Episode 11: Floods recovery
With so many Victorian communities affected by the recent floods and wild weather, the Postcards team re-visit some of their favourite places in the Grampians and on the Murray to see how they’ve recovered and are welcoming visitors.
Boroka Downs and Halls Gap Zoo
If you like your wildlife experience to include some luxury and privacy, it's hard to go past Boroka Downs, a five-minute drive from Halls Gap. There are exhilarating views and wildlife visitors at the doorstep of each studio or you can enjoy them from the large light-filled living area with it's open log fire,the circular spa, the king-size bed or the gourmet kitchen. You can bring your own food or a breakfast hamper for two can be provided.
To meet even more animals, it's a short drive to the Halls Gap Zoo. With native and exotic animals, the zoo has undergone a revamp since it was bought by Yvonne and Greg Culell four years ago.
Boroka Downs
51 Birdswing Road, Halls Gap
Ph 03 5356 6243
www.borokadowns.com.au
Halls Gap Zoo
4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap
Ph 03 5356 4668
www.hallsgapzoo.com.au
Echuca House Boat and Oscar W's
The mighty Murray is Australia's most famous river. Paddle steamers have cruised here for over 100 years and are still the best way to enjoy this magnificent waterway. PS Hero has been lovingly restored to look like she did when she was young. With a commercial kitchen and an on-board chef, she can welcome up to 75 guests for a function or four couples for a few days of exploring.
A must-do in Echuca is a meal Oscar W's. In a prime position in the old port, Oscar Ws s has been serving up the goods in Echuca for over 15 years. During this time it's picked up a stack of awards for consistently providing quality food and the type of environment that keeps bringing visitors back.
Hero Enchanted Journeys
37 Murray Esplanade, Echuca
Ph 03 5482 3411
www.hero.net.au
Oscar W's Wharfside
101 Murray Esplanade, Echuca
Ph 03 5482 5133
www.oscarws.com.au
Dulc and Seppelt Wines
Halls Gap is set among big mountains and rugged ranges, but you can enjoy the spectacular beauty and indulge in some luxury at Dulc. With five treehouse cabins, Dulc lets you absorb the natural beauty and relax in a spa.
At Dulc, you're in the heart of Great Western country and the small country town considered the birthplace of the area's wine making. The most famous of the many wineries is Seppelt, which has been producing quality wines for over 150 years. Today, it's a state of the art operation producing around 5000 tonnes of fruit each year, but it's beneath the winery that you can discover its past. Classified by the National Trust, the underground tunnels, known as drives, are where the famous sparkling wines rest and develop. They are open for tours and can be booked for an unforgettable subterranean function.
Dulc Cabins
Ph 03 5356 4711
dulc.com.au
Seppelt Wines
36 Cemetery Road, Great Western
Ph 03 5361 2239
seppelt.com.au
Pioneer Settlement and Spoons Riverside
Swan Hill blends the old and the new with its fascinating history and delicious new additions. Pioneer Settlement is a re-created 19th century town on the banks of the Marraboor River. Established in 1963, it's one of Victoria's most popular tourist spots, where you can also experience the joy of a Murray paddle steamer on the PS Pyap.
After your cruise, Spoons Riverside restaurant is next to Pioneer Settlement. As Swan Hill's only river restaurant, the view is as wonderful as the food.
Pioneer Settlement
Monash Drive, Swan Hill
Ph 03 5036 2410
www.pioneersettlement.com.au
Spoons Riverside
125 Monash Drive, Swan Hill
Ph 03 5032 2601
www.spoonsriverside.com.au
Stefano's Restaurant
Stefano de Pieri is renowned for his restaurant Stefano's, in the cellar of the Grand Hotel in the heart of Mildura, and is the unofficial ambassador of his town. His celebrated eatery was awarded two chef's hats in The Age Good Food Guide Awards for 2010, but you can now also experience his amazing food at Stefano's Cafe Bakery at 27 Deakin Street. Here is an array of freshly baked delights, and you can stock up on Stefano's preserves and books. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and you can also enjoy the Gallery 25 art space or join one of Stefano's cooking classes
Stefano De Pieri
stefano.com.au
QantasLink, Mildura
qantas.com.au
Postcards diary
Mount Beauty Music Festival
Enjoy great entertainment and delicious regional produce at the Mount Beauty Music Festival.
Where: Mount Beauty
When: 29 April – 1 May 2011
More: musicmuster.org.au
Grampians Grape Escape Food and Wine Festival
There's more amazing food and wine at the Grampians Grape Escape.
Where: Halls Gap
When: 30 April – 1 May 2011
More: www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Bright Autumn Festival
And even more fun and fresh produce at the Bright Autumn Festival.
Where: Bright
When: 30 April – 11 May 2011
More: brightautumnfestival.org.au