The Ashes Special plus Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges: 17 February 2007
The Postcards team pays tribute to cricket’s most famous trophy, the Ashes. Bridget visits the famous Sunbury mansion, Rupertswood, now a beautiful conference and accommodation centre and the birthplace of the Ashes Urn. Glen takes a look at the magnificent gardens of Mt Macedon while Lawrence examines the myth of Hanging Rock before sampling some local wine. Bridget and Glen drop into Victoria’s pampering centre, Daylesford, before the team meets up at Cricket Willow, just outside of Hepburn Springs. There, Lawrence has a cricket bat made from scratch and the whole team takes on the Daylesford under 16s cricket team for the big finale.
Rupertswood and the Ashes history
Rupertswood, once the centre of Victoria's high society, has been converted into a luxury accommodation getaway. The mansion's other claim to fame is that the famous cricket trophy, the Ashes, was born here. After a social cricket match against the touring English cricket team, a burnt bail was presented to the captain, Ivo Bligh, and the sporting legend was born.
Accommodation at Rupertswood
Experience beautifully appointed rooms that once played host to the upper class of colonial society; from a delightful room in the servants' quarters, to the sumptuous Governor's suite.
Accommodation packages are available for conferences, weddings, engagements, and private parties.
3 Macedon Street, Sunbury
Ph 03 9740 5020
Macedon Gardens
In the late 19th Century, Macedon Gardens was the place where wealthy Melburnians built their summer retreats. A fantastic collection of impressive mansions remains today plus some of Victoria's finest European-style gardens. Check out details of the Open Garden scheme to find out when these properties are open to the public.
www.opengarden.org.au
Hanging Rock
An hour north of Melbourne, Hanging Rock is a popular tourist attraction with some great walking tracks around the Hanging Rock Reserve. The place comes alive on New Year's Day and Australia Day when Hanging Rock Picnic Race Meetings are held.
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Hanging Rock Winery Retreat
Hanging Rock Winery Retreat is located just north of the famous Hanging Rock landmark and only an hour's drive from Melbourne in the Macedon Ranges wine region. Established in 1983 by John and Ann Ellis, the winery's flagship drop is their sparkling Macedon, a rich, complex Champagne-style wine. The retreat offers light and airy suites to enjoy the tranquil bush setting and expansive views of the Macedon Ranges.
88 Jim Road, Newham
Ph 03 5427 0542
www.hangingrock.com.au
Daylesford pampering
Eagle Therapies in Daylesford offers a holistic mind and body experience. There is a pampering package to suit everyone, including hot rock massage, crystal healing, facials and tarot reading.
Eagle Therapies
1 Knox Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 4442
www.eagletherapies.com
The Big Kahuna
Delight in a massage developed in the South Pacific at the Daylesford Massage Healing Centre. The practitioners use their hands, forearms and elbows in sweeping, flowing motions as they move around the table. Kahuna bodywork is beneficial to anyone who is feeling tired or stressed.
Daylesford Massage Healing Centre
5/11 Howe Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 1099
Cricket bat making
Located just outside Hepburn Springs the Bud to Bat program at Cricket Willow takes you through all the fascinating stages of making a cricket bat. The centre also has one of the most picturesque cricket grounds you will ever find and is a great all round venue for your social club's cricket day.
Cricket Willow match
The Postcards team finishes off their tribute to the Ashes and the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region by playing the Daylesford under 16s cricket team in a grudge match for the Postcards Ashes.
Cricket Willow
355 Hepburn - Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat
Ph 03 5476 4277
www.cricketwillow.com.au
