Episode 36: Wineries Special
For years the RACV has been a part of Victorian family life and on today's episode of Postcards we take you to four of their best resorts to give you some summer holiday ideas. Suzie checks out the newest addition, RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, Glen cruises to Cobram, Brodie goes east to the Gippsland shire and Inverloch, whist Gorgi goes seaside to Cape Schanck.
Cape Schanck Resort
Everyone knows that RACV stands for Royal Automobile Club of Victoria and with many resorts dotted throughout our glorious state it got us thinking, maybe RACV should stand for Really Amazing Country Vacations.
The first of which is Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula about 90 minutes from Melbourne. If youre a golf nut this place is awesome and if you like fine dining the restaurant is top shelf. Cape Schanck sits on the southern most tip of the Mornington Peninsula so what would one expect to see overlooking this sensational stretch of water? A lighthouse of course and its the best spot to take in the coastlines spectacular scenery. Made from limestone the Cape Schanck Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in Victoria, shinning it bright light for the first time in 1859. Standing 113 meters above the crashing waves gives you a real buzz so to calm yourself down head back to the 19th hole at the RACV Resort Golfers Lounge.
RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Trent Jones Dve, Cape Schanck
Ph: 03 5950 8000
www.racv.com.au
www.racv.com.au
Cape Schanck Lighhouse
420 Cape Schanck Rd, cape Schanck
Ph: 03 5988 6184
Cobram Resort
How can you say no to a place that promotes itself as having sunshine 300 days of the year? If youre heading up towards the mighty Murray then the RACV Cobram Resort is the perfect spot to set up camp. You can stay in the spacious Jayco cabins or the 2 bedroom apartments which have enough room for up to 6 guests. For those with caravans and campers you get sites with concrete slabs that are fully serviced with power. There are activities galore with a BMX track, two tennis courts, basketball court, childrens playground, swimming pool plus a driving range to practice your swing before you hit up one of the areas many golf courses. However if your idea of a good time is more along the lines of wine tasting then Monichino Winery in Katunga, may be what youre looking for. This family owned winery is around 20 minutes from Cobram and specialize in producing a huge variety of traditional blends.
RACV Cobram Resort
Campbell Rd Cobram
Ph: 03 5872 2467
www.racv.com.au
Monichino Winery
70 Berrys Road Katunga
Ph: 03 5864 6452
www.monichino.com.au
Inverloch Resort
The problem with exercising is finding the time to do it. When youre on holiday you have loads of time but youre on holidays. If you stay at RACV Inverloch Resort you will definitely find a way to keep it fun. Set on 32 stunning hectares this 35 million dollar state of the art eco friendly resort is a fitness freaks paradise with great walking tracks, pool table, basketball and tennis there really is an activity for whatever your mood is. There are three accommodation options to choose from starting with a little bit of luxury in the ocean view rooms. If youre after a bit more space, the self contained villas will do the trick and are kitted out with everything you need. Or if you prefer to bunk down in your caravan the sites come with private ensuites. The best thing of all is no matter where you stay the beach is only moments away, perfect for jogging along and sunbaking. This area is also an artistic alcove and artists like Fiona Kennedy have been flocking here for decades. Her vibrant gallery is a must do while visiting Inverlochs gorgeous coastline.
RACV Inverloch Resort
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch
Ph: 03 5674 0000
www.racv.com.au
Fiona Kennedy
7 Halford Street, Inverloch
Ph: 03 5674 2529
www.fionakennedy.com.au
Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast
Queenslands most glamorous surf strip was coined The Gold Coast back in the fifties when real estate boomed. Now ten million tourists turn up on the Coast each year. The RACV Royal Pines Resort boasts over 300 luxurious rooms including their Corner Spa Suites with master bedroom, comfortable lounge, modern bathroom and everything youd need for a relaxing stay. If you want to eat theres a choice of four eateries ranging from the Arakawa Japanese Restaurant with fantastic food to Kalinda, a good family choice offering a la carte dining or a full buffet for lunch and dinner. The children are catered for with a pool, outdoor playground, game zone area and a tennis court, and as for the parents theres plenty of action to be had on the golf course which hosts the ANZ Ladies Masters each year. But for those who just need to relax you cant go past a bit of pampering at the Angsana Spa.
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Ross St, Ashmore, Gold Coast
Ph: 07 5597 8700
www.royalpineresort.com.au
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Once youve explored the resort theres plenty of fun to be had with a day trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Its about a 30 minute drive south of the RACV Royal Pines Resort and is a great day out for the kids. The Park is a non-profit organisation which runs a Green Guardian program where they breed animals in danger of extinction. You can organise a personalised tour of the sanctuary or just take your time walking around the property. There is also and opportunity to have a happy snap taken and cuddle the koalas.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Ph: 1300 886 511
www.cws.org.au
What's On
La Dolce Vita
Next weekend why not take in the stunning scenery, as well as gourmet food and wines at La Dolce Vita - the King Valley's springtime celebration of the sweet life.
Where: King Valley
When: 15 16 November
More: Ph 1800 801 065 or visit
www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au
Jazz on Track
Or jump aboard Walhallas Jazz on Track where you can enjoy a train trip on Victorias most spectacular railway whilst listening to the sounds of traditional jazz.
Where: Walhalla
When: 15 November
More: Ph 03 5126 4201 or visit
www.walhallrail.com
Malmsbury Village Fair
And not to far from town is The Malmsbury Village Fair taking place next Sunday in the beautiful settings of the150-year-old Botanic Gardens.
Where: Malmsbury
When: 16 November
More: Ph 03 5423 2088