Episode 8: 20 May 2006
The team takes you to Wilsons Promontory. Bridget and Dermott drive a Mustang from Leongatha to Djinta Djinta Winery. Lawrence rides the Great Southern Rail Trail, while Glen and Kristie discover Mt Oberon and the surrounding Wilsons Prom area.
Korumburra to Leongatha
South Gippsland Railway
This week's journey starts in the town of Korumburra, situated in a region of rich dairy country amongst the scenic backdrop of the Strzelecki Ranges. Bridget and Dermott take a ride on a diesel, electric train from Korumburra to Leongatha along the South Gippsland Railway. A collection of historical diesel locomotives and railcars travel between Leongatha, Korumburra and Nyora along a section of former Victorian Railways mainline. The steep and windy track skirts its way along the hills with spectacular views across Gippsland and towards Phillip Island and the Wonthaggi coast.
Korumburra Station
Ph 03 5658 1111
Melbourne Office
Ph 03 9562 3033
www.sgr.org.au
Leongatha
At the heart of a rich, green and closely-settled dairy, beef, lamb, vegetable and wine growing district, Leongatha is located literally between the mountains and the sea in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges.
Classic Car Rentals
Dermott show Bridget how to travel in style to their next destination, in a 1970 Ford Mustang. With its famous and incredibly expensive Boss 302 and Super Cobra Jets based on the 1969/70 platforms, this stunning convertible is easy to drive, very comfortable and the ideal choice to cruise through the magnificent Gippsland countryside and seaside drives. Coupled with the look and a 302 Windsor motor, mild cam, and 3-speed auto, it's perfect!
7 Anderson Street, Leongatha
Ph 03 5662 0900 or 0418 528 376
www.classiccarrentals.com.au
Djinta Djinta Winery
Djinta Djinta Winery is located on 10.5 acres in South Gippsland, Australia's southernmost mainland wine growing area. The property is divided in half by an ephemeral stream. The southern side of this stream was planted with sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon. The northern side of the stream comprises semillon, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Djinta Djinta is known for its cool climate wines. It's located in a viticultural region that produces acid retention in the grapes and is very good at ensuring maximum fruit expression and complexity.
While at Djinta Djinta Bridget took the time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the winery's restaurant, deVine. In conjunction with the vineyard's organic viticultural practices, organic produce is a large ingredient in the formulation of the recipes.
10 Stevens Road, Kardella South
Ph 03 5658 1123 (cellar door) or 03 5658 1163 (DeVine Restaurant)
www.djintadjintawinery.com.au
Great Southern Rail Trail
Lawrence pedals his way along the Great Southern Rail Trail. The trail winds through the Gippsland Hills, passing dairy farms and wetlands with spectacular views of Wilsons Promontory. This high standard trail stretches from Leongatha to Foster on a 50 kilometre ride and is suitable for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheelchairs. The surface is smooth gravel and the terrain is gently undulating.
Ph 03 9306 4846
www.railtrails.org.au
Fish Creek
A small, picturesque township at the centre of a rich farming community, Fish Creek is just 20 minutes from the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Promontory Gate Hotel (the Fishy Pub)
Glen and Kristie check out the local pub in Fish Creek, Fishy Pub. The spacious double storey hotel was built in the 1930s and features a bar, bottle shop, restaurant, beer garden, plus regular entertainment and some of the best food around. Featuring local, seasonal and fresh produce the menu is a combination of classics and contemporary teamed with a sophisticated wine list offering local wines.
Old Waratah Road, Fish Creek
Ph 03 5683 2404
Peaceful Gardens Organic Cooking School
The Organic Fix began in November 2000 in South Gippsland as a farm-based operation that would make the vitality and importance of quality organic fruit and vegetables available to Australian families. That original dream has since grown into a business with a passionate staff, all of whom share that goal. Currently they supply families all over Victoria with home delivered organics, as well as a full range of bio dynamic/organic provedore goods. For the past three years, the Organic Kitchen has provided seasonal recipes to its customers via a weekly newsletter.
1 Koala Drive, Koonwarra
Ph 03 5664 2480
www.theorganicfix.com
Limosa Rise
Limosa Rise provides luxuriously self-contained holiday accommodation overlooking ever-changing, stunning views of Corner Inlet and the northern mountains of Wilsons Prom. Be blown away by the stunning sunrise and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the country air.
40 Dalgleish Road, Yanakie
Ph 03 5687 1135
www.limosarise.com.au
Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory, or 'The Prom' as it is affectionately known, was the first National Park in Victoria. Located at the southernmost point of Victoria, the Prom is an isolated area of granite headlands, with unique vegetation and geology. The park is famous for its abundance of native animals, birds, reptiles and plants, magnificent beaches and thick coastal forest.
Tidal River is the main base of Wilsons Promontory National Park, with 480 camping sites, all within walking distance to the beach, river and toilets.
From Tidal River there are a number of day walks. Bridget explores the trail to Squeaky Beach and Glen and Kristie discover the picturesque view from the top of Mt Oberon.
Ph 131963 (within Australia)
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Prom Coastal Charters
Kristie discovers the Prom's 130 kilometre coastline from the water on a coastal charter boat. Wilsons Prom is not only known for its spectacular views but also its fishing, with whiting, flathead and salmon the most popular catches. Kristie is lucky enough to discover the hidden secrets of the Prom that are only accessible by all day hikes.
The half-day cruise includes visits to Three Mile Beach, Rabbit Island, Sealer's Cove and Refuge Cove.
Ph 0418 125 526
What's on
Powerade Cup, Socceroos v Greece
This Thursday the Socceroos start their 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, taking on Greece at the MCG.
Where: Federation Square Live Site
When: Thursday 26 May from 5.45pm
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au
Signs of the Times
See over 150 years of Melbourne street signs.
Where: City Museum at Old Treasury
When: Until 28 June. Open 7 days
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au
2006 Italian Festival
Experience all that our local Italian culture has to offer in the 2006 Italian Festival.
Where: Various locations around Melbourne
When: 1828 May
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au