Episode 16: Long weekend escapes

Shack 14

Chewton is a charming gold mining village about 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. Nearby Castlemaine, is a great place to stop for some delicious local produce, such as Olive Branch Preserves, a favourite at country markets and fairs. Their locally-produced jams, chutneys and pickles are made using natural ingredients. Call in at Mulberrys Delicatessen to peruse their collection of handmade small goods, European and Australian cheeses and delicious take home meals.

Follow the dusty yellow brick road to Chewtons Shack 14, a smart eco-friendly hideaway designed to reconnect with your self, with the land, and with each other. Surrounded by box iron bark forest, the retreat sits on 10 acres of beautiful bush and grassland. Shack 14 is stylish, simple and clean self-catering accommodation that can sleep up to four.

Shack 14
Ph: 03 5472 1677
www.shack14.com.au

Mulberrys Delicatessen
60 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine
Ph: 03 5472 1651

Olive Branch Preserves
1 Helford Street, Castlemaine
Ph: 03 5472 4418
www.olivebranch.com.au

High teas

Lauren and Brodie start their afternoon of opulence by arriving in horse-drawn carriage to take tea at Hotel Windsor. The Windsor, Australias oldest luxury hotel, celebrated its 125th anniversary in December 2008, and has been serving traditional afternoon tea since the day it opened.

Or to satisfy a sweet tooth, head to The Langham Hotels Chocolate Bar. Order a three-tiered stand laden with fresh scones and finger sandwiches, and then check out the buffet where you will find made-to-order chocolate crepes and white chocolate chip soufflé. The beautiful Trilogy Garden at the Park Hyatt also serves afternoon tea comprising of traditional favourites accompanied by a range of six French champagnes.

The Hotel Windsor
111 Spring Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9663 6004
www.thewindsor.com.au

The Langham Chocolate Bar
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
Ph: 1800 641 107
www.melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au

Park Hyatt
1 Parliament Square, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9224 1234
www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com

Unique Carriage Hire
Ph: 0414 752 835
www.uniquecarriagehire.com.au

Medhurst Wines and Red Shed Café

A relative newcomer to Gruyere in Victorias famous Yarra Valley, Medhurst Wines specialise in superlative Pinots and Rosés. The owners, Ross and Robyn Wilson, are fanatical about the Yarra Valley and reckon the region produces great fruit that in turn produces great wine.

The Red Shed Café is located on the Medhurst Wines property, and is run by of Rosss daughter Fran and her best friend Maggie. The girls love of food results in tasty fare, including picnic hampers for two filled with homemade goodies.

Medhurst Wines and Red Shed Cafe
24 Medhurst Road, Gruyere
Ph: 03 5964 9022
www.medhurstwines.com.au

The Brooklyn Arts Hotel and Grumpys Green

On the edge of the Melbourne CBD in the colourful suburb of Fitzroy, a quirky new place to stay has opened its doors for lovers of the arts. The Brooklyn Arts Hotel is beautiful, friendly, quiet, quirky and relaxed and is filled with a range of intriguing collections.

Around the corner, in Smith Street, Grumpys Green is a restaurant serving a totally organic and vegetarian menu that is designed to appeal to those who are eco-conscious. The emphasis is on enjoying the good life while minimising your carbon footprint. Check out the beverage list of beer and wine sourced from makers around Victoria.

Brooklyn Arts Hotel
48-50 George Street Fitzroy
Ph: 03 9419 9328
www.brooklynartshotel.com

Grumpys Green
125 Smith Street Fitzroy
Ph: 03 9416 1944
www.grumpysgreen.com

Beleura House and Garden

Built in 1863, Beleura House and Garden is an Italianate-style villa located in Mornington. The Manor was used as a holiday home by its many owners including Sir George and Lady Tallis, who ran the theatrical company JC Williamsons. Their son John inherited the house in 1948 and lived there for over 40 years. He bequeathed it to the people of Victoria in 1996.

Beleura hosts an exciting schedule of events and runs popular house and garden tours, which showcase an impressive collection of both grand and everyday household items.

The 12 acres of gardens includes a childrens garden that features the fairy tale characters of Hansel and Gretel. Visits to Beleura are by appointment only and cost around $30, which includes morning tea, lunch and a pass to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery where they pick you up from for the tour.

Beleura House and Garden
Mornington
Ph: 03 5975 2027
www.beleura.org.au

What's on

Winter Wine Weekend
If youre looking for something to do why not head down the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy great food, wine and live music at this years Winter Wine Festival.

Where: Red Hill Showgrounds
When: 6-8 June 2009
More: Visit www.mpva.com.au

Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Or if art it more your thing, then this weekends Woodend Winter Arts Festival, with a celebration of music, literature and the visual could be for you.

Where: Woodend
When: 5-8 June 2009
More: Visit www.woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au

Good Food and Wine Show
And for all things delicious in the city, pop along to the Good Food and Wine Show currently on at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre
When: 5-8 June 2009
More:cPhone Ticketek 13 28 49 or visit www.goodfoodshow.com.au