off at 1pm.

Meanwhile, for the fashion conscious, this season’s fashion is all about making a statement by wearing exotic prints and bold colours.

If not bold enough to wear bold, then a simple pastel will look spectacular.

So, this year, forget the city.

Racing in the Yarra Ranges has got you covered for your summer fix of horse racing!

Healesville Cup: Fashion on the Fields winner Mikayla Trotter of Rowville chats with compere Casey Bruce.

Pictures: GREG CARRICK

Bride to Be Chloe Kilkenny of Diamond Creek with her friends.

30 SUMMER 2017/2018

Racing calendar in the Yarra Ranges: December ■ Christmas Race Meeting: Healesville Racecourse; Saturday 2 December ■ Harness Christmas Raceday: Yarra Glen Racecourse; Friday 15 December (gates open at 11am) ■ Yarra Valley Christmas Party: Yarra Glen Racecourse; Friday 22 December ■ Kids Race Day: Yarra Glen Racecourse; Thursday 28 December January ■ Chill Out Race Day: Tuesday 9 January (Gates open at 11am) ■ Healesville Cup: Healesville Racecourse; Saturday 13 January ■ Australia Day Weekend Races: Saturday 27 January (open at 11am) February ■ Summer Race Meeting: Healesville Racecourse; Saturday 3 February ■ Picnics and Parties: Saturday 10 February (Gates open at 11am) ■ Blue Diamond Stakes Day: Saturday 24 February Tickets and packages are available online, or purchase tickets on the day.

More information at www.country.racing/yarra-valley or www.healesvilleraces.com.au.

The leaders come out of the bend.

Touristnews

12357137-ACM35-17

it’s a wonderful thing

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 31

suMMer IN yarra VaLLey

PuT your besT fooT forward

By Kath Gannaway ON Wednesday, 1 November just gone, a group of bushwalkers set off to walk over the mountains from Warburton to Walhalla in Gippsland.

They were recreating Dr Annie Yoffa’s 1928 four-day walk through the bush, but that’s not the only connection that the two towns have in common.

In the main street of Warburton sits Valda Street’s ‘Walhalla Warburton Boot Shop Gallery and Museum’.

The name goes some way to describing the story behind this fascinating repository of collectibles and ephemera, but step inside and you will soon discover that there is so much more to the building, and its owner.

The shop, originally the W.J. Bessell Boot Shop in in the 1800s gold-mining town of Walhalla, was moved to Warburton in 1913 where Mr Bessell carried on as the local bootmaker.

At one stage it was home to a visiting dentist, and it has had numerous other incarnations.

Valda says when she bought the shop she had no idea she was going to get so involved in the town. Her aim was to restore it - then decide on its future.

As layers unfolded she discovered the amazing history of the timber building which fits so beautifully into the Warburton streetscape.

Valda is passionate about Warburton’s unique history and strongly believes it should have its own museum.

Valda’s tribute to Sir ‘Weary’ ranges from photos and documents to a collection of much-loved hats.

Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

In the meantime, as a “compulsive collector” and history buff, she has created a space that is filled with her lifetime treasure trove of collectibles and historic memorabilia, much of it championing the people, places and events of Warburton.

A sign in the window accompanies a humble little commemorative book of the Royal Visit of 1954.

“The Queen and Prince Philip spent a weekend in Warburton in 1954. You should too” it suggests.

Phone Warburton Information Centre for more information on 5966 9600.

TERMINUS HOTEL HEALESVILLE OPEN 7 DAYS—10AM

TIL LATE

MELBA À LA CARTE DINING WITH SEASONAL MENUS LUNCH: 12PM-3PM

DINNER: 5PM-9PM

PUBLIC BAR & TAB TRADIE TUES. $12 STEAK NIGHT THU. $15

POT & PARMA WED. $19 HAPPY HOUR FRIDAY 4PM-5PM

DRIVE THRU BOTTLESHOP ACCOMODATION WITH 8 ENSUITE ROOMS

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SUNDAY 3PM-6PM BEER GARDEN TAB | Sports Bar | Rattle N Hum Dining & Bar | Melba Dining | Accommodation | Thirsty Camel Bottleshop

23 Harker St, Healesville VIC 3777 /terminushotelhealesville

Ph: (03) 5962 4011 12365795-DJ49-17

32 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY And there’s another link to a very different aspect of Australia’s, and Valda’s, history in a corner display dedicated to World War II hero Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.

Sir Edward returned to private medical practice after the war and Valda was his secretary for the last 15 years of his life.

While many of Sir Edward’s belongings went into official war archives, Valda has a very personal collection including years of appointment books and other items he would have used day to day in his work.

She is often asked about the great man.

“When you’re close to the mountain, you don’t realise how big the mountain is,” she says.

A review of the Walhalla Warburton Boot Shop Gallery and Museum on social media aptly describes Valda as “a very informative lady”.

“She has lots of stories to tell, so do not miss out on conversation with her as most of the display comprises items she has collected over her lifetime”.

Be sure to make time, a chat with Valda is very much part of the experience.

The Walhalla Warburton Boot Shop Gallery and Museum is at 3397 Warburton Highway, Warburton. Open weekends and public holidays from 11am to 4pm.

Phone Warburton Information Centre for more information on 5966 9600.

A vintage coffee maker is right at home among Warburton’s renowned cafe culture.

Beautifully crafted wooden boxes, manicure sets and thimbles are part of a huge collection.

Hat pins sparkle and gleam under lights.

VISIToRS coMMENTS: “Fantastic collection by Warburton’s greatest bowerbird.”

- David and Shirley Williams.

“Awesome! I love the buttons and beautiful fireplace.”

- James V. “My great-great-uncle knows this guy. He was awesome!”

- Olivia Robinson.

“Awesome, so is the owner,” - Daryl Jensen.

“Ahhh memories!”

- Chez Spykers.

“Great place. Nice history,” - Liam Robinson.

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead in the Yarra Valley

Experience YesterYear Enjoy our Guided Tour and see what it was like to live in an 1880s house with a timber slab kitchen.

Also included are the dairy which was used to produce milk and cream, vintage machinery to drive farm equipment and Blacksmiths to make and repair home and farm implements plus our beautiful gardens. Fun for the whole family.

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4.30pm. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.

71 Wellington Rd, Wandin North | T: 5964 2088 | www.montdelancey.org.au 12372414-DJ49-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 33

SUMMER IN YARRA VALLEY

The old building suits its new purpose to perfection.

Buttons galore.

And buttons more!

Remember matchboxes?

34 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

pArKS & gArDenS

Stepping out for the Sun

Student Jenny Do Ngoc at Grant’s Picnic Ground. 138398 IT’S that time of year where we get the barbeques going, the drinks flowing and get ready to have some fun in the sun.

Summer is the perfect chance to head outdoors to a favourite park or garden and spend quality time with friends and family.

The Yarra Ranges is packed with places to enjoy the ultimate day out, with opportunities that extend the day into bushwalking or sight-seeing.

Don’t forget to pack the essentials like a sun hat, sunscreen, some delicious food and cold drinks.

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park Situated in Reefton, about 24km east of Warburton along the Warburton Highway, you will find Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.

This is the perfect location for a summer getaway up in the high country.

The park is a great place to camp because it features a barbecue area, camp kitchen, picnic tables and shower facilities.

If you’ve got spare time, there are multiple walking tracks, and a short walk on Brimonga Walking Track will take you to the viewing platform at the top of the reservoir.

From the viewing platform, you can watch the water flow through the reservoir’s outlet basin as it begins its journey to Melbourne.

Blue Lotus Water Garden A popular Yarra Valley tourist attraction is the Blue Lotus Water Garden.

Since 2006, the water garden has impressed visitors with its flowing waterlilies and lotus.

The tropical-style garden is located in Yarra Junction and features over 14 acres of beautiful water flowers.

Some popular attractions include two lakes, dozens of ponds, sculpture fountains and two large green house displays jam packed of spectacular flowers. touristnews

But what really attracts people is the World’s Largest Amazon Water Lilly.

Yes, you did read that right!

The giant lilly is strong enough to support a small child.

It produces white 30cm flowers that eventually turn pink.

Grants Picnic Ground Whether you’re after a quiet picnic surrounded by angelic birds, an adventurous bush walk or to just enjoy the scenery, then Grants Picnic Ground is the perfect day trip.

This little treasure is located within the Sherbrook Forest and is within the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Grants Picnic Ground is well-known for visitors being able to feed the birds from a unique feeding area.

To access the bird feeding area, visitors must purchase a token from Grants on Sherbrooke where they will receive a measured amount of birdseed.

There are numerous picnic tables, a barbecue area and toilet facilities at the ground.

If you’re after a nice relaxing bush walk, the Margaret Lester Forest Walk is perfect for you.

It’s just 300m and is an easy level, allowing you to consume the breathtaking forest greenery.

For a bit more of a challenge, there is the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk it starts and ends at Grants Picnic Ground and is about 7km long.

Some further suggestions: Bollygum Park- Kinglake; Maroondah Reservoir - Healesville; McKenzie Reserve - Yarra Glen; Badger Weir Picnic Area - Badger Creek; Yarra Ranges National Park - Reefton; Belgrave Recreation Reserve - Belgrave; Millgrove Recreation Reserve - Millgrove; Montrose Brickworks Flora Reserve - Montrose; Powelltown Recreation Reserve - Powelltown; Everard Park - Healesville; Lillydale Lake - Lilydale.

SUMMER 2017/2018 35

PARKS & GARDENS

TAKE iN ThE wAlKS AND ThE viEwS

By Peter Douglas BLESSED with some of the most beautiful views in Victoria, what better way to view the Yarra Ranges than through trekking the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trial.

Walking, cycling and horse-riding are all encouraged, so there is no excuse not to get out there and explore the iconic 40km trail.

Although comprising many shorter sections, the trail essentially follows the path of the historic railway line through the Yarra Valley, with the start-point located behind Lilydale Railway Station and finish-point at the stunning township of Warburton.

In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery and inspiring bushland, some of the high points include an old rail turntable, tunnels and many restored bridges.

The rail trail is ideal for any fitness level and makes for a great family day out.

To make this much-loved tourist destination even more family friendly, Yarra Ranges Council has recently completed the installation of new seating and historical signage.

More than 30 bench and picnic seats have been installed, along with stencilling and line-marking to improve safety.

Also, the council, in collaboration with the Mount Evelyn History Group, has developed first-aid post signage which shares the story of railway staff who travelled by rail to the area - from around the state - to be trained in first-aid.

Mount Evelyn History Group President Paula Herlihy said the historical sheds at the site were used to stage the Victorian Railway first-aid competitions from 1910s to 1990s.

“The site was donated to the Victorian Railways Commissioners by Blanche Mitchell, the daughter-in-law of David Mitchell,” she said.

“David Mitchell was the father of Dame Nellie Melba.

“Mr Mitchell owned the Cave Hill Quarries and built the Royal Exhibition Building, Menzies Hotel and Scots Church.”

Mount Evelyn History Group President Paula Herlihy at a first-aid post.

Walking options along the trail include: ■ Lilydale to Mount Evelyn (6.9km); ■ Mount Evelyn to Wandin (5.6km); ■ Wandin to Seville (4.1km); ■ Seville to Killara (3.6km); ■ Killara to Woori Yallock (4.4km); ■ Woori Yallock to Launching Place (6.8km); ■ Launching Place to Yarra Junction (2.4km); ■ Yarra Junction to Millgrove (5.1km); ■ Millgrove to Warburton (3.3km).

For more details on the rail trail, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

>L VɈLY KHPS` N\PKLK [V\YZ YHPU OHPS VY ZOPUL [OYV\NO V\Y THZZP]L NSHZZOV\ZL

^P[O V]LY ÅV^LYPUN NLYILYH VU ZOV^

Come and and meet our herd of alpacas! alpacass! friendly herd Wander through our gardens or relax at the Big Bouquet cafe nestled in the beautiful Yarra Valley. p featuring g a wide selection io on of Peruse our g gift shop alpaca p wear at ...

6WLU KHPS` MYVT HT [V WT KHPS` MYVT HT

HT T [V WT

free free entry enttry

27 BAR BARAK RAK K LANE LAN ANE HEALESVILLE H HE EA ESVILL EALE EAL LE

59 622 283

www.bigbouquet.com 12324175-CB50-16

36 SUMMER 2017/2018

The profile of the former rail trail is very evident at Seville. 171583 Touristnews

ParKs & GarDens

WarburTon’s in The sWim

By Kath Gannaway Warburton may not have a swimming pool, but it has some of the best natural swimming spots in the Yarra Valley.

The Yarra River is a mecca for locals and visitors with some great swimming holes, beaches and paddling spots to be found between the caravan park at the La La end of town and the heart of the town in Thomas Avenue.

Close to its source, the waters of the magnificent Yarra River are beautifully clear and clean as the water flows down from the mountains through moss-covered fern gullies, tumbling over rocks and creating an environment that is equally as wonderful for paddling as it is for the excitement of tackling the rapids in canoe, kayak or riding flat out on the iconic lilo.

Recent improvements to the riverbank behind the main street shops have addressed problems with erosion and make accessing the river easier.

The result with rock slabs creating ‘natural’ platforms as stepping off points to the most popular swimming holes, is not only practical, but has enhanced the aesthetics of the riverbank.

With the character-filled main street with its cafes and boutique shops just metres away, there’s simply no better way to cool off over summer than a day on the Yarra River at Warburton.

Pack the togs, beach towels and sunscreen, and whether you opt for a picnic on the grass, fish and chips as you dangle your feet in the water, or a more formal lunch at one of the cafes, summer just doesn’t get any better than down by the water at Warby!

Rockwork along the riverbank adds to the appeal.

Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

Paddle or swim - or both!

Warratina Lavender Farm - Summer Events Lavender Harvest Time Open฀9.00-5.00฀ Wednesday฀to฀Monday Closed฀Tuesdays Hourly Tours:฀ Book฀online฀or฀ phone฀Breakfasts,฀ Devonshire฀Teas,฀ Lunches,฀licensed

•฀Tea฀Rooms:฀breakfast฀&฀daily฀menu฀as฀per฀website฀•฀Gift฀Shop฀•฀Garden฀walks฀•฀Large฀car฀park:฀cars฀&฀coaches •฀Group฀bookings฀•฀Lavender฀presentations฀•฀Exhibitions฀as฀per฀website฀•฀Catering฀for฀special฀functions฀•฀Weddings

OPEN 9AM - 5PM WEDNESDAY TO MONDAY 105 QUAYLE ROAD, WANDIN YALLOCK P: 5964 4650 WWW.WARRATINALAVENDER.COM.AU 12371495-CG49-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 37

ParKs & Gardens Alowyn Garden provides a wonderful seasonal display of many types of gardening styles.

Garden nurtures the soul There are two forests, the birch forest heavily under-planted with bulbs, hellebores, cyclamen and iris and a casuarina forest mixed in with other Australia native plants. Between these forests lies the edible garden, featuring avenues of fruit trees with vegetable, herb and edible flower plantings happily mixed in.

Through a high hedge is the French inspired garden with rows of shady trees, mass planted bearded iris and three ponds with fountains. Back into the main gardens, three smaller gardens lead into the dry garden, rarely watered but happy in the heat of summer.

Alowyn is also home to a growing number of events and activities, including birthday parties, group visits and weddings. This summer will feature basket making, painting and succulent frame making. Alowyn is also a popular place for seasonal weddings with the central Victorian fountain a classic backdrop for a wonderful occasion.

Located at 1210 Melba Highway in Yarra Glen, these beautiful seasonal gardens are open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, however visitors are encouraged to phone on (03) 9730 2400 for clarification of closing times on weekends. Follow them on Facebook for garden updates.

12371353-DJ49-17

LOCATED in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Alowyn Gardens and Nursery provides an informative and soul-nurturing experience for anyone interested in experiencing beautiful gardens.

Work first started at Alowyn in 1997, with extensive clearing of the weed and blackberry infested paddocks. With only five trees on 56 acres, a soil management plan began to revitalise the soil, which had been depleted over 20 years from use as a trotting stud.

The first tree was planted in 1999 and now, 18 years on, Alowyn has developed into a lush, green oasis containing nine distinct garden styles, an exciting range of plants in the extensive nursery and an array of interesting garden sculpture, beautiful pots and unusual items in the gift shop.

Key areas of the garden include the 100-metre wisteria archway, a freestanding timber and steel structure designed to show off the spectacular wisteria display in October and the parterre garden with Dutch, Korean and English buxus formed into interesting shapes and the perennial border offering a continuous seasonal display of grasses, shrubs, succulents and colourful perennials.

2013

WINNER of Tourism Ministers Award

oor plant • New ind a re a culent • New suc cor ner collectors t and • New po play area statue dis

Alowyn welcomes Summer 2017. Open seven days a week Admission Fee for Gardens apply - Group Bookings essential.

1210 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen. Melways 267 G9 Phone (03) 9730 2400 www.alowyngardens.com.au 38 SUMMER 2017/2018

touristnews

CRYSTAL BROOK

12336224-ACM13-17

ACCOMMODATION

TOURIST PARK Crystal Brook Tourist Park is a perfect combination of a city park with the atmosphere and natural attractions of a bush park and its wildlife. It’s the perfect base from which to explore some of Melbourne’s and Victoria’s great attractions and events. It is located within an easy drive of the CBD of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and has public transport at the front gate.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES INCLUDE: • Range of cabins and villas • Powered, ensuite and tent sites • Heated alfresco BBQ area • Camp Kitchen • Fully equipped laundry

• Jumping pillow, games room • Heated pool • Pet friendly sites and cabins (Conditions apply) • We welcome group bookings • New Off Leash Area

Crystal Brook Tourist Park 182 Heidelberg - Warrandyte Rd, Doncaster East 3109 (Melway Map 34 F3)

THE

FERNTREE GULLY HOTEL Located at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, The Ferntree Gully Hotel or “The Middle” as it’s referred to by locals has a lot to offer and is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the picturesque surroundings. Or extend your stay in one of our 35 newly refurbished accomodations rooms.

Phone: 03 9844 3637 Email: info@cbtp.com.au Web: www.cbtp.com.au

Features include: Dining & Sports Bar - Feast, Ferntree Gully’s favourite local buffet - Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner - Live entertainment & touring shows in Sports Bar - BWS bottle store onsite Accomodation - 35 refurbished rooms - Queen, Twin, Family Suites and Spa Rooms - Complimentray Wi-Fi - Free on-site parking Local Attractions - Dandenong Ranges National Park - Famous 1000 Steps Trail - Puffing Billy Steam Train

Ferntree Gully Hotel 1130 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully, VIC 3156 www.ferntreegullyhotel.com.au ferntreegully.hotel@alhgroup.com.au 03 9758 6544 12357153-RC35-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 39

ACCOMMODATION

EpITOME Of sTylE WITH their outstanding reputation for providing traditional, upscale hotels that offer services and spaces that are hallmarks of luxury, Next Story Group have delivered Sage Hotel Ringwood at their brand-new home atop Eastland’s Retail Destination in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The first such development in Victoria, it highlights the fact that the group continues its leading-edge design and customer service focus in the hotel industry.

Situated at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, just 30 minutes away, Sage Hotel Ringwood is conveniently located in a prime position to meet the needs of every guest. It offers them a host of experiences including wineries, gourmet artisan providores, farmers’ markets, adventure sports including hot-air ballooning, amazing walks and cycle tours.

Sage delivers world-class hospitality while infusing local flavours to celebrate the community and this hotel will showcase the best of the Yarra Valley and surrounds to its guests. Sage Hotels’ upscale offering features services and spaces that are familiar to their guests with all the hallmarks of simplicity and consistency they are looking for. When searching for Australian sites for Sage Hotels, Next Story Group looked for exciting urban hubs on the city fringes that have a unique offering so guests can “live like a local” when they stay at Sage Hotels.

From trendy Melbourne cafe-styled breakfasts to an eclectic spread of Australian and Asian cuisine on shared plates served throughout the day, the hotel’s Partake Restaurant is the culinary stop you won’t want to miss.

They say it’s all about location and with Eastland on their doorstep, guests can indulge in the retail therapy of David Jones, Myer and many more iconic International fashion and specialty stores.

Sage Hotel Ringwood actually offers guests the best of both worlds as it’s also positioned only a short distance from Melbourne’s CBD, where guests can visit the state’s thriving urban cultures of suburbs such as Toorak, Fitzroy, and South Yarra.

Having opened its doors in October 2017, Sage Hotel Ringwood is set over five levels offering 120 immaculately presented boutique king, twin, family and special access rooms starting from just $179 per night. Rooms feature Sage’s DreamWeave sleeping system, complimentary wifi, 24-hour room service, and much, much more.

The breathtaking hotel lobby and lounge is an elegant design with polished exposed aggregated concrete floors and contemporary styling with sleek furniture to uphold the modernity of this brand-new facility. Conference and co-working facilities are also available with its ‘Sage One’ space catering for up to 14 people, ‘Sage Two’ with views over the Dandenongs and the capacity to cater for up to 200 people. The hotel’s co-working space can cater for up to 80 with spaces available for rent daily, weekly or monthly.

Sage Hotel Ringwood is at 211 Maroondah Highway in Ringwood. For reservations or more information, phone 8845 1100 or email reservations. ringwood@sage-hotels.com.

40 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

Now Open

RINGWOOD

12370712-LN49-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 41

FARM FRESH

FRuiT AdvEnTuRE MoST SATiSFying

By Derek SchlennSteDt IT’S a relaxing experience: picking your own fruit on a warm summer’s day; spending a day meandering through rows of fruit trees and plucking ripe plums, pears and peaches from the very branches they sit.

So this summer rather than strolling down busy and noisy supermarket aisles, wander down blossoming orchard rows full of fruit ripe for the picking.

The summer harvest season: it’s a time that many look forward to, when trees bloom into wonderful colour and the freshest fruit is eaten straight from the tree.

One orchardist, who’s familiar with the pleasures of picking and tasting fresh fruit, is Len Rayner, owner of Rayners Orchard.

“If you’ve ever eaten a tree-ripened peach, you’ll know,” he said.

“The juice runs down your chin; you have to bend over to eat it, it’s like a big ball of juice with a little bit of fibre and the flavour is just superb everything about it is just superb.”

Selling and growing over 450 varieties of fruit year round, Rayners Orchard also makes delicious products with the diverse range of fruit and runs workshops on how to make your very own delicious jams and chutneys.

With over 300 varieties of stone fruit available over summer, it’s the perfect time to be a little adventurous when it comes to unusual fruit types.

“When I was younger, everybody in the city new someone in the country and they would regularly visit them ... now everybody goes to the local supermarket, they don’t get the joy of picking fruit ... It’s an incredibly satisfying experience,” he said.

“We have an enormous range of stone fruit ... when I say enormous range, probably around 300 varieties.”

Some of those fruits include plumcots, pluots, donut peaches, necta plums, peachcots, clingstone peaches and even miniature pumpkins.

Though Rayners Orchard is more than just U-pick, and as Len puts it, it’s a ‘fruit adventure,’ and with tours, a cafe and bottling workshops it’s much more than just picking fruit.

“We’ve got a large range of exclusive range of jams and chutneys, even ice cream.”

Head chef Dwain Gibbons in the new conference/function room. 174361 “All our products have no artificial colours of flavour; it’s all completely natural,” he adds proud of the Rayners Orchard team and the reputation it has built over the years.

Summer is a great time to put that reputation to the test.

Rayners Orchard is located at 60 Schoolhouse Road in Woori Yallock and is open in summer from 8.30am until 5pm. For more information, phone 5964 7654 or visit www.raynersorchard.com.au.

Fresh from the Farm…

STONE FRUIT SEASON DECEMBER – APRIL OPEN EVERY DAY, 9AM - 5PM OVER SUMMER

YARRA VALLEY REGIONAL FOOD GROUP FARMERS MARKET

•฀Now฀over฀450฀varieties฀of฀fruit฀on฀the฀farm!

•฀Fruit฀Tasting฀Tours฀run฀on฀demand฀every฀day ฀฀฀from฀9am฀-฀4pm,฀sample฀up฀to฀8฀varieties฀of ฀฀฀freshly฀picked฀fruit฀during฀your฀tour!

•฀Peach฀Cafe฀serving฀food฀&฀beverages฀till ฀฀฀4pm฀daily!

•฀Extensive฀Fruiting฀Plant฀Nursery฀open ฀฀฀to฀the฀public ฀฀฀Daily,฀stocking฀large฀range฀of฀fruit฀trees฀฀฀฀stone฀fruit,฀apples,฀pears,฀citrus,฀nuts, ฀฀฀berries฀&฀more!

•฀Experience฀Magniicent฀Blossom฀on ฀฀฀tours฀in฀September!

•฀Stone฀fruit฀Season฀commences฀November!

A group of local producers passionate about keeping the Yarra Valley region on the foodie destination trail.

2017/2018 Summer Market Days 2016 Spring Market Dates: Sunday19th 17thSeptember, December Sunday Sunday17th 21st October, January Sunday Sunday21st 18thNovember.

February Sunday

5964 7654 Cafe฀open฀7฀days฀throughout฀the฀year 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock

www.raynersorchard.com.au

12367105-HM49-17

Tractor฀Farm฀Discovery฀Tours฀ Seasonal฀Fruit฀Sales

Yering Station, 38 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen Ph: (03) 9739 0122 info@yarravalleyfood.com.au www.yarravalleyfood.com.au 12371485-LB47-17

42 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

FARM FRESH

FRuiT AT iTS bERRy bEST

By Jodie SymondS

THE aroma of fresh fruit picked straight from the tree is quite like no other.

You can’t get fruit more fresh than when you pick it from the tree yourself.

Many places around the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley give visitors the chance to pick their own fruit to take home.

To handpick your own fruit most ’U-Pick’ places charge either an entry fee or a fee by the weight of the fruit.

You will stroll through fields of beautiful and colourful fruit, and will have the opportunity to pick your very own.

A wide variety of fruits can be picked including strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, raspberries, and more.

After you’ve picked your fruit, some have a cafe with dishes filled with fruit that has been picked straight from the field.

They can include dishes like strawberry smoothies, milkshakes, pancakes with berry compote or apple slices and more.

You will then receive a bag of fruit to be able to enjoy in your own time.

pick fresh, have fun!

Freshly picked berries. Picture: Contributed

• U-Pick berries and vegetables.

• Kids love our Berry Tractor ride!

• Refresh with a real fruit frozen slushy.

• Enjoy products made from our berries.

• Relax with a fresh coffee.

Visit jayberries.com.au to see what’s ripe for picking and opening days!

12338673-CB13-17

140 Wandin Creek Road Wandin East, Victoria

WANDIN VALLEY FARMS FRESH AUSTRALIAN

Cherries Growers / Packers / Marketers of the finest Victorian and Tasmanian Cherries

12365722-LN49-17

Come and buy your fresh cherries direct from the packing shed door!

Export Quality and Seconds available Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large cherries available from 500grams to 5kg cases

Shop Sales

Open 7 days 9am to 5pm

Closed Xmas Day and New Years Day Check www.wandinvalleyfarms.com.au for any updates on shop opening times and days 75 Wellington Rd, Wandin North Tel: 5964 4669 | Email: admin@wandinvalleyfarms.com.au

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 43

FARM FRESH

All THE Fun oF MARkET bARgAinS WHO doesn’t love a bargain?

Who doesn’t love taking in glorious summer weather?

If you are looking for a way to combine the two, then the markets in the area are what you want.

The best place to find that unique and affordable gift and to experience the wonderful nature of the locals is at the many markets around the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

From craft markets where local craftspeople and artisans have the widest ranges of wares to farmers markets where the best of local produce is up for grabs.

Markets around the Yarra Valley are an institution that locals and tourists alike populate on weekends and weekdays.

You are guaranteed to find what you are looking for and much more at any of the markets you visit and you have so many to choose the only question you need to ask is ‘where do we start?’

There are so many options, too, in the Yarra Valley.

Included among these are the Healesville’s River Street Market (first Sunday of the month) - 8pm to 2pm - at the River Street Car Park in Healesville.

Fresh produce is a feature at many country markets.

Also, another great option is the Lilydale Farmers Produce Market (first Sunday of the month) - 8am to 1pm. Bellbird - Bellbird Park (next to Lilydale Lake).

Meanwhile, why not visit the Yarra Glen Racecourse Market (first Sunday of the month) - 9am to 2pm - at the Yarra Glen Racecourse.

Or test out the Yarra Valley Farmers’ Market (each third Sunday of the month) - 9am to 2pm - at the Barn, Yering Station, Melba Highway, Yarra Glen.

KOOKABERRY

After you’ve finished looking for a bargain, settle in for a nice ‘cuppa’.

Just imagine what recipes you could try out with all the fruit ‘n’ vegetables on offer.

T. & F. Caltieri

STRAWBERRY FARM

ms, syrups and Multi award winning ja vinegars

Fresh & Frozen Berries Berry Season will begin mid October

• “Pick Your Own” berries and cherries or buy fresh picked from the farm gate seasonally • Gift Shop open during season times • Sample berry jams made at the farm • Ice cream, cold drinks, take away food • Please check the Fruit Report on our website before you visit to ensure fruit availability • Just 1 hour’s drive from Melbourne • Open November - April U-pick Berries, Fresh Fruit Sales & Gift Shop - 27 Parker Rd, Silvan U-Pick Cherries - 30 Chapman Rd, Silvan www.upickberries.com.au

12324670-HM50-16

1191487-ACM37-15

For more details on all the wonderful local markets, visit www. visityarravalley.com.au.

Fresh Frozen U-Pick

PH: 9737 9400

GIFT BASKETS MADE TO ORDER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. BULK JAMS AVAILABLE FOR TEA ROOMS, CATERING SIZES FOR BED & BREAKFASTS. NOW SPECIALISING IN WEDDING BOMBONIERE. OPEN YEAR ROUND FOR FROZEN BERRIES, JAMS, SYRUPS, VINEGARS AND GIFT PACKS - PLEASE PHONE AHEAD FROM JUNE-MID OCTOBER

25 Lewis Road, Wandin. Ph: 9737 9586, 0415 768 222 email: natcal@iprimus.com.au www.kookaberry.com.au

44 SUMMER 2017/2018

Touristnews

Proudly Servicing The Public For Over 50 Years At The Upper Ferntree Gully Market

FRESH FRUITS WHOLESALE & RETAIL WAREHOUSE Olinda - Fresh fish Friday’s 8 Sunset Ave, Olinda

Wantirna

1151 High St Rd, Wantirna South

The Gully Market

12345915-ACM22-17

PELLEGRINO’S

FRESH LOCAL FRUIT AND VEGETABLES! SERVICE & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICES!

Every Saturday Railway Car Park Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully

Olinda Phone: Paul: 0417 593 253 Tony: 0417 105 154 Touristnews

Warehouse: Ph: 9751 0525 Ofice: 9879 0160

Wantirna: Phone: Joseph: 0418 344 621 Ross: 0403 048 146 SUMMER 2017/2018 45

Relax and anjoy a wine or two with friends at Greenstone Vineyard’s Sunday Sessions.

Relax wiTh The vino GREENSTONE Vineyards invites you to relax with friends and a glass of wine this summer as you soak up the ever-changing landscape and spectacular panoramic scenery of their picturesque vineyards.

With Sunday Sessions set to begin again in January and run every Sunday through to March, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music while tasting a Greenstone wine from their Yarra Valley and Heathcote vineyards.

The sessions will feature a line-up of local and far afield artists performing blues, bluegrass and folk music. Artists will include local blues man Richie Langford, writer, director and star of Dylanesk Jeff Jenkins, the popular Louise Mc Gregor’s Louie and the Pride as well The Appellation Heaven String Band.

With many more performers set to take the stage, visitors should check

Greenstone’s Facebook page or website to organise the perfect day out.

Guests are also encouraged to bring a picnic along with them as the vineyard is perfect for family and friends and has plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Wine, local beer, cider, organic soft drink and juice can be purchased and gourmet sausages will be back along with the delicious grazing platters.

If you want to reserve a picnic table on the deck or lawn, the vineyard encourages guests to call ahead and book; otherwise there are plenty of picnic rugs available. Greenstone’s Cellar Door is located at 179 Glenview Road in Yarra Glen and is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. To find out more, phone 9730 1022 or visit greenstonevineyards.com.au.

12339915-HM13-17

Fleetwood Chauffeured Limousines

12371492-RC49-17

Fleetwood Limousines are based in the beautiful ‘Yarra Valley’ We offer you a unique chauffeured experience which can be tailored to suit your requirements. From winery tours, hens parties, Yarra Valley sightseeing, bucks brewery tours or simply a girls day out to your Wedding or Anniversary celebrations. We can cater for groups up to 14 and we offer a very competitive per person rate for Weddings in the Yarra Valley...

46 SUMMER 2017/2018

Yarra Valley winery tours, Weddings, Special Occasions We will make it a day to remember. fleetwoodlimos4@gmail.com - www.fleetwoodlimos.com.au Call Tony (04) 12 418 133

Touristnews

Range of finesT dRops Range of finesT dRops

IT is always the right season to sample the spectacular beauty of the Yarra Valley, but summer brings something special to this wine lovers’ paradise, just one hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. Anyone looking for a cellar door to taste wine that is celebrated throughout the world will be spoilt for choice.

Drive the highway, wander the back roads - there are vineyards as far as the eye can see, interspersed with incredible orchards.

Drink in the beauty; then take your pick of places to pause and reflect.

The Valley boasts award-winning wineries, most with a cellar door where you can enjoy an informed friendly tasting.

While the region is famous for its chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, there’s also a stunning selection of sparkling wines and full-bodied reds to enjoy.

What you can be sure of is intensity of flavour and superb quality.

At many of the wineries, you will be able to order a platter of the freshest local produce to graze on while you sip your wine.

IT is always the right season to sample the spectacular beauty of the Yarra Valley, but summer brings something special to this wine lovers’ paradise, just one hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. Anyone looking for a cellar door to taste wine that is celebrated throughout the world will be spoilt for choice.

Drive the highway, wander the back roads - there are vineyards as far as the eye can see, interspersed with incredible orchards.

Drink in the beauty; then take your pick of places to pause and reflect.

The Valley boasts award-winning wineries, most with a cellar door where you can enjoy an informed friendly tasting.

While the region is famous for its chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, there’s also a stunning selection of sparkling wines and fullbodied reds to enjoy.

What you can be sure of is intensity of flavour and superb quality.

Some wineries feature splendid restaurants, where you can dine in comfort.

At many of the wineries, you will be able to order a platter of the freshest local produce to graze on while you sip your wine.

In many cases, you will find much to admire in the buildings themselves.

Some wineries feature splendid restaurants, where you can dine in comfort.

The wineries range from gorgeous old buildings in the Tuscan or French provincial style to stunningly modern architectural creations, all soaring ceilings and sharp angles.

Whichever cellar door you choose, you can be sure of one thing - a backdrop of the gorgeous, Yarra Valley.

It’s an ideal location in which to relax, taste some exquisite local produce and soak up the best that nature - and a talented vintner or two - has to offer.

The wineries range from gorgeous old buildings in the Tuscan or French provincial style to stunningly modern architectural creations, all soaring ceilings and sharp angles.

Whichever cellar door you choose, you can be sure of one thing - a backdrop of the gorgeous, Yarra Valley.

It’s an ideal location in which to relax, taste some exquisite local produce and soak up the best that nature - and a talented vintner or two - has to offer.

12370002-RC49-17

Outstanding wines, magnificent views ... discover the Yarra Valley’s cellar doors. Picture: KATH GANNAWAY

In many cases, you will find much to admire in the buildings themselves.

The Wine

Waddle

Winery Retreat & Restaurant

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 47

Yarra ValleY rose heralds summer

Wine Yarra Valley CEO Richard Howden.

Picture: ROB CAREW

“Wild Cattle Creek Estate offers a truly unique dining experience.

Whether a casual lunch of Tapas with friends or a stylish formal dinner, our chefs will create tantalising meals you will not forget, all matched with our range of delicious boutique wines.”

473 Warburton Hwy Wandin Nth | 5964 4755 12372438-DJ49-17

48 SUMMER 2017/2018

Remember ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ a sweet, fruity, often bubbly British series that became the longest running sitcom in the world! Well, forget all that, longevity is not what our Yarra Valley summer wines are about. Sure, a bit of age can add to the quality, but really, don’t hold back; bubbly, sweet, fruity or otherwise, there’s no end in sight to the “Best of the Yarra Valley’s Summer Wine” And, in any case, they’re best enjoyed in the moment! What does make a good summer wine? Tourist News did a Q&A with Wine Yarra Valley CEO Richard Howden starting with that very question.

Q: So, Richard, what DOES makes a good summer wine? we asked!

A: A summer wine needs to be versatile. It needs to be enjoyed while sitting in the shade on a sunny afternoon and extend through to an impromptu barbecue. Anything crisp, dry and cool will fit the bill.

Q: Is there a typical Yarra Valley wine that shouts “Summer’s here”?

A: Rose. At our house there are always a couple of bottles of dry, crisp Rose in the fridge. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or entertaining friends. Great quality Rose is also surprisingly cheap, so you can spend more on the bottle of Pinot once the Rose has run out.

Q: The Yarra Valley is renowned for its cold climate wines, but is there a particular aspect to the terroir of the Yarra Valley that could be said to add to a wine suited for the warmer weather?

A: Wines from cool climate regions are perfect for warmer weather. Cool regions like the Yarra Valley produce wines that make you stop for a second and think ‘gee I like that, I hope we have another bottle’. Yarra Valley wines are elegant and classy with flavours which are complex but subtle.

Q: Summer in Australia means Christmas, New Year and lots of holiday get-togethers with family and friends. Do you have any recommendations for a ‘champagne’ breakfast?

A: Firstly, I highly recommend Champagne breakfasts particularly during summer, whoever developed the concept deserves a medal. What a great way to start the day. In Australia we have Sparkling Wine (the French won’t let us use the name Champagne) and the cool climate Yarra Valley is home to some of Australia’s best. My go to for Yarra Sparkling’s are Coldstream Hills and Chandon. However, if I am feeling like taking it up a notch I will seek out a boutique producer such as Seville Estate or Mandala.

Q: Are there any ‘rules’ to matching wines with food which at this time of year can range from the traditional roast Christmas dinner (yeah tradition!) to prawns on the barbie or fabulous antipasto boards.

A: There are hundreds of ‘rules’ about matching wine with food, and I take great delight in ignoring them all. Our table for Christmas dinner is usually overflowing with all manner of beautiful food ranging from salads, seafood, cold meats and the traditional roasts. To match a particular wine to this is impossible, so we always have a good selection, Sparkling, Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz in abundance. In general, I keep it simple and have a lighter wine with the lighter food and heavier wine with the heavier food.

Q: I’ve been asked to bring a “nice red” to my book group break-up budget around the $25. Any suggestions?

A: That’s a tough one. People who attend book clubs are usually very discerning people who have an opinion on most things and wine would be one of them. Whatever wine you choose make sure you do a little research on the winemaker and where the grapes come from so you can counter punch when the group know-it-all jumps in with an opinion. To be safe from any criticism, take an alternative variety from a boutique winemaker and if possible buy it directly from the winemaker and you will have all bases covered. I would be taking a bottle of Thick as Thieves Arneis.

Q: I have two days in the Yarra Valley and want to visit six to eight wineries. What’s my strategy for a great, well-rounded Yarra Valley wine experience?

A: The overall strategy should be to first select the best winery restaurants for lunch and dinner each day and then select a number of smaller cellar doors to get you from one dining experience to the next which minimises the time without a wine in your hand. On day one, cover the area around the Melba and Maroondah highways and spend a little time exploring the village of Healesville. On day two travel up into the hills of the Upper Yarra visiting wineries around Seville and beyond and to round out the trip with a stop at Gembrook on your way back to Melbourne.

Visit wineyarravalley.com.au Touristnews

Located in the picturesque township of Healesville our winery and cellar door has been described as industrial meets chic. Built behind glorious loor-to-ceiling glass, our imposing barrel hall not only plays host to Giant Steps wine tastings but is also available for a top shelf private dining experience.

Seating up to 24 or standing up to 40, this rare afair dishes up a most atmospheric experience. A tantalising tasting menu, with matched wines, against a backdrop of a thousand French oak barrels.

For more information or to book your private or corporate event, phone us on 03 5962 6111 or email events@giantstepswine.com.au. Bookings can also be made in the restaurant from Thursday - Monday, 11am - late.

12358603-CG35-17

Touristnews

SUMMER 2017/2018 49

Eric Driessen is proving that wine doesn’t need to be made from grapes to taste nice.

Blue is The new red

By Derek SchlennSteDt WHEN we think of wine, we think of grapes, but one couple in Healesville are reminding vignerons and tipplers that grapes are not the sole provenance of wine.

Changing that perspective, glass by glass is Eric Driessens and Alison Withers’ delicious and sweet blueberry wine, made at Badger Creek Blueberry Farm in the Yarra Valley.

Eric’s family have been blueberry growers for two generations, and the business has developed over the years from a four-acre blueberry farm in nearby Narbethong selling punnets at the roadside, to a three-hectare winery and cellardoor that stands today at Badger Creek.

A general progression from selling punnets and making jams, wine was the next natural step for the family. And, as Alison Withers, manager at the cellar door said, Blueberry wines are just ‘a lot of fun’.

“It’s a bit of a fun wine, it’s light and sweet, and great for summer,” she said.

“It’s red in colour but more light, closer to white wine, so we treat it more like a sweet rose.”

“We also do a sparkling which is served chilled and a moscato called sweet blueberry fizz.”

Despite growing 100 blueberry plants, in two varieties, centurion and brigitta, and harvesting 300kg of fruit from December to February each year, these berries don’t make it into the wine for several reasons.

Handpicked and currently priced at about $20 a kilogram, Alison said it was much more economical to truck in mechanically-harvested blueberries from NSW. So instead, the harvested blueberries on the farm are sold fresh and frozen, and made into delicious preserves and toppings, which are also sold at the cellardoor.

But the real champion is still the blueberry wine and with over 30 years’ experience, there are very few locations where you can taste the sweet and delicious taste of a chilled blueberry drop perfect for an outdoor summer setting.

Alison agrees the wines have evolved into a delicious array of flavours perfect for the warmer months.

“It is a sweeter style wine,” Alison said of the chilled sparkling blueberry wine - her favourite.

“It’s floral and lovely and rich and fruity.”

1141698-SL37-14

At Badger Creek Blueberry Farm we specialise in wines made from 100% blueberries.

Come to the farm for tastings and sales of our unique and delicious Blueberry Still, Sparkling and Fortified Wines.

Ƃ

Frozen berries & homemade preserves

Ƃ

Open Thurs – Mon 10am-5pm

At St Ronan’s Cider we craft unique Australian Ciders.

Come to the farm for tastings and sales of our multiaward winning ciders, Methode Traditionelle Apple Cider, Pear Cider, 500ml bottles of our St Ronan's 'Draught' Cider. Or Stay y for a p pint or two straight out of the keg.

Ƃ Open Thurs – Mon, 10am-5pm Ƃ Events & functions catered for Ƃ Bookings essential for groups over 8 people

11 Garnook Grove, Badger Creek (800m past Healesville Sanctuary)

11 Garnook Grove, Badger Creek (800m past Healesville Sanctuary)

Ph (03) 5962 1601

Ph (03) 5962 1601

@BCBlueberryFarm

facebook.com/BCBluberryFarm

www.blueberrywinery.com.au

50 SUMMER 2017/2018

@StRonansCider

facebook.com/StRonansCider

www.stronanscider.com.au

Touristnews

through the cellar door Badger Creek Blueberry Farm St Ronans Cider 11 Garnook Grove Badger Creek 5962 1601 Open: Thurs - Mon 10am - 5pm www.blueberrywinery.com.au Terrimnus hotel 23 Harker St, Healesville VIC 3777 Phone: (03) 5962 4011 Greenstone Vineyard 179 Glenview Road Yarra Glen 9730 1022 Open: Thurs - Mon 10am - 5pm www.greenstonevineyards.com.au Tokar Estate 6 Maddens Lane Coldstream Open 10.30am - 5pm Daily P:5964 9585 www.tokarestate.com.au Rob Dolan Wines Hours: 10am–5pm Phone: (03) 9876 5885 Winery Address: 21-23 Delaneys Road, South Warrandyte VIC 3134 Cellar Door Address: 7 days 10am-5pm // 21-23 Delaneys Road, South Warrandyte VIC 3134 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion Awards: Winner - New Winery of the Year 2014 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 5 Red Star Rating 2016 www.robdolanwines.com.au touristnews

Yileena Park Address: 271 Steels Creek Rd, Yarra Glen VIC 3775 Hours: 11am–5pm Phone: (03) 9730 1977 www.yileenapark.com.au Gaint Steps Address: 336 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 Hours: 11am–9pm Phone: (03) 5962 6111 Menu: giantstepswine.com.au www.giantstepswine.com.au Wild Cattle Creek Estate 473 Warburton Hwy, Wandin North VIC 3139 Phone: (03) 5964 4755 www.wildcattlecreek.com.au Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775 Phone: (03) 9730 0700 www.balgownieestate.com.au

Pictures: Rick Liston photography SUMMER 2017/2018 51

MARKET

12369599-LB49-17

nighT MARKETs

By Derek SchlennSteDt Market lovers who’ve been burnt by the sun foraging for foodie joy or the perfect bargain, don’t despair.

While farmers markets are keeping farmers hours, the twilight market offers the same bustling atmosphere, but with a smorgasbord of street food and a backdrop of live music rather than scorching summer rays.

The annual Emerald twilight market in the Dandenong Ranges is just that - a market the whole family can enjoy.

On 1 December, from 3 until 8pm Emerald town square will come alive with Christmas carols, pony rides, face painting, jumping castles and there are reports that Santa himself may even make time to visit.

In the Yarra Valley too, there is the opportunity to take part in these rare night markets. Beautiful country vistas, wide walkways, leafy surrounds and ample parking available make the Yarra Glen twilight market the perfect destination for a day out with the family.

Summer markets December 2nd, December 16, February 3rd and March 3rd.

8am to 1pm each Saturday

BELGRAVE

Fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, homewares, and a wide range of food. Local, handmade, hand-crafted, -grown and -baked with love from the artists, crafters, designers, seemstress’, builders, wood workers, potters, growers, cooks and artisans of the greater Warrandyte region and beyond

Sunday of the Month

CRAFT . DESIGN . PRODUCE . MUSIC R EY N O L D S LA N E B E L G RAV E

Additional Christmas Market on December 16

www.warrandyteriversidemarket.com.au 12370047-LN49-17

St Andrews Market Every Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm

Cnr Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd & Kangaroo Ground Rd, St Andrews Melway Ref: 394 F11 /G11 www.standrewsmarket.com.au 52 SUMMER 2017/2018

12357211-PB35-17

Located in the foothills of the Yarra Ranges with a passion for Fresh, Handmade, Recycled and Creative products St Andrews market is a great place to shop, relax and take in the atmosphere or somewhere to sell your creations and/or pre-loved goods

12357199-CG35-17

Regulars each week include: Art and craft items, Jewellery, Massaging, Organic produce, Pre-loved vintage and retro items, Pottery, Handmade Soap & Skin care products, Homemade Preserves, Hair Braids & Wraps, Face Painting, Kids Pony Rides, A great selection of food including Vegetarian and Gluten free options and entertaining Buskers to name just a few.

17th September 15th October 19th November 3rd December 17th December

(Except January)

Mel Ref: 21 J5 Touristnews

Kallista Community Market

H

EALESVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET INC.

12371494-HM49-17

1st Saturday of the month 9am-1pm, 2 Church Street Enjoy the vibrant village atmosphere and visit our market nestled in the Hills for handmade, homemade, homegrown, recycled, food and great coffee.

UPCOMING MARKET DATES...

Healesville River Street Markets 8.00am - 1.30pm

December 2nd, December 16th, February 3rd Bookings and enquiries: Amy 0402 012 247 12340499-EPJ13-17

River Street Car Park

Coronation Park

1st Sunday of the Month

3rd Sunday of the Month

Contact: 0488 445 112 Stallholder Enquiries Welcome

ARTISANS

& PRODUCE

First Sunday of the month

Stallholder Enquiries Welcome

Large variety of Stalls including: •฀Home฀made:฀cakes,฀candles,฀clothing,฀craft,฀jams,฀soaps •฀฀New:฀carpets,฀clothing,฀collectables,฀paper฀&฀cards, shoes,฀tools,฀wool฀฀฀ •฀Plants:฀bulbs,฀cut฀lowers,฀potted฀plants,฀trees,฀seedlings฀etc •฀Produce:฀eggs,฀fruit,฀vegetables •฀Recycled:฀books,฀bric-a-brac,฀DVDs,฀CDs, ฀฀฀clothing,฀furniture •฀Tools:฀new฀&฀old See us on •฀Hot฀food฀&฀drinks฀available

11AM - 3PM

@ Arts Centre Warburton (opp Water Wheel) Contact: 0447 277 513

12357155-EPJ35-17

Yarra Glen Racecourse Market Sun 3rd December 9am-2pm

Family friendly makers market featuring 300 stalls of unique hand crafted products & food

Sat 9th December Twilight Market 3pm - 8pm

5968 3881

Sun 4th February

Touristnews

12345949-ACM22-17

www.craftmarkets.com.au

12370258-RC49-17

9am-2pm

echmarket@iinet.net.au www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au Note: No April Market due to date matching Easter SUMMER 2017/2018 53

directory Galleries & Gifts Andrew Peerman-Artisit 252A Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 Den of Antiquities 25a Bell Street Yarra Glen Open: Wednesday - Monday 10.30am-5pm 9730 2111 Ruby Tuesdays 90-94 Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte VIC 3113 Open 9am–5pm Mon - Friday Sat 9-4pm (03) 9844 4600 www.rubytuesday.com Jodee Creations 4 York Rd Mount Evelyn VIC 3796 Phone: (03) 9844 4600 Sat 9am-1.30pm Sun by appointment only jodeecreations.com.au Mont De Lancey 71 Wellington Rd Wandin Open: Wednesday - Sunday 10am-5pm 5964 2088 www.montdelancey.org.au Healesville Glass Blowing Studio 416-420 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 Hours: Mon-Closed Tues-Closed Wed-Closed Thurs-10am–4pm Fri-10am–4pm Sat-10am–4pm Sun-10am–4pm Warndale Wild life Studio 3 Anderson Road Healesville VIC 3777 0408 351700 denise@denisesmith.com.au www.denisesmith.com.au Glendas Sents 201 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 Phone: (03) 5962 5334 Toolangi Discovery Centre 1687 Healesville-Kinglake Rd Toolangi VIC 3777 Master Touch Fine Art 102 Main Road Monbulk, VIC, 3793 www.kennethshunt.com

Markets Eltham Community Craft & Produce Market Alistair Knox Park, Panther Place Eltham 3rd Sunday of every month 8.30am-12.30pm 0401 288 027 Emerald Community Market Kilvington Drive, Emerald 3rd Sunday of every month 9am-3pm Kallista Community Market 2 Church Street Kallista 1st Saturday of the Month 9am-1pm 0402 012 247

54 SUMMER 2017/2018

Healesville Community Market River Street Car Park 1st Sunday of the Month Coronation Park 3rd Sunday of the Month 0488 445 112 Mont De Lancey Country Market 71 Wellington Rd Wandin North 2nd Saturday of the Month 9am-1pm 0419 147 140 St Andrews Market Cnr Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd & Kangaroo Ground Rd St Andrews Every Saturday 8am-2.00pm www.standrewsmarket.com.au Warburton Artisans & Produce Market @ Arts Centre Warburton 0447 277 513 1st Sunday of the Month 11am-3pm Warrandyte Riverside Market On the riverbank below Yarra Street Warrandyte First Saturday every month 8am-1pm www.warrandyteriversidemarket. com.au Yarra Glen Racecourse Market Armstrong Ave Yarra Glen http://www.craftmarkets.com.au/ markets/yarra-glen.aspx Yarra Valley Regional Food Group Farmers Market Yering Station 38 Melba Highway Yarra Glen 9739 0122 www.yarravalleyfood.com.au Blegrave Big Dreams Market Reynolds Ln, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.belgravebigdreamsmarket. com/

accoModation & restaurants Sage Hotel- Ringwood 211 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood VIC 3134 Phone: (03) 8845 1100 www.eastland.com.au/articles/ sagehotel Crystal Brook Tourist Park 182 Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd Doncaster East 9844 3637 www.cbtp.com.au Ferntree Gully Hotel 1130 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully Hotel 9758 6544 www.ferntreegullyhotel.com.au Grand Hotel Healesville 270 Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 4003 www.healesvillegrandhotel.com.au Sanctuary House Restaurant & Resort Motel 326 Badger Creek Road Healesville 5962 5148 www.sanctuaryhouse.com.au

York on Lilydale Resort Cnr York & Swansea Rd Mt Evelyn 9736 4000 www.yorkonlilydale.com.au Alpine retreat 3340 Warburton Hwy Warburton VIC 3799 (03) 5966 2411 www.alpineretreat.com.au Terrimnus hotel 23 Harker St, Healesville VIC 3777 Phone: (03) 5962 4011 Cuckoo Restaurant 508 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda VIC 3788 Menu: cuckoorestaurant.com.au Phone: (03) 9751 1003

Emerald Medical Centre 1 Murphys Way Emerald P: 5968 4622 Monbulk Family Clinic Yarra Valley Clinic 223 Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 4633 Yarra Valley Clinic 223-225 Maroondah Hwy Healeville 5962 4489 Yarra Glen Clinic 1 Symonds Street Yarra Glen 9730 2536

cafe’s & Gardens eMerGency contacts FIRE, POLICE, AMBULANCE 000 Wildlife Victoria Emergency Response 1300 094 535 Fire Victorian Bushfire info line 1800 240 667 Belgrave Police Station 9754 6677 Emerald Police Station 5954 0200 Healesville Police Station 5962 4422 Lilydale Police Station 9730 1296 Yarra Glen Police Station 9730 1296 Belgrave Pharmacy 1639 Burwood Hwy Belgrave 9754 2001 Cockatoo Pharmacy 36/38 McBride St Cockatoo 5968 8555 Emerald Village Pharmacy 8 Kilvington Dr Emerald 5968 3023 Healesville Walk Pharmacy Healesville Walk Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 4165 Healesville Pharmacy 215 Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 5845 Monbulk Pharmacy 98 Main Rd Monbulk 9756 6273 Yarra Glen Pharmacy 34 Bell Street Yarra Glen 7930 1433

doctors Belgrave Medical Clinic 1575 Burwood Hwy Belgrave 9757 8000 Get Well Clinic 408 Maroondah Highway Healesville 5962 4030

Warratina Lavender Farm 105 Quayle Rd Woori Yallock Open: Wednesday - Sunday 10am-4pm 5964 4650 Allowyn Gardens 1210 Melba Highway Yarra Glen 9730 2400 www.alowyngardens.com.au Beechworth Bakery 316 Maroondah Highway Healesville Open daily 6.30am-6pm 1300 233 784 www.BeechworthBakery.com.au Big Bouquet 27 Barak Lane Healesville Open 7 Days 10am-5pm 5962 2283 Grants on Sherbrooke 70 Monbulk Rd Kallista Open 7 Days 9am-5pm 9755 2888 www.grantsonsherbrooke.com.au Warrandyte Cafe 61 - 63 Yarra Street Warrandyte Open 7 Days 8am-5pm 9844 0365 Blue Lotus Water Gardens 2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction VIC 3797 Open From 27th Dec 2017-April www.bluelotusfarm.com.au/ The Valley Grind Cafe 207 Maroondah Hwy Healesville, Victoria 3777 (03) 5962 3848 Cafe Blue Gum 80b Main Rd Monbulk VIC 3793 PH: 97567802 Ecology Cafe Toolang Discovery Centre 1687 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Toolangi VIC 3777 Singing Gardens of DJ DENNIS 1694 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Toolangi VIC 3777 Phone: (03) 5962 9282 King Henry Arts Cafe 320 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787 kinghenryartscafe.com.au Phone: (03) 9755 2346 touristnews

calendar deceMBer 1

2

3

5

6

7 8 9 10

11

Burrinja Climate Change Biennale 2017 - Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey, 9754 8732 (runs until 11 February).

Fruit Bottling Workshops at Rayner’s Orchard - Rayner’s Orchard, Woori Yallock, 5964 7654 (runs until 24 December).

Charity (Artshow) - Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, 1300 368 333 (runs until 4 February).

Experience Yesteryear Tour - Monte De Lancey Historic Property, Wandin North, 5964 2088 (runs until 31 January).

From this place exhibition - Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, 0417 365 697 (runs until 31 January).

Steam and Cuisine Luncheon - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700 (runs daily until 31 December).

Murder Mystery Dinner - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700.

Cameo Outdoor Cinema - Belgrave, 97547844 (runs until 28 April).

Dine and Dance on Puffing Billy - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700, (also on 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 December).

Santa Special - Puffing Billy Railway Stations, Gembrook, 9757 0700 (also on 3, 9 and 10 December).

Make your own paperweight - Healesville Glass Blowing Studio, Healesville, 5962 2211 (runs every weekend until 27 May).

High Tea at Bella Restaurant - Yarra Valley Lodge, Chirnside Park, 9760 3355 (runs every Sunday until 17 December).

Traditional High Tea - Chateau Yering Hotel, Yering, 9237 3333 (runs every Sunday until 24 June).

Summer Jazz at Seville Hill - Seville Hill Winery, Seville, 5964 3284.

Chocolate Story Time - Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, Yarra Glen, 9730 2777 (runs every Tuesday until 26 June).

High Tea - Coombe Yarra Valley, Coldstream, 9739 0173 (runs every Wednesday until 20 December).

Wallaby Wednesdays - Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, 1300 966 784 (runs every Wednesday until 21 February).

Steam and Cuisine After Dark - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700.

Five on Fridays: Christmas Crackers - Healesville Memorial Hall, Healesville, 1300 368 333.

Wildflower Festival - Lake Mountain Alpine Reserve, Marysville, 5957 7200 (runs until 18 December).

A day on the Green - Rochford Wines Yarra Valley, Coldstream, 5957 3333.

Christmas showcase - Rob Dolan Wines, Warrandyte South, 9876 5885.

The Groove Dudes Live at the Grand - Healesville Grand Hotel, Healesville, 5962 4003.

15

Harness Christmas Race Day - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332.

Dining under the stars - Vines Helen’s Hill, Coldstream, 9739 1573.

26

Boxing Day Lunch - Sky High, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443.

27

Summer adventure activities - Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Marysville, 5957 7201 (runs until 14 January).

Lotus Flower Season - Blue Lotus Water Garden, Yarra Junction, 5967 2061.

28

Yarra Valley kids day out - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen 9730 1332.

31

New Year’s Eve at Chateau Yering Hotel - Chateau Yering Hotel, Yering, 9237 3333.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations - SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443.

JanUarY 7

Sunday Sessions Music in the Vines - Greenstone Vineyards, Yarra Glen, 9730 1022 (runs every Sunday until 25 March).

9

Chill Out Race Day - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332.

16

Australian Chainsaw Carving Championship - Sky High, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443 (runs until 20 January).

27

Australia Day Weekend Races - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332.

FeBrUarY 2

Steam and Cuisine After Dark - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700 (also on 23 February).

3

Murder Mystery Dinner - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700 (also on 16 February).

10

Picnics and Parties - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332.

14

Valentine’s Day Dinner - Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700.

18

All American Car Display and Man Cave Alley - Gembrook Sports Ground, Gembrook, 0408 769 491.

24

Blue Diamond Stakes Day - Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332.

25

Roller Coaster Run - SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443.

26

Yarra Valley Harvest Picnic Festival - Yarra Glen Racecourse, Yarra Glen, 0488 581 074.

27

Rockberry Jam - Wandin East Reserve, Wandin East, 0402 302 477.

28

Warburton Up and Running Fun Run - Warburton Recreation Reserve, Warburton, 0418 372 554.

12357196-RC35-17