Episode 30: Spring Special

Moggs Creek
Moggs Creek is situated two hours from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, and when it is comes to local accommodation there's a new addition which is causing quite a stir. Upon arrival at 'The Beach' you are treated to a welcome platter and complimentary bottle of wine. Inside what you get is 12 squares of pure luxury that includes a massive lounge area with panoramic views, entertainment system and four outside decks. In the morning, when you finally decide to get out of bed, a three course cooked breakfast will be magically waiting for you. If you don't want to lounge around all day and you feel like getting out and about then check out 'Go Rats'. They operate adventure tours around the Great Ocean Road area and Glen headed out to Painkiloc creek for a paddle.

The Beach Great Ocean Road
537 Great Ocean Rd, Moggs Creek
Ph: 03 5289 6942
www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.1EC21818-7381-47AA-AOD5BE5523380A34/

Go Rats
Ph: 03 5236 3321
www.gorats.com.au

Spring Fashion
Spring is in the air which means thousands of women will be doing a serious bout of shopping to pick up the hottest trends for the new season. Melbourne is a mecca for cool designers and Bettina Lianos iconic yellow label is one of them leading the pack. Shes known as the Jeans Queen, with her signature O hipsters which are slung across the hips of many A list Celebrities. The Spring collection is described as a Calamity Jane Garden Party - it's inspired by 50's vintage TV meets 60's university student hippie attitude. Another brand Aussies have a special affection for is Country Road. Celebrating its 34th birthday this year its style has staying power. And with 3 levels of gorgeous goodies at the Australia On Collins store you're sure to find what you're looking for. If you're after evening wear, formal dresses, race wear or cocktail dresses then there's only one place to go. Nicoleangela is a groovy Melbourne label that does glamour queen effortlessly. The clever use of belts and ties means the dresses are a perfect fit for any body.

Nicolangela
Ph: 03 9510 0023
www.nicolangela.com

Country Road
Ph: 1800 801 911
www.countryroad.com.au

Bettina Liano
Ph: 03 9539 5100
www.bettinaliano.com.au

Healesville
Healesville is the perfect place for a spring break and it's only an hours drive from Melbourne in the heart of the Yarra Valley. It may have started out as a humble little country town but these days, it's a fabulous food and wine experience. Giant Steps Innocent Bystander has a bit of a split personality. It's a winery and a cellar door where both the Giant Steps and the Innocent Bystander labels are made. And if you're looking for a place to stay that's only a few baby steps away, Healesville House is right across the road. It's so comfortable it should be called Healesville Home not Healesville House. Everything there is brand spanking new, so all the creature comforts are well and truly covered. The two bedrooms each have their own ensuite so it would be a great place to stay with some friends.

Giant Steps/ Innocent Bystander
336 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Ph: 1800 661 624
www.giant-steps.com.au/winery

Healesville House
5/ 377 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
Ph: 0433 577 660
www.healesvillehouse.com.au

Talbot
Talbot is a beautiful little gold town that lies 45 minutes from Ballarat, just past Clunes, and is one of the Victorian goldfields best kept secrets. In 1848, Victoria's first alluvial gold was found here and by the 1860's Talbot was really booming. Today, it's great to see many of the original buildings are still standing. In 1864, at the height of the gold rush, St Andrews was built as a Presbyterian church. These days you can pull up a pew and stay for a while. St Andrews has a little bit of an Asian twist with folding screens revealing two bedrooms which can accommodate two couples or a family. In town Slightly Bent Books has a great collection of Asian art books and some real beauties from the 1800's. When its time for a hot cuppa and a bite to eat, The Quince Farm Café is quintessential - or is that quince essential? They've got everything quincy here including quince jam, quince jelly, quince tart, quince muffins and poached quinces.

St Andrews
Heales St, Talbot
Ph: 03 5463 2002
www.standrewstalbot.com

Slightly Bent Books
Scandinavian Cres, Talbot
Ph: 03 5463 2152

The Quince Farm Cafe
42 Scandinavian Cres, Talbot
Ph: 03 5463 2394
www.quincefarm.com

Gabriel Gate and Prahran Market
The Prahran Markets origins go back to the 1860's when the owners of the small farms and market gardens in the area needed a place to sell or barter their goods. Located on Commercial Rd in Prahran they sell just about everything. Official ambassador and celebrity chef Gabriel Gate was our guide for the day taking Suzie on a tour around the market to pick up some fresh produce. When it was time to cook up all of the ingredients, Suzie had her lesson with Gabriel in the Market Place. Cooking up a storm, Spring Lamb was on the menu and this recipe is available on the Prahran Market website.

Prahran Market
163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra
Ph: 8290 8220
www.prahranmarket.com.au

What's On

Tesselaar Tulip Festival
If you're after a great weekend outing then head to the Dandenongs before 7 October to join in on all the festivities of the Tesslaar Tulip Festival in Silvan.
Where: Silvan
When: 11 September - 8 October
More: 03 9737 7777 or visit www.tulipfestival.com.au

Nickelodeons Dora the Explorer Live
Dora the Explorer is visiting Melbourne so make sure you have your tickets for this school holidays live show spectacular.
Where: Vodafone Arena
When: 20 -22 September
More: Ph 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au

An Enchanted Evening - National Breast Cancer Foundation
Don't forget to grab your tickets now for this Fridays Enchanted Evening Ball on at the Park Hyatt as a major fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Where: Hyatt on the Park
Price: $250 per person
When: 12 September
More: www.nbcf.org.au