Episode 03: Tourism Awards
Join the Postcards team in a celebration of some Victorian Tourism Award winners. From the fabulous food of the Queen Victoria Night Market and the fabulous wine at Rochford, to relaxing at Montfort Manor in Gippsland or at Peninsula Hot Springs and Max’s Restaurant on the Mornington Peninsula, you don't have to be a tourist to enjoy Melbourne and Victoria.
All Seasons Houseboats
Beautiful Mildura on the banks of the Murray is an hour's flight from Melbourne. With natural beauty, every water sport imaginable and unique and interesting accommodation, there's no wonder it's so popular. From the new Dockside Mildura marina, you can discover the mighty Murray with All Seasons Houseboats, who won the 2010 Victorian Tourism Award for the Most Unique Accommodation. These houseboats are like a floating luxury hotel with every conceivable comfort and boats for couples or groups. Upstairs there's an outdoor entertainment area with a rooftop helm spa and bar and novice houseboat hirers get full instruction.
While you're in Mildura, don't forget to enjoy a meal at the new Spanish Bar and Grill, which won the 2009 Victorian Tourism Award for Best Restaurant and where owner Andy promises sensational juicy steaks.
All Seasons Houseboats
Ph 03 5023 3375
allseasonshouseboats.com.au
The new Spanish Bar and Grill
Corner Langtree Avenue and Seventh Street, Mildura
Ph 03 5021 2377
www.seasonsmildura.com.au
Rochford Winery
Rochford Winery is always a first choice for a weekend of fine food and wine. Only an hour's drive from Melbourne, you'll find a vineyard, winery, restaurant, cellar door, cafe, concert and function centre and an art gallery. And don't forget their Day on the Green concerts that have featured legends like Rob Thomas, John Farnham, Tom Jones, INXS, Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart and Chris Isaac. The Rochford philosophy is about making your visit memorable, and they were recently awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries category and a Merit for Festival and Events.
Rochford Winery
Cornrr Maroondah Highway and Hill Road, Coldstream
Ph 03 5962 2119
Montfort Manor
Another Tourism Victoria winner is Montfort Manor, a two-hour drive from Melbourne in the Latrobe Valley. This beautiful limestone building offers boutique accommodation with a classic English and French style. Choose from the Windsor room with its elegant English character, the Monet with its French provincial style or the popular Marble room with a luxurious spa. The Manor is set on seven and a half acres, so there is plenty of room to wander and explore before having a dip in the pool or a hit of tennis. And your breakfast can be served in your room, downstairs or outside.
Montfort Manor
35 Hoven Drive, Traralgon
Ph 03 5174 8211
www.montfortmanor.com.au
Peninsula Hot Springs and Max's Red Hill
Max's Restaurant at Red Hill Estate won the Victorian Tourism Award for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services. Surrounded by vines and overlooking Western Port Bay, Max's is a popular choice for big events like weddings, cosy romantic dinners or a casual family lunches. And Max is the man behind the magic. He travels to Italy each year for inspiration and with the lush produce of the Mornington Peninsula, Max and his team serve up specialties like house cured ocean trout with their home made balsamic vinegar, Tuscan Pork and a Dolce Bianco dessert with fresh local berries.
For the ultimate day of indulgence and pampering, head down the road to another big winner, Peninsula Hot Springs, one of the only places in Australia with natural hot spring bathing. This 17-acre property is nestled in the sand dunes and constantly evolving. This year sees a new picnic area and new Turkish steam bath, as well as the established public bath house, which is open to everyone, and the tranquil Spa Dreaming Centre, which is restricted to over 16s.
Maxs Restaurant
53 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
Ph 03 5931 0177
maxsrestaurant.com.au
Peninsula Hot Springs
Springs Lane, Fingal
Ph 03 5950 8777
peninsulahotsprings.com
QVM Night Market
At least one evening at the Queen Victoria Night Market is a must for Melbourneites and visitors. Awarded an RACV Victorian Tourism Award in the Festival and Events category, the Night Market has been running for 13 years and has become a Melbourne tradition. Opening each Wednesday from November to March from 5.30pm to 10pm, over 150 stallholders offer an eclectic mix of food, wine, shopping and entertainment. There's even an area dedicated to Health and Harmony with massage, iridology and reflexology. You can sample freshly prepared delights including Cajun, Nepalese, French, German, Spanish and Middle Eastern treats, and match them with a glass from a regional winery. And you can stock up for home feasts with food from our local growers and taste test chutneys, mustards and fudges.
Queen Victoria Night Market
Corner of Queen and Therry streets, Melbourne
www.qvm.com.au
Postcards diary
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Dazzle your tastebuds at more than 250 epicurean events across the state.
Where: various
When: 4–14 March 2011
More: 03 9320 5830 or www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
Xanadu the musical
Get your 80s retro dance shoes and roller skates for Xanadu.
Where: Waterfront City, Docklands
When: 3 March – 8 May 2011
More: 03 9320 5830 or xanaduthemusical.com.au
Moomba festival
Take the family into the city for all the delights of Moomba.
Where: Mildura
When: 11–14 March 2011
More: 03 9320 5830 or www.thatsmelbourne.com.au