Tourist News - Spring 2022

Tourist

YARRA

COVER:

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges come alive in the spring time, with gardens blossoming and the bees humming along the sweet smells of beautiful flowers.

Alowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen is exactly one of those magical places you should visit this season.

The Tourist News cover shows the Gardens’ beautiful wisteria arch way which is quite the sight to see alongside other areas at the large site. The cover image has been provided courtesy of Alowyn Gardens.

to visit

Wineries

Coldstream is home to many wineries scattering throughout the region, with many open for tastings or to dine in at their decadent restaurants.

Just driving along the Maroondah Highway, you will stumble across some of the big names in the industry, but you will also come across many small family run businesses.

Go sky high

Coldstream has much to offer in the way of experiences, with two nearby airports providing flights and skydiving opportunities over the Yarra Valley. Anyone after a less adrenaline-filled way of seeing the valley from the sky can also book a hot air balloon trip in advance and float above the area before stopping in at one of the many wineries along the highways for breakfast or a glass of bubbly.

Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve

Warramate Hills is a short drive out of Coldstream, into Gruyere, but is well worth the trip. The reserve is a great place to go for bush walks surrounded by nature on a cool spring day. Mobile reception is patchy at best, so remember to bring supplies, including water, sturdy shoes, ample food and sun protection.

Trash and treasure

Those after a bargain can visit the Yarra Ranges Recycling Services’ Treasure Chest Recycled Goods shop in Coldstream at the Waste Transfer Station at the corner of Ingram and Leonard Road - a myriad of interesting items are on offer, with anything, including the kitchen sink, up for sale.

SHORT STAY STARTS HERE

Valley Rentals caters for couples, families and small groups who would like a weekend away or a short break in self contained accommodation where you can enjoy the beautiful Yarra Valley area at your pace!

several different holiday rentals from small cottages to larger modern

Open spaces

There are many open spaces for visitors to explore in Coldstream. The Margaret Lewis Reserve is a wildlife habitat which formerly belonged to a farming property owned by Margaret Lewis - the reserve is a great place to go for a walk, and is an off-leash area for dogs to explore. A playground and barbecue are available for visitors. Near the town’s football oval, a newly-built skate park and playground will keep younger visitors entertained for hours.

Hwy,

stay,

Junction

Valley

GARDEN HAS QUEEN’S APPROVAL

BY TYLER WRIGHT

AN award winning garden being recreated in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden will soon be open to the public after months of construction.

Olinda-based landscape designer Phillip Johnson’s Australian Garden, the first Australian-made display to win best in show at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013, and admired by the late Queen Elizabeth II, will soon be a major attraction for residents and visitors to the Hills.

A replica 20 times the size of Phillip’s original 7000 square metre garden is being built on what used to be an old golf course in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, which is now home to an ecosystem of 400 Australian native and 80 different endangered and threatened plant species, as well as a Billabong sustained from water off nearby rooftops, including that of the Olinda- Ferny Creek Football Club pavillion.

“Most of all, it’s a really important space to educate people about native plants the importance of growing native plants, sustainable principles, habitat creation and definitely climate change,” Mr Johnson said.

“The whole garden’s powered off the grid on solar power... and we’ve set up ways of being able to connect to this garden from anywhere around the world, through to a series of cameras that will pick up certain beautiful aspects; show the mood, the mist, the emotion that the landscape can bring, the beauty of flowers.”

Mr Johnson said when he first started designing the garden for the Chelsea Flower Show, his purpose was to create the “most incredible Australian garden” for Queen Elizabeth II; complete with authentic sounds of the landscape and flora.

Melbourne architect Dylan Brady of Decibel Architecture even helped Mr Johnson construct the ‘Waratah sculpture,’ moulded to the eyeline of Queen Elizabeth II for her to have an interrupted view of the garden’s skyline, Billabong and the rock work.

Mr Johnson also recorded frogs chirping outside his Olinda home to play within the Chelsea Garden Show display.

“There was a beautiful moment when Her Majesty came to our garden and she said ‘Phillip, what’s the story with these frogs I hear in the background?’ and I said ‘Your Majesty, one late night in my garden I got on my boardwalk and I was recording the sound of the frogs, that’s the byproduct of creating a really important healthy sustainable ecosystem...frogs come.”

“She said ‘ah, you sound like a dear friend of mine - Sir David Attenborough.”

Now, with almost $2.5 million from the federal government’s Building Better regions fund, $3.83 million from the Victorian government and $340,000 worth of self-raised funds alongside the People and Parks foundation, visitors to the Dandenong Ranges and residents alike will be able to enjoy this slice of the luscious landscape for themselves.

“We’ve been building in the worst conditions of my life; so you don’t normally want to build on the most complex garden ever created in Australia, on top of the mountain, the wettest winter in history,” Mr Johnson said.

But nearing completion, Mr Johnson hopes the garden will be a place of “healing” for local residents after the June 2021 storm event.

“The Dandenongs have gone through such a difficult time in the last couple of years; Covid, the storms,” Mr Johnson said.

This is also to create an opportunity to bring tourists at different times of the year... to help our local industry recover from Covid and the storms.

It’s actually to celebrate native plants; and achieving what a

group up of Australians created on the other side of the world 10 years ago.”

With the Queen’s passing on Thursday 8 September, Mr Johnson is planning to keep the Royal Palace updated with the progress of his Australian Garden.

“We have the Kings Park in WA, a famous native garden, now we might have the Queen’s Garden in Victoria... another exceptional Australian native garden that celebrates our incredible plant material.”

We will be developing web content, takeaway content [on] how you can learn and take these principles, really cool principles... concepts of landscape design and sustainable design and plant selection, how you can learn about these at home as well.

It would be a great facility for education and research and development as well.”

Phillip Johnson, former leader of the Liberal Party Alexander John Gosse and Queen Elizabeth II at the 2013 Chelsea Garden Show.

Picture: Supplied

Phillip Johnson in the native Australian garden set to open to the public in coming months.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

PARK PERFECT BASE TO EXPLORE

LILYDALE Pine Hill Caravan Park provides excellent short stay accommodation and is the perfect base to explore the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Choose from a variety of accommodation - drive through, en-suite, powered and unpowered sites, plus 1 and 2 Bedroom standard and deluxe cabins that cater for 1 to 6 guests.

The park welcomes groups and cater for clubs and functions.

Take advantage of the year round special “book and pay for six nights, get the seventh night free”.

The park is a member of Kui Parks, a national network of privately-owned parks.

Kui Park members enjoy a discounted stay with Lilydale Pine Hill, plus assured quality facilities, friendly staff and value for money.

Check in and head out to an event or function, or sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet after a long day’s drive.

Visit our Customer Information Centre where our dedicated staff are on hand to help plan your stay in the Yarra Valley.

Choose something new every day, whether that be to venture out to wine country, grab farm-fresh produce, explore famous gardens, snap up a bargain at any of the numerous markets.

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park partner with local businesses who offer discounts and rewards for their guests.

Skip the queues by pre-purchasing your tickets to attractions including: Puffing Billy, Healesville Sanctuary, Global Ballooning, Rayner’s Orchard and more.

At the end of the day there is a playground for the kids to enjoy, jump onto the outdoor gym equipment to recharge the batteries then charge your glasses and sit by the campfire to relax, toast a marshmallow and share your stories with fellow travellers.

The park’s mission is to ensure visitors enjoy a great experience. Stay and Explore the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. There is so much more to see and do in this amazing destination. The team is waiting to welcome you.

For more information about the caravan park or region’s attractions, visit www.lilydalepinehill.com.au

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is at the Gateway to Victoria’s famous Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. Whether you need a cabin or a site for your RV’s, caravan, large rig, camper van or tent, we have a site to suit.

& Pay for 6 nights,

the 7th night FREE

Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park is the perfect base to explore the region.

MAKING THE CATCH YOU DREAM OF

BY RENEE WOOD

SPRING is the perfect time to catch a ‘fish of a lifetime’ after the Victorian Fisheries Authority has recently stocked many local waterways with thousands of rainbow trout.

Lilydale resident Brian Hawkins was one lucky fishermen who caught a fish of his dreams at the Lilydale Lake, snagging a stonker rainbow trout weighing around five kilograms.

Mr Hawkins said he regularly fishes at the Eildon Pondage but this catch in his backyard is one of the best he’s ever snatched.

“In all my years of fishing that’s the biggest trout I’ve ever caught…It’s the one you dream about,” Mr Hawkins said.

Early September, Mr Hawkins was having a casual fish at the Lilydale Lake when he noticed his rod had ‘doubled over with a big bite’.

“The only problem was I only fish with a two kilo line and being an over five kilo fish, you’ve got to be very careful when you bring it in because you just snap your line,” he said.

Thankfully Mr Hawkins was able to reel the catch in, with someone helping with the net.

Lilydale Lake, Healesville’s Don Lake, Emerald Lake and the Ferntree Gully Quarry have all been stocked with ready to catch 800gms rainbow trout and massive stonkers averaging five kilos.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said seven tons have been released in the last two weeks across family friendly lakes in the Yarra Valley and also places like Eildon Pondage and the Goulburn River.

“It’s a wonderful experience for kids and for older kids,” Mr Dowling said.

“When you go along there and you’re fishing with light line and a worm on the end of your rod just relaxing and one of these big stonker touts starts to pull your rod in the water, it can be pretty exciting and lots of fun.”

The stocking of the larger fish in the urban waterways has only recently commenced in Covid years due to travel restrictions into regional areas.

Mr Dowling said due to the success, it’s continued.

“We brought them to metropolitan regions so that people who were unable to travel distances because of the restriction, then still have the opportunity to get out and stretch their legs and use their time to go fishing in waterways really close to home,” he said.

The Yarra Valley areas also receive stock of other native fish throughout the year, including Murray Cod and Golden Perch, with a record breaking 10 million native fish being released

across Victoria in the past year.

The stockings have been funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to boost fishing.

Local Brian Hawkins said it’s great to be able to take the grandkids to local lakes year-round to drop a line.

“It gets kids out and around the lakes and around the streams without their devices, they get a bit of fresh air and they get a bit of sport,” Mr Hawkins said.

“It’s always great to see kids fishing… it’s a very basic sport, you don’t need a lot to go fishing and it’s a lot of enjoyment – even if you don’t catch fish it’s relaxing.”

The best tip for catching a fish of a life time is just to get out there.

“Just pick up a rod, whether it’s after work before work on a weekend and just go down there and you never ever know what are your chances?” Mr Dowling said.

Rainbow trout are said to be a good catch for beginners and a variety of baits and lures are usable.

“I would suggest if you’re fishing for trout in these waterways the old humble garden worm with a few rocks, with a small sinker, just cast it out there and you’re very, very likely to catch one of these trout,” Mr Dowling said.

“If you’re really super keen and you really want to try and catch one of the big ones, [head out] the first two hours of light in the morning, so really from six till eight in the morning, and your last two hours of the evening.”

Local fisherman Brian Hawkins caught a big rainbow trout in Lilydale Lake and threw it back to live another day. Picture: Stewart Chambers

Mr Hawkins gets a high five from Hooman another fisherman who was on hand to help net the fish.

Brian Hawkins reels in the massive trout.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING, SHOES & ACCESSORIES

WELCOME BACK TO 1000 S TEPS

BY PARKER MCKENZIE

THE public can now head back to the popular 1000 Steps in Tremont walk as it was officially opened to the pubic after 16 months of closure.

The challenging 1.4km walk was closed after the June 2021 storm weather event, which caused damage to the concrete steps and hand railing up the steep hike. Macclesfield local Bill said he’s come down to walk the track several times since it opened two days ago.

“I’ve been doing the lyrebird track for the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“Being in my 60s, it’s important I try to stay fit. I’ve been doing the 1000 Steps on and off for the last 10 years.”

Ali, who travelled from the northern suburbs to visit the tourist destination, said he loves to see the wildlife like birds in the area.

“I’m a bird lover. I got within 200 metres of the top and turned back, that was enough fitness for me,” he laughed.

The bushwalk was first created in the early 1900s when tree fern trucks were laid across the wetter areas of the track, which were replaced by wooden palings before permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.

Veterans of the Kokoda campaign adopted the park as a memorial site in 1998, with fourteen plaques dedicated to the Australian Military Forces who served in Papua New Guinea being erected along the walk.

If the 1000 Steps or Lyrebird Track proves to be too difficult of a walk, there is plenty of other options nearby.

Sherbrooke Falls is a great walk for families and is located just down the road. Located in Sherbrooke Forest, there are several trails starting from the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground.

Take either the Sherbrooke or O’Donohue Track through the rainforest of mountain ash, stringybark and tree ferns to the waterfall at the end, which usually takes around 30 minutes.

NEW SPRING ARRIVALS IN-STORE AND ONLINE NOW!

Ali, who travelled from the northern suburbs to visit the tourist destination, said he loves to see the wildlife like birds in the area.

Macclesfield local Bill said he’s come down to walk the track several times since it opened two days ago. Pictures: Stewart Chambers

GET A TASTE FOR LOCAL ART

IF you’re an art fiend, a trip to the Dandenong Ranges is not complete without enjoying the work of local artists.

You can see craftsmanship at work yourself, with open studios in their galleries looking out onto the picturesque landscape during spring.

Whether it be buying hand-crafted goods like accessories, tote bags, or beautiful paintings, it would be hard not to find a gallery suited to your taste.

There are art galleries throughout the Dandenong Ranges that boast locally-made products and works for you to either purchase, or admire, on your trip through the mountains.

A ten minute drive from each other, the artist’s villages prove an easy stop on a day out.

OLINDA

Emma Jennings Gallery off Mount Dandenong Tourist Road offers an array of large and small original paintings on handmade Japanese papers.

With limited edition archival prints, greeting cards, as well as antique Japanese ceramics and textiles on display, you can also spend time with Emma seeing her at work with tiny brushes and handmade paper, and flip through her sketchbook for a unique and memorable and unique experience.

After experiencing the vibrant Emma Jennings gallery you can also drop into Helene Campbell’s Tall Trees Studio next door.

A jeweller and gold/silversmith, who also sells goods from other independent Victorian artists, Helene runs a shop-front with pendants, lamps and accessorie for sale, to keep for yourself or gift to friends and family.

SASSAFRAS

Just down the road Olinda in Sassafras lies JCDC Gallery run by Jacqui Christians as well as Avant Garden.

JDCD Gallery is home to botanical art; with both abstract, colourful and realistic landscapes on canvas, while Avant Garden’s gallery is local growers nursery and artists gallery.

For a mixture of fresh air and mood-lifting colour, combine gallery and outdoor activities on your venture to Sassafras.

Avant Garden is located at 363 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, with JCDC Gallery just next door at 2/361 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

KALLISTA

In the small, cosy town of Kallista you’ll find a collaborative studio space owned by a group of six artists and friends, who providing tarot readings and a run shop called ‘Leaf Studios,’ selling wearables, jewellery, original drawings and prints.

You can even pick up homewares at ‘Leaf Studios’ while you journey around town.

You can find ‘Leaf Studios’ on 77 Monbulk Road, Kallista

KALORAMA

Kapi Art Space’s gallery and studio is home to art classes including ‘Paint & Pinot,’ and team building painting workshop, also selling local works.

If you’re keen to book in a class over spring, make sure to visit managing director Heather Bradbury’s website at https://www. kapiartspace.com/

Kapi Art Space is located at 1282 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama.

BELGRAVE

The Sherbrooke Artist Society’s spring show will be in full swing from October through to December 2022, where you can see the work of local artists exhibiting over works of art utilising a range of mediums.

You can learn more about how artist Emma Jennings creates her pieces on hand-made Japanese paper on your trip to Olinda.

Picture: Tyler Wright

The gallery, is considered a key destination for visitors looking to explore culture and art in the Dandenong Ranges, also providing members and visiting artists with a light and spacious exhibition space set at the edge of the breathtaking Sherbrooke Forest.

The gallery has a constant changing display of over 300 works of art for sale.

Sherbrooke Artists Society is located at 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave.

Enchanted

See the gardens on foot or catch a ride on the Garden Explorer.

ESCAPE TO THE BOTANIC GARDENS

BY MIKAYLA VAN LOON

THE Dandenong Ranges has many natural wonders throughout the many parks and reserves, with many show stopping blooms sprouting during spring.

Places like the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens saw 78,500 people visit between August and November in 2019 as the area continues to be a visitor drawcard.

Most visitors flock each year to see the 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils draped in colour during spring.

While there is space for a picnic on the Cherry Lawn amongst the conifers and the blue and white hydrangeas.

Take the pressure off your feet and let someone else take you around the network of paths with a Garden Explorer guided tour on an open air eclectic people mover - the perfect addition to seeing the gardens from all angles while avoiding the heat.

Parks Victoria ranger team leader Terence Moon said there is so much value in the Dandenong Ranges Gardens.

“It is one of seven Dandenong Ranges Gardens properties, a diverse group of gardens with significant botanic, heritage and tourism value,” Mr Moon said.

The Garden Explorer tours run on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout summer from 11am to 3pm every 45 minutes for a small fee. Book tickets at the Gift Shop.

“As always, staff are excited to welcome Melburnians back into the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens and celebrate their commitment to keeping each other safe by following Covid-19 restrictions.

“We hope our visitors enjoy the outstanding display of rhododendrons and other flowering plants.”

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm) except Christmas Day, days of Total Fire Ban and Severe Weather events.

Please refer to the Parks Victoria website for up to date information relating to closures and change of conditions –www.parks.vic.gov.au.

It’s blooming beautiful.

Take a stroll and get lost in the gardens.

display. Pictures: Steward Chambers

TOUR THE

BY TYLER WRIGHT

IF you’re looking to explore gardens through the Dandenong Ranges this spring, you may be in for a treat with a tour from the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society.

10 acres of beautiful gardens are run by the society’s volunteers, with not just rhododendrons, azaleas and Kind Protea amongst the grounds but spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range in the distance.

To book a tour of the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society’s gardens, contact secretary Eric Watson via email at secretary@ fchs.org.au.

The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society is located at 100 Hilton Road, Sassafras.

For more information on the society and upcoming events, visit http://www.fchs.org.au/

IN THE

The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society draws hundreds of visitors to its garden for seasonal shows and displays. Pictures: Stewart Chambers

Chimonanthus praecox in the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society’s gardens.

RACING THRILLS IN THE COUNTRY

FORGO the overcrowding of city race meets and escape to the country this racing season with Yarra Valley tracks offering picturesque surrounds to enjoy.

The region has various options for those looking to back a winner, whether that be on the pacers, fillies or greyhounds.

Yarra Valley Racing has spectacular events organised at the Yarra Glen Racecourse for the biggest days of the racing calendar with Healesville Amateur Racing Club starting its spring/summer racing season with their Derby Day meeting.

Among the big-day events planned for the region includes Healesville’s Derby Day celebration on Saturday 29 October before leading up to the big one at Yarra Glen, the Yarra Valley Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 1 November.

Just two days later will be the major Yarra Valley Pacing Cup Day on Oaks Day, Thursday 3 November.

In what is traditionally the ‘ultimate style day’, the blokes and ladies are encouraged to bring their ‘A-game’.

All events will be equipped with a full racing program, fashions on the field and live entertainment for adults and kids.

After the spring carnival, picnic meets will continue into November with Healesville hosting its Pre Christmas meet Saturday 19 November and Yarra Glen will be hosting theirs on Saturday 26 November.

Drive a little further down the highway and you’ll find plenty of picnic meets at the Yea Racing Club starting with the Yea Spring Spectacular on Saturday 12 November.

Healesville Greyhounds Racecourse also has various meets on Sundays and Fridays that punters can attend throughout the spring season.

So dust of your fancy frock or unite with your buddies for a colourful character race day and enjoy a day at the track. There is no shortage of style, drama, or sophistication when it comes to race days in the Yarra Valley.

Visit country.racing.com for information on the Yarra Valley racing events and healesville.grv.org.au for information on the greyhound meets.

Best Dressed Couple.Healesville

Greyhound Racing operates throughout spring.

Entertainment will be held at various race meets.

Spring racing at Healesville Amateur Racing Club.

Ladies picnicked their way through the day at the races.

BY ELLE CECIL

ESTABLISHED in 1988, Paintball Games has been providing Melbourne’s best paintballing experiences for over 25 years.

With courses in Coldstream, Cockatoo and Ballan, Paintball Games is a great way to burn some energy and have fun with family and friends.

There are options for adult paintball, for patrons 16 years and over, and low-impact paintball (known as Splatmaster or Miniball), for those eight years and above.

The adult paintballs are traditional, full sized .68 calibre paintball markers that travel at 300 feet per second. The lowimpact paintballs are .50 calibre and use pump-action paintball markers.

Following legislation introduced in 2015, any non-prohibited person who is 16 years of age or over may participate in paintball gaming on an approved Victorian range without a license.

There are plenty of options for different packages, with adult games including 200 paintballs starting at $50 per person, 500 paintballs for $85 per person and 600 paintballs for $100.

Kids prices start at $40 per child for 300 paintballs or $50 per child for 400 paintballs.

All prices include vests, overalls, goggles and markers, as well as a basic introduction to how to safely conduct yourself on the course and how to use the provided equipment.

Group specials available for adult and low-impact packages. For more information, visit www.paintballgames.com.au or phone (03) 9777 0613.

Paintball Games Ballan: 19 Aldreds Lane, Colbrook. Paintball Games Cockatoo: 200a Evans Road, Cockatoo. Paintball Games Coldstream: 5 Maxwells Road, Coldstream.

Paintball

GLORIOUS SPRING GARDENS

ALOWYN Gardens started in June 1997 when the first spadeful of soil was turned in a bare paddock surrounded by vineyards in the beautiful Yarra Valley, next door to the what is now known as the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

After a two-year process of clearing, cleaning and extensive planning, the first trees were planted in the winter of 1999 and many thousands have followed since.

Inspiration for the gardens has been drawn from the many gardens John has visited over the years, but two particularly - the Buchard Gardens in Canada and Het Loo in Apeldoorn, Holland, where John was born - hold special significance.

Alowyn Gardens consists of eight distinctly different areas, linked together with one of Australia’s largest Japanese wisteria arbours, flowering in spectacular fashion for two to three weeks in October each year, followed by the rose display.

The total area of the gardens is about seven acres, which includes an extensive edible garden, a parterre garden, a silver birch forest, perennial border, casuarina forest, small display gardens and of course the wisteria archway.

A fully-stocked extensive nursery is on site and an interesting gift shop sells local produce in season.

Our cafe sells delicious coffee and a range of scones, cakes and toasties.

Alowyn Gardens is a must-see for the general garden enthusiastic who is looking for new ideas or for those visitors who wish to view a beautiful garden for just plain enjoyment.

The venue is open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

WINES FOR SPRING WEATHER

BY PARKER MCKENZIE

THE Yarra Valley is synonymous with wine of all varieties, but with spring quickly approaching the huge selection can often be overwhelming.

Tourist News spoke to those in the know about their favourite varieties to drink during the season.

Wine Yarra Valley Marketing Coordinator Sarah Donnellan said the soil composition in the Yarra Valley allows for a wide variety of wines to be produced.

“Chardonnay and Pinoy Noir are obviously what the region is known for, but we’ve also got producers making smaller batch, lesser-known varietals like Italian, French and Spanish varietals that we don’t see in the mainstream industry,” she said.

“You’ve got a variety of Roses as well, whether they’re quite light and fresh drinking styles or a more natural style; cloudy, funky and what we can call skinsy because the wine has spent more time in contact with the grape skins.”

While this can produce a wine that is darker in colour with vibrant flavours, not all wine producers in the region are focusing on pushing the envelope.

Seville Estate’s winemaker Dylan McMahon said the longevity of their wine— where vines were first planted in 1972 by his grandfather — is because they’ve earned the respect and trust of consumers.

“We’ve been around long enough to see things go in and out of fashion,” he said.

“We do what we do well. It’s in the fruits where you see a little bit of experimentation from us.”

The old favourites like Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs and Riesling remain popular for a reason after all.

Ms Donnellan said there is a lot of complexity in the region in terms of pushing for innovative winemaking techniques beyond varieties and flavours.

“How can we grow wine sustainably and reduce our output, how can we use less water or chemicals and be more organic and biodynamic in our winemaking principles?” she said.

“Being the oldest wine region in Victoria, we have the history of established producers, but we’ve also had younger winemakers coming through over the last decade or so and pushing the boundaries.

“With new technologies, adapting to climate change or looking outside of what is normal and has been done previously, it’s

about how they can be sustainable as an industry.”

When it comes to a fine wine for spring, the two had different opinions and personal tastes.

“For me, something with a little bit more weight and structure,” Mr McMahon said.

“A medium weighted wine like a shiraz, something with fruit.”

“Potentially something rich with a bit of fizz to it, heading into the warmer months,” Ms Donnellan said.

“Chardonnay can have an easy, light and refreshing style so that’s a good place to start.”

Yarra Valley vineyards are a stunning sight to see in spring. Beautiful fruit grown in the Yarra Valley.

The Yarra Valley produces a wide variety of wines. Picture: Unsplash

Q&A WITH ALISON WITHERS

THE Driessen family has been growing blueberries for two generations. Over the decades the business has evolved to become a successful winery and cellar door as Badger Creek Blueberry Winery business manager Alison Withers explains. Tell us your story. How did you become involved in the wine industry?

Our story begins in the early 90s when my husband’s family who were blueberry growers needed to create a product they could sell in the winter months when there were no fresh blueberries, so blueberry wine was created. I came into wine industry when I joined the business in 2007.

Tell us about the wine you produce. What sets it apart? Our wine is made from blueberries not grapes! It really does pique people’s interest and they are pleasantly surprised once they’ve tasted it.

Being a fruit wine most people have already formed an opinion on it before they’ve tried it but it’s not quite as sweet as expected. We liken our blueberry still wine to a sweeter style rose. It is served chilled and is a fabulous summer drink.

Which is your personal favourite and why?

Our blueberry sparkling. It is made in the methode traditionelle style and it has just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of acid, excellent with some local cheese like Stone and Crow Moonshine.

What is the outlook for this year’s vintage?

This years’ vintage is just about to kick off and is looking like a good one!

Aside from wine, what else do you offer visitors?

Light lunches, St Ronan’s Cider tastings, house made preserves made from fruit and veg we grow on the property.

What do you love about working in the Yarra Valley?

Being surrounded by the mountains and fresh air. What is your favourite meal to enjoy with a glass of your own wine?

Something with a bit of heat to it, a red duck curry or a beef vindaloo.

How did the Covid restrictions affect your business?

By not being able to have customers from near and far be able to sit with a drink in hand and enjoy our newly renovated space. Life was certainly a little slower, but we’ve come back reinvigorated and ready for a bumper summer in the valley.

How do you relax and unwind in your spare time?

Drinking wine and having lunch with friends at all the different wineries the valley has to offer!

What are your favourite places to take visitors in the Yarra Valley?

Meleto’s for a long lazy lunch, Tarrawarra for a walk around the gallery and glass of wine on the deck, or a walk around Badger Weir.

Cellar door specialising in wines made from 100% blueberries.

Wines tastings and sales, small plates daily, relaxed atmosphere, child and dog friendly.

Only 800m past Healesville Sanctuary.

Open Thursday – Monday 10am to 5pm

11 Garnook Grove, Badger Creek www.blueberrywinery.com.au 03 5962 1601

Cellar door, cider bar and orchard located 800m past Healesville Sanctuary.

Real Australian Cider made with real Australian fruit made onsite.

Cider tastings and sales, small plates daily, relaxed atmosphere, child and dog friendly.

Open Thursday – Monday 10am to 5pm

11 Garnook Grove, Badger Creek www.stronanscider.com.au 03 5962 1601

TIME TO CHASE WATERFALLS

BY CELESTE DUTHIE

IF you want to see a real waterfall, spring is the time to do so. Lots of rain and cooler weather allows these natural water features to reach their full potential and amaze their audience.

Waterfalls are a lovely experience to share with friends and family and perfect for sightseeing before or after a delicious picnic.

Revells Falls is located just outside of Healesville in the Maroondah Reservoir Park.

This park boasts scenic gardens, a waterfront walking trail and barbeque facilities which are perfect for picnics.

The gentle but captivating falls are ideal to admire with all manner of company, whether it be a walk with a friend, or a family filled barbeque.

After visiting the waterfall, you can enjoy the walk along the top of Maroondah Dam wall which is a very exciting experience.

The park has toilets and an information shelter with some general knowledge on the dam and surrounding areas.

The La La Falls in Warburton is fantastic if you’re after a decent walk with a scenic reward.

This waterfall and walk has a round trip of 3.2km.

It’s described as having a formed track and short steep hills as well as some obstacles, which contribute to that sense of adventure.

Despite this it is still considered an easy route and takes roughly an hour and ten minutes to complete.

There is roadside parking for vehicles and a picnic table if you’re interested in having lunch outside.

Located a thirteen-minute drive out of Kinglake you will find

the outstanding Masons Falls.

It’s a 2km round walk on a formed track which takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.

Enjoy the majestic views from a lookout platform and watch the water cascade down 90 metres into the gully below.

The track winds through almost topical looking bushland and it is not uncommon to spy a lyrebird or two darting across the path in front of you.

For such a short walk, it offers you plenty of exposure to the Australian flora and fauna.

Facilities include an undercover picnic area with free barbeques and public toilets as well as plenty of parking space.

COOL DOWN AT WATER PLAY PARKS

VISITORS can soon again enjoy water play parks in Lilydale, Seville and Warburton, after the parks reopened in midSeptember.

Water jets are now active at Seville Water Play Park at the recreation reserve, Lillydale Lake splash pad and Warburton Water World.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the parks provided a fun space to meet with friends in the warm weather.

“In the spring and summer months, there are few better places to be than with your friends and family at a water play park, a pool, or a leafy, shady park. Our water play parks are extremely well-visited – and for good reason. The jets, the equipment and the scenic surrounds make for a wonderful day out,” he said.

“I’m excited that the water jets will soon be starting up again, giving our community a space to cool off and make the most of the warmer months. I’d encourage everyone in our community, particularly our families, to plan a picnic or grab some food from their favourite local restaurant or cafe, and head down for a day of water play and fun in the sun.”

Water play park jets turn on between 8am-10am, depending on location and are turned off at 8pm.

On days where weather is forecast to be 35 degrees of higher, the water jets at our play parks will stay on for an extra hour –usually finishing at 9pm.

When visiting water play parks and splash pads, sun smart behaviour is a must – make sure to apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses and clothing to reduce skin exposure, and take breaks in the shade. Bring water and snacks for everyone with you, and watch out for sun burn or exhaustion.

Warburton Water World and other water play parks in the Yarra Ranges are opening soon. Picture: On File

Cr Child encouraged community members to have a back-up plan when visiting water play parks on warm days, weekends and public holidays.

“Our water play parks are very well loved, but this also means that we get a tremendous amount of tourists and locals flocking when the temperature rises,” he said.

On days of Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings, water play parks will not be active.

For more information on your local water play park, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/waterplay

Revells Falls at Maroondah Dam in Healesville.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

HISTORIC

BY RENEE WOOD

REOPENS ITS DOORS

THE Launching Place Home Hotel is welcoming locals and visitors back to the historic pub after a revamp of the popular family spot was undertaken.

New owners Neil and Robyn Shankly recently took over the Home Hotel, seeing great potential in rejuvenating the century old drinking hole which has been a Yarra Valley icon since the mid 1800’s.

After both having 30 years experience in the hospitality industry running a catering business, the pair took on this new challenge with open arms and have succeeded in restoring the pub’s charm.

Now it has been refurbished inside and out, giving patrons an updated environment to enjoy.

Mr Shankly said welcoming service and a focus on Yarra Valley produce and wines is their bread and butter.

Consistently delicious food and friendly service is also their main aim at the pub.

“The Home Hotel will be able to host everything from a few drinks with your mates, to a family meal, to gatherings for special events,” Mr Shankly said.

The new owners are driven by local wine and produce and aim to champion the Yarra Valley’s best in a way to enhance the pub and what it stands for.

“The revamped menu includes traditional pub style meals together with more modern fare, featuring Yarra Valley produce and wines.”

It’s the perfect spot for visitors both on the road and on the trail with access direct from the Warburton Trail for walkers, bike riders and horse riders alike.

The outdoor undercover beer garden is great for an outdoor spring dining experience.

So take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the newly renovated pub and try what’s new on the menu - you won’t regret visiting the Home Hotel this spring.

Neil Shankly and staff at the Launching Place Home Hotel. Pictures: Stewart Chambers

If you’re starting to think about Christmas, hampers will be available this spring.

BRING ON THE BEST THIS SPRING

SPRING is here and it’s undoubtedly beautiful if you are in Healesville or anywhere in Yarra valley and Dandenong ranges.

Grab your picnic blankets and mates for a true Spring experience in the Yarra Valley, and if you are looking to pick some treats along the way, make sure you stop at Beechworth Bakery in Healesville.

Just an eight minute drive from Maroondah reservoir park and 35 minute drive from Ringwood.

Pick from their famously delicious Pies or even freshly made wraps and sandwiches and not to forget their lip-smacking cakes range from Beestings to Jelly slice.

They have spacious indoor and green outdoor seating at the back which is right next to a creek - you might even find some birds singing as you enjoy your pie or cake.

They are also known for their awesome coffee - now that calls for a perfect hangout spot.

With Christmas just around the corner, Beechworth Bakery has started making Christmas cakes and hampers.

They are beautifully handcrafted and will win everyone’s hearts and tastebuds and if you are thinking of someone special this Christmas, head to BeechworthBakery.com.au/online-store and order them a hamper straight to their address.

“We want to thank our lovely local community and regular customers for their continuous support and of course our awesome staff who are our biggest assets,” Kylie, Healesville Beechworth Bakery Manager said.

You might have heard about Beechworth Bakery before but how much do you know about them?

Well, it all started in 1984 and they continued to grow across 7 beautiful tourist locations in Victoria and one in NSW.

The best way to get yourself around all the beautiful country locations is by getting yourself a Beechworth Bakery Passport.

You not only get to visit all the beautiful locations, but you also get to treat yourself on every stop.

There are plenty of delicious treats to enjoy from Beechworth Bakery.

TASTE TEST THE BEST WHISKY

BY RENEE WOOD

A NEW whisky and ale bar has opened its doors in Healesville, offering a menu rich with local wines, beers and the best drops of whisky from Victoria and across the globe.

Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse is an intimate spot full of charm, with a welcoming and warm interior nodding to local history and Healesville’s rustic charm.

It’s the perfect place for visitors and locals to sit back and enjoy a whisky or two, away from the hustle and bustle of bigger establishments.

Cheese and meat sharing boards and a small cocktail list are also on the menu that’s looking to show off the best of the Yarra Valley all in one spot.

The bar is owned and operated by married couple Brendan and Kate who say they were looking to fill a gap in the market, with no other small whisky or wine bar style venues locally.

“Healesville has nearly everything covered when it comes to heading out and socializing over a delicious beverage, unfortunately there is no small Whisky or Wine Bar style venue,” they said.

After recently opening in September, the couple say it’s been their biggest achievement and look forward to seeing you this spring.

“We have just opened and would love to hear everyone’s feedback on what they would like to see join our family of whiskies and ales,” they said.

Current venue capacity at the 207 Maroondah Highway, Healesville venue is 20 people at a time however, that’s expected to expand soon.

Cavanagh’s whisky & alehouse has over 75 whiskies, both local and global. Located on the main street of Healesville. They also have locally sourced wines and ales. Come in for a dram, glass or pint. Space is limited.

There’s plenty of local and international whisky drops on offer.

Brendan and Kate look forward to welcoming you to Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse. Pictures: Renee Wood

Great Food & Atmosphere on offer

The Healesville Grand Hotel is certainly worth a look inside to appreciate the beauty of this recently renovated local 1880’s icon.

See us for all your function needs from 21st, 40th, 50th birthdays to engagements & weddings. Our Restaurant has a scrumptious seasonal menu using local produce.

CAMPING AMONG THE TREES

BY CALLUM LUDWIG

AS the wet and cold of winter pass on (hopefully!), the Yarra Ranges opens up to a plethora of great camping spots for a trip away from the hustle and bustle.

While we are predicted for a wet and wild spring, the early days have shown a glimpse of some of the lovely weather we can hopefully see in between, just enough for a getaway.

Camping spots can come free too, with a number of spots across the region offering a unique experience at no cost.

For visitors to the Upper Yarra region, Starling’s Gap Campground provides their first option. Based around the Yarra State Forest. After turning right onto Little Yarra Rd from the Warburton Highway in Yarra Junction, it’s only 34 mins to your destination. Powelltown is the final township on the route before you turn left down Monett Road. Once arriving at the campgrounds, campers can find a fireplace, toilets and picnic table to use in an open setting among the ferns and mountain ash forest. There are no designated sites and it is first-in, best dressed for the 2WD accessible grounds that provide access to the Upper Yarra Walking Track.

If travellers continue along Yarra Junction-Noojee Road, they can also find the LaTrobe River Camping Area with free, walkin camping is available at the Federal Mill and Ada No 2 Mill.

The area popular with bushwalkers allows dogs and has a park ranger on patrol and good shade provided by Narrow-leaved Peppermint and Mountain Ash trees. There is also a walking track with access to the Latrobe River and for a good feed, the ever-popular Noojee Pub is a short drive away.

For those who want to explore the Dandenongs, the Kurth Kiln Regional Park off of Gembrook-Launching Place Road is an ideal location, with three campgrounds to choose from. Magazine Track Camping Ground, Heritage Fence Camping Ground and Scout Loop Track Camping Ground all provide similar experiences, with toilet and picnic facilities and popular horse riding trails at Scout Loop. Magazine Track Camping Ground, and Scout Loop Track Camping Ground have 36 designated camping sites between them, while Heritage Fence Camping Ground is undesignated.

The Starlings Gap Campground.

Pictures: Supplied

The Kurth Kiln.

Some of the historic buildings at Kurth Kiln Regional Park.

PICNIC, WALK AND CAMP AT PARK

BY CALLUM LUDWIG

THE Upper Yarra Reservoir Park reopened on Saturday 17 September 2022 and visitors have already started making the most of the space once again.

Picnickers, walkers and campers have been out enjoying the park, which is now open seven days a week between 8am and 5pm for day visitors, with gates closing at 6pm.

Chirnside Park resident Liam Irvine and his partner Lisa Tunney visited the park for a picnic and said when they heard of the reopening, they decided to head up for a day trip.

“It’s the first time we’ve been here, after seeing that it has been closed for a few years, so we decided the four-day weekend would be the perfect opportunity to come out and enjoy it,” he said.

“We went for a nice walk this morning and drove up to look out over the reservoir as well. There’s lots of families out and about for the nice day, a lot of kids riding bikes.”

It was closed in June 2019, while Melbourne Water undertook major safety upgrades to the dam.

The parklands, camping assets and playspace have all been refurbished, including the main toilet block, replacement and upgrade of the septic sewerage system and new picnic tables.

Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria funded new fire pits which should arrive shortly and Yarra Ranges Council constructed a new nature-based playspace and multipurpose court on site.

Mr Irvine said the new facilities are great.

“The new toilet facilities are really nice, and really clean which is great. We will definitely come back out and camp here sometime,” he said.

“It’s a great spot for a walk and a bit of exercise, and great for connecting people, particularly kids with nature, which is a very positive thing. It provides whatever you want it to, whatever you make it.”

Mr Irvine said it is essential for local people to have a space like the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.

“There’s so much different flora and fauna, it’s great that it’s open again. Money well spent,” he said.

“I’d definitely encourage people to come out, they won’t regret the drive. It would be nice to see some events held, perhaps in the lead up to Christmas. It would be good to bring local people together here for events.”

Parks Victoria’s works since June 2022 have also included the removal of a number of hazardous trees, the sanding and

painting of the old picnic tables, grass cutting, walking track maintenance and path and walkway cleaning.

A couple of facilities are still unfit for use at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. The Mess Hall, constructed in the 1950s, has degraded and is unsafe for public use, with either major works, removal or replacement needed, while the day-use toilet block near the playground has also been badly vandalised and is unsafe.

Parks Victoria is reviewing the future of both facilities to consider what can replace them and to source funding. The Mess Hall has had its windows and doors boarded up to restrict public access to the internal building but a smaller outdoor undercover area and access to the barbecues remain available.

Camping sites can now be booked for Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. To book, visit www.bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/book

Wide open spaces at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.

Pictures: Callum Ludwig

The Yarra River is a short walk away.

The view out over the reservoir.

BERRIES, JAMS, SYRUPS TO ENJOY

KOOKABERRY Berry Farm is a family run business, having grown gorgeous berries for 44 years to tickle anyone’s fancy.

Guests of Kookaberry are invited to enjoy fresh or frozen strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and of course, the jams , vinegars and syrups from the farm gate.

Kookaberry products are 100 per cent Australian grown and made with no preservatives, additives or artificial colours. All jams, syrups and vinegars are made using berries grown on the farm.

This creation of these products began 18 years ago when Kookaberry part owner Tony decided to come up with an idea utilizing the not so marketable berries.

This idea transformed into the production of gourmet, handmade and award-winning jams, syrups, sauces and vinegars.

The Kookaberry jams and syrups have won gold and silver awards at the Sydney Fine Food Show, Hobart Fine Food Show and Melbourne Fine Food Show.

Kookaberry jams are made by grower Frances, who carefully chooses her berries from the farm to ensure taste and quality.

All products are handmade in small batches, bottled and labelled by Frances on the farm.

Kookaberry also makes hampers to suit anyone’s budget for Christmas, birthdays, etc.

The farm is open seven days a week in season (October to June) from 9am to 5pm. For any other times, customers are invited to ring the farm.

Kookaberry Berry Farm is located at 25 Lewis Road in Wandin. For more information, phone 0415 768 222

T. & F. Caltieri

The Kookaberry farm is open seven days a week in season.

Kookaberry Berry Farm is a family run business.

and Cherry Products

FRESH OFF THE FARM IN WANDIN

IF you’re looking for a ‘pick your own’ experience on a Yarra Valley farm, then look no further than a trip into Wandin where many many local producers welcome customers into the fields or the packing shed.

In Wandin East, Jay Berries is a family run and owned berry farm run by John and Jola Stewart.

It offers visitors a pick-your-own experience in Wandin East. John and Jola have grown strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries for over 25 years and have diversified into tourism for the past nine years.

The weigh and pay system for u-pick gives visitors value for what they take home, especially for family groups where some people want large quantities of luscious fruit and others a small amount.

Freshly picked berries are also for sale in the shop and many people pre-order to ensure they get what they need.

Jay Berries at 140 Wandin Creek Rd, Wandin East VIC 3139 is open six days a week 8.30am-4.30pm and closed every Saturday. The farm’s berry season runs from October to May depending on the seasonal weather.

Over in Wandin North, Wandin Valley Farms are lovers of cherries and has proudly been in operation since 1893.

Wandin Valley Farms is now fully owned and operated by the Sebire and Jones families, with three generations of the family actively involved in the business.

The delicious red gems are sourced from three farms across Victoria and Tasmania.

Wandin Valley Farms’ cherries are then packed at its state-ofthe-art packing and distribution facility in the Yarra Valley.

During the packing season of late October to late January, the

Cherries can be purchased from October at Wandin Valley Farms.

Wandin Valley Farms shop is open to cherry lovers who are invited to come and pick up a delicious treat.

Pick up a box (or two, or three!) of fresh cherries direct from the farm, or take home one of the beautiful cherry jams, relishes, sauces and pastes so you can enjoy the flavour all year round.

The shop is located at the packing and distribution facility at 47 Hunter Road, Wandin North. During packing season the shop is usually open 9.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week, however this will vary according to supply.

Please check the calendar at www.wandinvalleyfarms.com.au/ shop for scheduled opening hours. this will vary according to supply.

Please check the calendar at www.wandinvalleyfarms.com.au/ shop for scheduled opening hours.

U-Pick

products made from

Home

MEET LOCAL FARMERS AT MARKETS

BY RENEE WOOD

IF you’re after the best local, organic and sustainable produce from Yarra Valley farmers and producers, then look no further than the Healesville Organic Farmers Market held every Saturday at Coronation Park.

Whether you’re after wholesome items to add to a picnic or something to take back to your holiday stay or home, the market has plenty of stalls to choose from.

Honey, eggs, cheese, bagels and baked goods, mushrooms, seedlings, flowers are available, while organic and sustainable items such as coffee, bread and breakfast cereal that are processed in the Yarra Valley are stocked by stall holders.

Healesville Organic Farmers Market manager Greg Liney said their motto is ‘think global, buy local, support local community’.

“We are focussed on food and allied products that are organic, sustainable and ethical, giving consumers a real choice in what they purchase to consume,” Mr Liney said.

“Customers are able to interact directly with the people who make or produce the products they purchase.”

The market has a long local history in the local area, launching its current form in September 2016, after taking over from the Yarra Valley Permaculture group who started a market in 2004 at the Healesville Railway Station.

The stall holders are driven by the desire to foster relationships with customers and shortening the supply chain to allow local growers and producers of synthetic chemical free produce to sell direct to the public.

“As we come into the local spring, summer and autumn growing season we will see the full range of locally grown, fresh, farm produce at the market,” Mr Liney said.

“We are excited to have recently added a local commercial mushroom grower to our weekly roster of stalls.”

Not only does the market offer the community a healthy and sustainable alternative for their weekly shopping, but they also give back after recently making a $1500 donation to the Lismore Organic Market who were impacted by the floods.

Best of all, you’ll be purchasing produce that is days or even

weeks fresher than what is available in the supermarkets. Visit the market on Saturday at Coronation Park, River St, Healesville between 8.30am - 12.00pm.

STORY BEHIND THE MARKETS

IT was Friday 13 March 2020 whilst running the Warburton Summer Produce Market a storm was blowing.

Market Coordinator Leanne Hall was getting phone calls about cancelling all her festivals and gigs and the River Folk Festival that was due to start in a few hours was cancelled.

Everyone was in shock and not sure what was happening or what to do next.

The community wanted to know where to get their fresh produce from so Silvertine Farm offered to do farm gate sales on a Friday afternoon at ECOSS.

Other local produce stalls wanted to come along as well and with all the restrictions it required a coordinator so Leanne started running what was soon to become The ECOSS Valley Market. They managed to run the market safely throughout the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.

The market became a safe haven and helped with the mental health of many to come out and do their essential shopping in a safe open air environment.

Now that we are able to socialise again, the weekly ECOSS Market has become a great place for families to hang out, sit around the fire, drink mulled or hot chocolate (in winter) grab some Mexican Tacos for dinner, do their weekly shop and relax while the kids play.

Thanks to funding from Creative Victoria they have been able to run monthly festive markets with live music, arts, craft and local produce markets. Each month has a different theme and is a great opportunity for families to socialise.

It is under cover and indoors in the colder months and is about to move outside to the Village Green now the weather is warming up. The team have now introduced ‘A Taste of Culture’

Healesville Organic Farmers Market

Kids cooking demos, introducing young people to different cultures and healthy eating each month in conjunction with the festive markets thanks to funding from Vic Health.

Warburton still wanted to have a market so The Warburton Valley Market was born and became the first Sunday of each month to replace The Warburton Summer Produce Market and the Artisan Market that folded during Covid.

The Warburton Valley Market has live music, a great range of art, craft, food and local produce! Along the banks of Birrarung (The Yarra River) behind The Arts Centre Warburton.

They have just had the biggest Market yet in conjunction with The River Folk Festival that was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Leanne and the team are very excited for the following markets now the weather is heating up.

The ECOSS Valley Market is also welcoming new stalls.

The

Markets

Market

Coronation Park, River St.

Every Saturday 8.30am - 12.00pm (except

Healesville Organic Market

Market Coordinator Leanne Hall

MARKET A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

SPRING is here and it’s time to take the whole family to the Yarra Valley for fun packed days full of adventures and activities! Yarra Glen is beautiful in spring and our Yarra Glen Racecourse Market is a sight to behold. Held on the first Sunday of the month from 9am-2pm, you can come and meet the artists, creators, designers and craftspeople behind the selection of premium quality goods on display. Satisfy the kids’ curiosity with all the creative makers as they will be happy to have a chat about “how it’s made”. With hundreds of stallholders lining the open paths of this

market, featuring a selection of unique jewellery, art, clothing, toys, outdoor furniture, gourmet food and much, much more, you can be sure their is something for everyone.

There is also live music to keep you entertained as you browse, and our street food sellers will make sure the whole family is well fed.

First Sunday of the Month. 9am-2pm.

Parking $5 (A small surcharge applies when paying for parking electronically).

Please no dogs.

LISTINGS

GALLERIES & GIFTS

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

Art at Linden Gate

899 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd Yarra Glen VIC 3776

Phone: (03) 9730 1862 artatlindengategallery.com.au artatlindengate@gmail.com

10am-5pm Fri-Mon & Public Hols

Monbulk Jewellers 102 Main Rd, Monbulk VIC 3793

Phone: (03) 9756 7652

Open Mon Sat

MARKETS

Eltham Community Craft & Produce Market

Alistair Knox Park, Panther Place Eltham

3rd Sunday of every month 8.30am - 12.30pm 0401 288 027

Bollygum Market

40 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake VIC 3763

2nd Sunday of the Month

Kallista Community Market

2 Church Street Kallista

1st Saturday of the Month 9am - 1pm 0402 012 247

Healesville Community Market

River Street Car Park

1st Sunday of the Month

Coronation Park

3rd Sunday of the Month 0488 445 112

Yarra Glen Craft Market

Armstrong Grove Yarra Glen Craft Market

1st Sunday of the Month

ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANTS

Monbulk Bowling Club 11 Moores Road Monbulk Bowling Club 9756 6183

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

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

Bottlemart Healesville Grand Green Street Healesville 5962 4003 www.bottlemart.com.au/specialsvic

Greenstone Vineyard 179 Glenview Rd Yarra Glen

Open Thurs to Mon, 10am - 5pm 9730 1022 www.greenstonevineyards.com.au

Tokar Estate

6 Maddens Lane

Coldstream

Open 10.30am - 5pm Daily 5964 9585 www.tokarestate.com.au

Sutherland Estate 2010 Melba Hwy Dixons Creek 0402 052 287 www.sutherlandestate.com.au

Yileena Park

271 Steels Creek Rd Yarra Glen VIC 3775

Open- Mon- Sun 11am- 5pm (03) 9730 1977 www.yileenapark.com.au

Wild Cattle Creek Estate 472 Warburton Hwy, Wandin North VIC 3137 Phone: (03) 5964 4755 www.wildcattlecreek.com.au

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

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

CAFES & GARDENS

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

WANDER WITH ART AND SOLE

BY MIKAYLA VAN LOON

A NEW walking tour of Lilydale has offically launched, inviting people to put on their most comfortable shoes and head out into the natural environment this spring.

The team from Lilydale’s community health service, Inspiro, helped create Art and Sole, an artistic walking route starting at Poyner Reserve and weaving around the neighbourhood in a creative celebration of First Nations culture and local history.

With paths linking to walking tracks like the Warburton Rail Trail and Lillydale Lake, the connectivity is easily accessible and draws attention to what the suburb has to offer.

Inspiro health promotion officer Megan McInerney said the project aims to encourage physical activity, education and a sensory experience for residents and visitors to the Beresford Road area.

“If you’re interested in art, you’d be interested in it. If you’re interested in health and well being you would be interested in it and if you’re interested in history, you’d be interested in it. So it covers a lot of bases and appeals to a lot of people,” she said.

Wurundjeri elder Aunty Kim Wandin was the artist behind the aluminium sculpture ‘Bour-deet’ positioned within Poyner Reserve, representing the ‘Cumbungi’ or the bulrush plant that grows in the creek bed just metres away.

Traditionally used by Wurundjeri tribes as a food source and for basket weaving, Ms McInerney said Aunty Kim still goes on Country to harvest Cumbungi and use the techniques that have been passed down through generations.

“It’s a really beautiful story that she’s incorporated that tradition and ancestry of hers and it’s a beautiful legacy for her,” she said.

For Yarra Ranges Council’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), being involved in a project that celebrates First Nations history and cultural identity means there’s more representation in the local area.

“There has been little to no visibility of Indigenous culture in the community, this project is helping to address that,” an IAC spokesperson said.

Ms McInerney said Bour-deet is just one component of the project, with seven other wayfinding signs positioned around the residential and industrial streets near Beresford Road.

Featuring QR codes on each sign, it will take people directly to a landing page displaying “the cultural narratives and historical narratives.”

“So we have two different versions of history from the region and they’re quite site specific,” Ms McInerney said.

Employing the skills of the Lilydale Historical Society, with guidance from president Sue Thompson, Inspiro was able to have local knowledge incorporated in the project, as well as photographs from throughout history.

Senior Wurundjeri elder Aunty Doreen Garvey-Wandin also

shared stories of her people and ancestors to create that cultural perspective.

The idea behind this collaborative project between Yarra Ranges Council and Inspiro came from the concern that people within the high density living areas were choosing cars over walking even when in such close proximity to major amenities.

“The mapping from [Yarra Ranges] Council showed this is going to be quite a high density living area, so we’re just trying to get people in this area to be up and out and walking and not using their cars.

“We know that lots of people who live really close to the station will drive rather than walk and it’s encouraging them to know it’s under 800 metres for you to walk to the station and it’s good for your health, it’s good for the environment.”

Having consulted with local residents and other members of the community, Ms McInerney said it became clear people felt there was “nothing exciting to look at”.

“A lot of the consultations said it was aesthetically unpleasing, there’s nothing that invites you to be out walking.

“To have something that’s nice to look at or something interesting to read or to listen to as you’re walking around the neighbourhood, that was one of the goals too.

“We just want people to come out and enjoy it. It’ll be a beautiful community initiative that everybody can enjoy.”

Poyner Reserve is located on the corner of Beresford and Cave Hill Roads in Lilydale. Visitors are encouraged to start or end here to enjoy a picnic and the playground.

Art and Sole has been in the process for over a year now and will finally launch on 12 October.

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

The etched designs have been placed at different heights for people to trace with their hands.

People

wayfinding signs.