17 June: Gippsland

Koonwarra Food and Wine Store
A little settlement off a remote corner of the South Gippsland Highway, Koonwarra is a scenic one and a half hour drive south east of Melbourne. The Koonwarra Food, Wine and Produce store specialises in home made food supplied by incredibly passionate producers and served in a beautiful environment.
Ph 03 5664 2285
www.koonwarra.vic.au

Revamp Apparel
Revamp is the new kid on the block in Koonwarra. The shop, which opened in October last year, is all about clothing and interiors. From sustainable fashions to nostalgic interiors, Revamp breathes life back into old treasures. One of the best things about Revamp is that they provide advice on fashion and interior styling, so you will know exactly what to do with all these gorgeous pieces when you get them home to your place!
Ph 03 5664 2266
www.revamp.net.au

Wild Dog Winery
With the drought affecting most of the state, many vineyards are feeling the pinch. But there's one in Victoria that's having a bumper year producing some cool climate wines you'll go wild over. Wild Dog Winery is only 3 kilometeres south of Warragul in West Gippsland, just over an hours drive from Melbourne via the Princes Freeway. With stunning views of the Strzelecki Ranges, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some award winning plonk.
Ph 03 5623 1117
www.wilddogwinery.com

Outpost Retreat and Horse Riding
Noojee Horse Safaris and Trail Rides can put you in the saddle for a couple of hours or a couple of days. Host Ray Trewin, has over 15 years experience and a reputation for good old fashioned, fair dinkum hospitality and legendary home style cooking. Our ride takes us along the magnificent Lock River and after just a short ride; we arrive at Gippsland's hidden treasure: the Outpost Retreat. Nestled on the banks of the La Trobe River surrounded by wild native forest, the Outpost Retreat has just about everything you can wish for, accommodation, bar and restaurant.

Noojee Horse Safaris and Trail Rides
Ph 03 5628 9542

The Outpost Retreat
Ph 03 5628 9669
www.theoutpostretreat.com

Janalli B&B
The concept of escape is well and truly defined at Janalli Bed and Breakfast and it's not just the accommodation, wait until you see the magnificent mini botanic garden. An 80 minute drive from the CBD, the guest house is in Nerrim South about 60 kilometres north of Warrigul. The Aussie spirit is certainly echoed at Janalli, while the inspiration of beautiful gardens from around the world makes this more than just a garden, and that has to be a good place for the soul. Accommodation at Janalli B&B starts at $180 per couple.
Ph 03 5628 1476
www.janalli.com

Mountain Top 4WD Tour
Deep inside the hidden oasis of the Boola Boola State Forest, just over 170 kilometres east of Melbourne, is where Loz is learning how to 4WD in rugged, untamed bushland. Today we are travelling along the southern border of the Great Divide fires that ripped through this area in December last year. When travelling through, it's hard to believe that an area devastated by fire only six months ago can be quite this spectacular.
Ph 03 5134 6876
www.mountaintopexperience.com

What's On

Puppet Lab Shadowland
For children under 13, school holidays mean the Puppet Carnival at Federation Square. Enjoy a host of free family activities and a variety of workshops. Bookings not required.
Where: The Atrium, Federation Square
When: 30 June – 7 July
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

Circus Oz
Circus Oz delivers an animal-free circus that's anything but typical. The 2007 tour features death-defying stunts, awe-inspiring acrobatic performers and a live band.
Where: The Big Top, Birrarung Marr
When: 20 June – 15 July
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

New Romantics – presented by The Australian Ballet
Join the Australian Ballet as they present the New Romantics. Two 21st century premieres on at the Arts Centre.
Where: State Theatre, the Arts Centre
When: 22 June – 3 July
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au