Episode 6: Yarra Valley
Following the recent bushfires in Victoria, today's special episode shows you some of the wonderful experiences that you can still enjoy in the Yarra Valley. The team goes to places they know you will want to visit to ensure the tourism industry in this region stays strong. With farmers markets, cooking schools, tourist railways, bed and breakfasts and even the local pub, this region isn't just for wine lovers, although with Grape Grazing on the agenda for April, it definitely is the place to be if you love a good vino.
Yarra Valley Regional Farmers Market and Yering Station
Everyone loves a market and on the third Sunday of each month the Yarra Valley Regional Farmers Market takes place on the grounds of Yering Station in an historic old barn, which dates back to the 1850s. To be a part of this market, which runs from 9am to 2pm, stall holders have to make it, bake it or grow it and must be based in the region.
Once you are finished at the market you can head over to the tasting room at the cellar door at Yering Station, where there's a produce store and wine sampling. And if you have the time, take a moment to sample those wines at a table in Yering Station's Wine Bar Restaurant, located in a spectacular building with expansive views across the Yarra Ranges.
Yering Station
38 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
Ph: 03 9730 0100
www.yering.com
Yarra Glen Grand Hotel
The Yarra Glen Grand Hotel is the jewel in the crown of this little town. It was built back in 1818 and helped kick off the settlement of the whole area, which started in the 1830s. It's the hotel's owners, husband and wife team Fred Whitlock and actress Alison Whyte, who've stolen the limelight and breathed life back into this beautiful old pub. If you're a fan of beer gardens then this is one you should check out. You can grab a meal out on the deck while listening to live music or having a game on the outdoor pool table.
The Yarra Glen Grand Hotel sits smack bang in the middle of the Yarra Valley, so if you feel like sticking around and checking out a few of the wineries, this is the perfect place to stay. The accommodation provides all the modern luxuries without losing its historic feel.
Yarra Glen Grand Hotel
19 Bell Street, Yarra Glen
Ph: 03 9730 1230
www.yarraglengrand.com.au
Yarra Valley Tourist Railway and Annabelle of Healesville
The Yarra Valley may be best known for its food and wine, but we take a different type of tour. The Yarra Valley Tourist Railway used to be part of the Vic Rail line, but was officially closed to all traffic in 1983. Since 1989 a team of dedicated volunteers has been working to restore and operate the track as a tourist railway. It's one of these volunteers who shows Brodie and Lauren the ropes. Once the girls reach the end of the line they each head off to check out a couple of places around town. Lauren visits Ricci's Bikkies in Healesville, which produces a range of sweet and savoury treats. Brodie checks into Annabelle of Healesville, a beautiful federation home that's been purpose-built as an old style bed and breakfast featuring all of the mod cons with plenty of old world charm. If you've been out around the region during the day, then make sure you arrive back in time for the home-made afternoon tea on the veranda. The four luxury rooms at Annabelle each have an ensuite, complete with a double spa.
Yarra Valley Railway
Healesville Station
Kinglake Road, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 2490
www.yarravalleyrailway.org.au
Ricci's Bikkies
Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 1294
Annabelle of Healesville
10 Glenfern Avenue, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 6655
www.annabelleofhealesville.com.au
Bella Vedere Cooking School
Dust off your apron and get ready for school in the Yarra Valley. Executive chef of Bella Vedere, Gary Cooper, has been running his weekly cooking classes from the restaurant's kitchen for just over two years. The three-hour class is a fantastic way to hone your cooking skills, is informal and uses the best produce from the Yarra Valley. As Shane has a bit of a sweet tooth, he convinces Gary to fast track to dessert and gets started on a sweet and sticky blood plum tart. Not only can you be as creative as you like, but every dish whipped up in the classroom is served in the restaurant downstairs. Cooking classes run twice a week and cost $150 per person, which also includes lunch and a glass of sparkling wine.
Bella Vedere Cooking School
874 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
Ph: 03 5962 6161
Yarra Valley winery tour
Famous for its rolling hills and stunning vineyards, the Yarra Valley is the birthplace of Victoria's wine industry. In today's episode Blair hooks up with local character Peter Ferguson for a special tour around the region in his red-hot 1950s MG TD. They begin at Boat O'Craigo, a boutique winery on the outskirts of Healesville that has the unique distinction of being the highest altitude vineyard in the Yarra Valley. Next is Riverstone Estate, which offers a more rounded experience by matching exceptional wine with exceptional food. Lastly the MG snakes it way through the gates of Tarrawarra Estate, a winery and art gallery that Pete lovingly refers to as the 'icing' on the Yarra Valley cake.
Boat O'Craigo
458 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 6899
www.boatocraigo.com.au
Riverstone Estate
105 Skye Road, Coldstream
Ph: 03 5962 3947
www.riverstonewine.com.au
Tarrawarra Estate
311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Yarra Glen
Ph: 03 5962 3311
www.tarrawarra.com.au
What's on
Scooby-Doo Stagefright Live On Stage
For a fabulous family outing these school holidays, take the kids along to
Scooby-Doo Stagefright Live On Stage.
Where: Princess Theatre
When: 3-8 April 2009
More: Phone Ticketek 132 849 or visit www.boomerangtv.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition
A must-see for art lovers and visitors alike is the Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition, set amongst the vineyards and olive groves of the winery on the Mornington Peninsula.
Where: Mornington Peninsula
When: Until 26 April 2009
More: Ph 03 5989 8412 or visit www.montalto.com.au
Grape Grazing
Talking of all things wine related, this year's Yarra Valley Grape Grazing festival is being held on 18-19 April at some of Victoria's best wineries, so put the date in your diary!
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 18-19 April 2009
More: Ph 03 5962 6600 or visit www.grapegrazing.com.au
Chefs Unite
If you love a good night out and fine food, join chefs from France-Soir, Ezard, The European, Grossi Florentino, Hotel Sofitel, Cecconis Cantina, Atlantic, Verge, Movida, Canvas, Oyster Little Bourke, Taxi, Pearl and many more, as well as some famous faces and celebs to aid the Victoria Bushfire Appeal.
Where: Peninsula, Central Pier, Docklands
When: Friday 3 April 2009
More: $250 donation all food and beverages included. Ph 03 9940 0603
