13 May: High Country
This week’s show is a call back to Victoria’s High Country. It was only a few months ago that fire destroyed much of Victoria’s beautiful wilderness areas but with plenty of community spirit and loads of hard work, tourism in the High Country is back on track and once again ready for visitors. Glen samples some of our finest boutique beers, Brodie is queen for a day at a unique B&B and Bridge goes bush with a go anywhere Aussie.
King Valley and Little Italy
For the perfect ingredients for your Italian dishes head to the King Valley. Located just over 200 kilometres north east of Melbourne, the King Valley is one of the most picturesque regions in Victoria and it is also where you will find Little Italy.
Rinaldos of the King Valley
Ph 03 5729 8000
Yackandandah
There's more to Yackandandah than just a name. Located about three hours from Melbourne, just off the Hume Highway, Yackandandah was first discovered more than 150 years ago. Gold fever hit Yackandandah hard and Brodie is going to experience just what it was like to work underground in the 19th century.
Kirby's Flat Pottery
Ph 02 6027 1416
www.johndermer.com.au
Kiwi Fruit Winery
Giverny Estate is a winery with a difference. And that difference is kiwi fruit. You'll find Giverny Estate in Toolangi 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, nestled in a hidden valley surrounded by the Yea River. This picture postcard vineyard was established in the 1980s and has been producing sparkling wine, dessert wine, liqueur and even schnapps all from kiwi fruit.
Giverny Estate
Ph 03 5962 9421
www.givernyestate.com
Buffalo Brewery
Buffalo Brewery is the oldest continually running brewery in the country and also one of the smallest. This award winning pub serves up country style lunches and dinners with that laconic Aussie charm. Their real claim to fame however is their home made beer.
Ph 03 5726 9215
www.buffalobrewery.com.au
Running Creek Castle
Come and experience the extraordinary building that is Running Creek Castle B&B, located three hours from Melbourne just east of Myrtleford. Running Creek is not just a place to unwind; it caters for the active too. With a heated salt water swimming pool, squash courts, and a lake stocked with trout you'll never be short of things to do.
Ph 02 6028 9211
www.runningcreekcastle.com.au
Toolangi 4WD Tour
While the bushfires did devastate a large part of Victoria, one part was thankfully spared from that raging inferno. A comfortable 90 minute drive from the city, off the Melba Highway, is the Toolangi State Forest. There is only one way to experience this little known treasure and that is by 4WD.
Australian Adventure Experiences
Ph 03 5772 1440
www.ausadventures.com
What's On
2007 Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival
2007 Buddhas Day and Multicultural Festival is a unique annual event which celebrates Melbourne's diverse multicultural society commemorating the birth of Buddha.
Where: Federation Square
When: 19–20 May
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Cirque du Soleil - Varekai
Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world called Varekai. Come and see this latest extravaganza from Cirque Du Soliel. Only on for a limited time.
Where: The Oval at Melbourne Park
When: Limited season
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Top Arts: VCE 2006
60 top VCE art students from 2006 will exhibit various forms of artwork at the NGV until 3 June this year.
Where: The Ian Potter Centre
When: Until 3 June
More: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
