Episode 21:Great escapes
If you're after a warming winter getaway, Postcards and HotelClub have ten great escape deals, and Giaan, Glen, Shane and Brodie Harper look at some other great places to escape to this winter.
Yarck House and Ruffy's Produce Store
Yarck House is a luxurious farm stay in the tiny town of Yarck on the Maroondah Highway, about a two-hour drive from Melbourne. It's a perfect designer country escape and if you like the idea of a hobby farm without any of the hassles or hard yakka, you can come and pretend for the weekend. While it's certainly tempting to stay in and enjoy this luxurious home, there are a surprising amount of things to do around the area. With Yarck House as a base, you can explore nearby towns, pop up to Mount Buller for a day or visit the Ruffy Produce Store. Beautifully furnished with mismatched tables and adorned with abundant displays of yummy treats, it's a warm, inviting and slightly quirky country cafe that's grown by word of mouth since it opened ten years ago.
Yarck House
stayz.com.au
Ruffy Produce Store
26 Nolans Road, Ruffy
Ph 03 5790 4387
ruffy.com.au
RACV Resort Cobram and Shepparton Art Museum
If you're driving up to Cobram on the Murray River, stop half way for a stretch at SAM, the recently redeveloped Shepparton Art Museum. SAM has a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Australian ceramics and a superb collection of national paintings and works on paper. There's also a shop with work from local artists and a cafe.
The RACV Cobram Resort is the place for some serious fun and great place to stay. The accommodation is nicely spread out, there are powered and ensuite sites for caravaners a range of cabins and apartments for up to six people. Activities include the jumping pillow, a kid's playground, tennis courts and a games room. Golfers can practice their swing at the driving range before hitting the green at one of the region's top rated courses and gym junkies will love the brand new fitness centre and the outdoor pool is amazing.
Shepparton Art Museum
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton
Ph 03 5832 9861
sheppartonartgallery.com.au
RACV Cobram Resort
Campbell Road, Cobram
Ph 03 5872 2467
racv.com.au/cobram
The House at Smoko and Shimla
The town of Smoko is 15 kilometres south west of Bright in Victoria's north-east valleys, about a four-hour drive from Melbourne. Nestled by the Ovens River with spectacular views of Mt Feathertop is The House at Smoko, a three-bedroom luxurious country retreat.
Just a few kilometres away is Bright and plenty of options to tempt your tastebuds. Shimla is a restaurant with a difference and its uniqueness is very popular with locals and tourists. Combining a passion of Indian and Italian cuisine, everything on the menu is home made from scratch using family recipes.
The House at Smoko
1691 Great Alpine Road, Smoko
Ph 0448 992 960
thehouseatsmoko.com.au
Shimla
Camp Street, Bright
Ph 03 5755 1676
Bel Casa and Eden Gardens and Linton's Cafe
Bel Casa is a beautiful resort style holiday home you'd expect to see in The Hamptons, but it's a little closer to home in Mt Eliza. With five large bedrooms and four bathrooms, it's designer accommodation for up to 13 people. And there's a 12-metre solar heated pool, a ten-person spa and an outdoor pavilion.
Mt Eliza village with its charming shops, restaurants and cafes is only a 500-metre walk away. Make sure to visit at Eden Gardens, a beautiful garden centre where you'll find all the ideas and inspiration you need to enrich your life with plants and homewares. Linton's Cafe is also on site and housed in the property's original 1870's farmhouse, which said to be one of Mt Eliza's earliest buildings. Get in early for the garden breakfast, or enjoy the ricotta, pear and spinach tart with caramelised walnuts for lunch, or just choose from the selection of house made cakes and pastries.
Bel Casa
5 St Johns Lane, Mt Eliza
Ph 1300 161 780
holidayshacks.com.au
Eden Gardens and Linton's Cafe
Corner Nepean Highway and Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza
Ph 03 9215 1500
edengardens.com.au
Postcards diary
EJ Whitten Legends Game
Football fans, remember to book for this year's EJ Whitten Legends game.
Where: Etihad Stadium
When: 3 July
More: legendsgame.com.au
BIA Melbourne Boat Show
If you love getting out on the water, join thousands of boating enthusiasts at the Exhibition Centre.
Where: Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
When: 5–9 July
More: biavic.com.au
The Ancient Rome Exhibition: The Empire that Shaped the World
And if you're passionate about history and Ancient Rome, don't miss this world premiere exhibition.
Where: Da Vinci Museum, Docklands
When: until July 15
More: davincimuseum.com.au