Episode 31: 20 September
There's something for everyone this week on Postcards as host Suzie Wilks catches up with celebrity Bert Newton in Melbourne, Glen heads to Apollo Bay for a unique shed stay, Brodie goes gourmet at Chadstone, Blair checks out the Hut on the Hill in Heathcote and Shane heads to Healesville to chase down the 'White Rabbit'.
Heathcote
Set on forty acres of grazing land around Heathcote in Central Victoria, Hut On The Hill is smack-bang in the middle of some of Victoria's best wineries. The purpose-built, two-bedroom country getaway has all the essential luxuries. The light-filled living area has a timber-lined cathedral ceiling, a wood heater and deep leather couches. Home cooks will love the stainless steel kitchen, while the water babies in the family will have a crackin' time in the outside pool. But nothing beats the tasteful bedrooms with their sun-drenched views and their spa equipped bathroom.
A visit to Heathcote wouldn't be complete without popping into one or two of its many wineries. Over the past decade Central Victoria has become an acclaimed wine region in its own right. A local favourite is Shelmerdine, known for its powerful yet elegant wines. The Shelmerdine family has a long history when it comes to managing high quality vineyards in Australia. Stephen Shelmerdine, who's been in the industry for well over 20 years, is producing wine that reflects the earthiness of his granite location. When it's time to satisfy your culinary cravings the cellar door and café is worth a stop. The granite stone wood fire knocks up an assortment of gourmet pizzas, while the seasonally inspired menu has been carefully designed to balance the elegant flavours of Shelmerdine's sensational wines.
Shelmerdine
Merindoc Vineyard
Lancefield Road, Tooborac
Ph: 03 5433 5188
www.shelmerdine.com.au
Hut On The Hill
720 Dairy Flat Road, Heathcote
Ph: 03 5433 2329
www.hutonthehill.com
Apollo Bay Shearing Shed
The old Apollo Bay Shearing Shed is one of those special places where getting away from it all and having plenty of space are just part of the package. Inside the shed, no expense has been spared on providing all the modern luxuries, but there's still that open rustic charm that makes it feel so homely from the minute you walk through the doors. An open plan lounge area with large wood heater and huge double glazed windows means it's always sunny, perfect for kicking back and taking in the surrounding views. On the other side of the shed there's also a self-contained unit that can be hired on it's own or you can take it with the whole place for a little bit extra. It has its own kitchenette, bathroom and double bed, which makes it a great option for those who want a little privacy but don't want to miss out on any of the action.
Outside there's plenty of room to get out and explore, with views of the coast and walking tracks for you and your pooch. The 120-acre-property even has a one-hole golf course if you're looking to practice your swing.
The Apollo Bay Shearing Shed
435 Tuxion Road, Apollo Bay
Ph: 0448 081 461
www.apollobayshearingshed.com
Gourmet stories
If you're hunting down provisions for your pantry, Chadstone's Fresh Food Precinct is a great place to start. If you're after great gourmet supplies, look no further than Simon Johnson, where you'll find the finest range of imported and home grown quality foods sourced from more than 80 producers internationally. Back in the early 90s when Simon Johnson first started importing these gourmet products, no one had ever even heard of preserved lemons, pesto, panforte or polenta. These days, it's hard to imagine life without them.
At the heart of every good pantry lives a bottle of excellent olive oil, and if you're looking for Australia's best olive oil, pay a visit to Oliv. When it comes to olive oil, it's best to buy local, because fresh is best and unlike wine, oil doesn't improve with age. So, make sure you check for a current vintage date. The store has a terrific selection of olives in all guises, from pickled and marinated to tapenades and pastes. There's also a good range of olive oriented kitchen and home wares.
If the flavours of France are your favourites, you should head to La Parisienne Pates in Lygon Street, Carlton, where you'll find some of the best French smallgoods this side of Paris. As the name suggests, they are passionate about pate here, and there are more than 20 different kinds to try.
Simon Johnson
Chadstone's Fresh Food Precinct
Ph: 03 9664 3644
www.simonjohnson.com
La Parisienna Pates
290 Lygon Street, Carlton
Ph: 03 9349 1852
Oliv
328 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
Ph: 03 9818 2375
www.oliv.com.au
White Rabbit and Gracedale
The White Rabbit Brewery has just celebrated its first birthday, and over the last year its thirst quenching ale has been hopping out the door. Located in Healesville, about an hour from Melbourne, it's so close to town you could easily make it your local haunt over the summer months. The beer is made slowly but surely and marries age-old principles with modern techniques.
Once you've had a taste of the Yarra Valley, you won't want to leave. If you don't plan on driving, spend a night at Gracedale, where the beautiful landscaping is eclipsed by the interior. The Grand Room is an amazing place just to sit by the fire and take in the view and Mint and Chocolate, the two apartments, cater for your every need. Nothing has been overlooked to ensure a carefree stay.
Gracedale Yarra Valley
619 Healesville - Kooweerup Road, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 1248
www.gracedaleyarravalley.com.au
White Rabbit Brewery
316 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Ph: 03 5962 6516
www.whiterabbitbeer.com.au
Bert Newton Walking Tour
The Melbourne International Arts Festival is always a highlight on the calendar. In this year's 'Walk This Way' event, eight famous Melburnians, including our own Bert Newton, allow you to follow in their footsteps around town via a handwritten map that you'll need to collect.
Suzie meets Bert at the elegance Princess Theatre to commence their stroll around town at the nearby park that edges Parliament House in Spring Street.
Good food is not far from the minds of most born and bred Melburnian's, and Bert is no exception. Therefore the next stop is the widely acclaimed Flower Drum, situated in Market Lane. Next, Pellegrini's, at the top end of Bourke Street. This authentic Italian eatery has been feeding our city's folk, including Bert, for some five decades.
If you'd like to take Bert's walking tour or any of the other celebrities taking part in the Melbourne International Arts Festival's 'Walk This Way' program, go to the website for details.
Melbourne International Arts Festival
October 9 - 24 2009
www.melbournefestival.com.au
What's on
Melbourne Fringe Festival
Starting this week, the Melbourne Fringe Festival will be spicing up the city's cultural calendar with an entertaining program that ranges across all art forms.
Where: Various locations
When: 23 September - 11 October 2009
More: Ph 03 9660 9600 or visit www.melbournefringe.com.au
Jersey Boys
If you're looking for the hottest ticket in town, the Broadway hit Jersey Boys is still on at the Princess Theatre so secure your seats now.
Where: Princess Theatre
When: Now showing
More: Visit www.jerseyboysaustralia.com.au
Mildura Country Music Festival
If country is more your thing, the annual Mildura Country Music Festival, Australia's biggest showcase of independent entertainers, starts next weekend.
Where: Mildura
When: 25 September - 4 October 2009
More: Ph 1800 039 043 or visit www.milduracountrymusic.com.au
