Postcards Summer Series: 24 January 2009

Singapore Deep
If you want to visit Wilsons Prom and stay somewhere that oozes style then Singapore Deep is the place for you. It offers two stunning architecturally designed pavilions set in Yanakie which is just 3 minutes by car from the Prom. Both guest houses offer self-catering. One has views to die for and the other is set amongst the native flora and fauna. If you feel like a drive then just 20 minutes up the road in Fish Creek visit the Celia Rosser Gallery and Banksia Café.

Singapore Deep
170 Foley Road, Yanakie
Ph 03 5687 1208
www.singaporedeep.com.au

Celia Rosser Gallery and Banksia Café
Promontory Road, Fish Creek
Ph 03 5683 2628
www.celiarossergallery.com

Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Road has long been one of Australia's top attractions but you don't need a car to admire it you can always enjoy it by foot. The road itself is rightly known as one of Australias great drives, but now you can step back and enjoy it all at a rather more sedate pace on the Great Ocean Walk.

There's plenty of tracks to keep you busy, 91 kms in fact, hugging the rugged coastline from Apollo Bay to the iconic Twelve Apostles and most of the walk is within National Parks so there is amazing untouched beauty everywhere. Doing the walk is free and you can stroll as much or as little as you want. If you wish to indulge a little further and like the thought of someone serving you gourmet food as you walk, then that's easily fixed. Epicurious combine gourmet food with a four day walking tour along this famous strip. They treat their hikers to the best produce and wine in the region. The bonus is after indulging in all that fine food, you get to walk it off while enjoying that spectacular coast and forest scenery.

Epicurious Travel
Ph 03 9376 1033
www.epicurioustravel.com.au

Sailing and Quarantine Station
Sail Sorrento operate luxury cruises around Port Phillip Bay, where you can take in the sights and get up close and personal with some of the bay residents. After cruising around the bay, Glen checks out the Point Nepean Quarantine Station. Built back in 1852 this was the first port of call for many of our early immigrants. From 1951 the Military used the site as an Officer Cadet school. Over the last couple of years its been home to the Point Nepean Music festival. If you're interested in the history of this fascinating sight then join up with a tour operated by Nepean Historical Society. Everywhere you look you'll find a piece of history where the previous tenants have left their mark.

Sail Sorrento
Ph 03 5985 6559
www.sailsorrento.com.au

Point Nepean Community Trust
Ph 03 9927 2222
www.pointnepeantrust.org

Nepean Historical Society
www.nepeanhistoricalsociety.asn.au

Finley and Tocumwal – Shane Crawford
Shane grew up in Finley, a small country town three hours drive from Melbourne, near the Murray River and just over the border in country NSW. Boasting just a few thousand residents he called it home for over 15 years. The beautiful folk of Finley were so excited when Shane won the Brownlow in 1999 that they changed the Finley sign to Crawford Town. Finley's a pretty small town so when you run out of things to do you head to the next big smoke along the Murray river, Tocumwal, or Toc as it's known to the locals. Tocumwal Golf Course is a cracker and Shane has fond memories of the 17th hole where he scored his 1st hole in one. Within this historic township you must visit Tocumwal Pavilion, the local bakery, which has been churning out delicious goodies, like the unbeatable vanilla slice, for years.

For more information on Tocumwal
Ph 1800 677 271
www.toconthemurray.com.au

Grampians Winery Tour
The Grampians are known for their great beauty and famous walking tracks. There is also the wellness retreats and the regions abundant wineries. If you want in indulge at some of the 20 cellar doors in the region then Grampians Pyrenees Tours can take care of the driving with their all-inclusive full day tours. The first stop at Bests Winery has a real history. It was established in the 1800s and has been in the same family for five generations. Originally founded by Henry Best the vineyard was sold in 1920 to the Thomson family who still run it today. Next up is Seppelt, the home of Great Western, founded in 1851 and also steeped in history. Our last port of call was Montara Vineyard, a property showcasing views across the valley with a charming mud brick cellar door for visitors.

Grampians Pyrenees Tours
Ph 03 5352 5075
www.grampianspyreneestours.com.au

What's On

Dromana Bay Pier Swim
If you're looking for something active to do, The Dromana Bay Pier Swim on February 7th offers a 600m novice event and also a 1200m swim for the pros.
Where: Dromana Foreshore
When: 7 February
More: www.dromanabay.org

Yarra Valley Grape Grazing
And join the pilgrimage next month as the Yarra Valley comes alive for the annual Grape Grazing Festival showcasing the regions very best wineries. Where: Various Wineries
When: 14-15 February
More: Ph 03 5962 6600 or visit www.grapegrazing.com.au

Rhythm of Africa
On again this year, the Werribee Open Range Zoo's twilight concert series - 'Rhythm of Africa' - is just the thing to get your toes tapping, and is happening every weekend throughout summer.
Where: Werribee
When: Until 8 March
More: Ph 03 9731 9600 or visit www.zoo.org.au