Best of the Best special: 30 September 2006
This week the team bring you the best of the best, all their favourite places from the last couple of years.
King Island
At the western entrance to Bass Strait lies a precious treasure known as King Island. It is an island that is both rich in history and landscape. It is one of the few remains of the land bridge that once linked Tasmania to the Australian mainland. Bridget finds it is a relaxing one hour flight to land in, what many locals call, an island paradise.
These days the island is famous for producing some of Australia's finest natural foods, particularly cheese. The King Island Dairy crew tell Bridget that the secret to their quality dairy products, is that their cows are so happy and relaxed they produce milk superior to any other region.
www.kidairy.com.au
Sweet Decadence
There is something comforting, innocent and yet incredibly decadent about a chocolate shop – and the name Sweet Decadence says it all.
87 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3202
www.sweetdecadence.com.au
Grand Ridge Brewery
Glen discovers just what goes into perfecting the perfect beer at Grand Ridge, located in a small town called Mirboo North.
Main Street, Mirboo North
Ph 03 5668 2222
www.grand-ridge.com.au
Best burgers
Lawrence goes in search of Melbourne's best hamburger.
Andrew's Hamburgers
144 Bridport Street Albert Park
Ph 9690 2126
Indulgence
Bridget and Lauren relax and revitalise at Salus Day Spa, while Glen has a gentlemans bath at Hepburn Spa and enjoys a pedicure at the Elysium Day Spa in Ballarat. The team check out Frogs 'n' Socks at Como House for yoga, tai chi classes, massages, aromatherapy, relaxation and Chinese or remedial massage. And, Dermott relaxes with a luxury spa treatment at Natskin Health Spa in Dixon Creek in the tranquil environs of the Yarra Valley.
Hepburn Spa
1 Mineral Springs Reserve, Hepburn Springs
Ph 03 5348 8888
www.hepburnspa.com.au
Lake House – Salus Day Spa
King Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3329
www.lakehouse.com.au
Frogs 'n' Socks
Como House
Corner Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Ph 0439 402 325
Elysium Day Spa
24 Doveton Street South, Ballarat
Ph 03 5332 9772
www.elysiumdayspa.com.au
Natskin Health Spa
Immerse Vineyard
1548 Melba Highway, Dixons Creek
Ph 03 5965 2500
www.natskin.com
Mens Fashion
Glen checks out the fashion at a couple of shops in Melbourne.
Retrostar Vintage Clothing
Level 1, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9663 1223
Husk
176 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9663 0655
www.husk.com.au
Anton's
Level 3, Melbourne Central, 300 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9663 8610
Design a Postcard Competition
Lawrence catches up with two of the finalists from this year Australia Post competition 'My Favourite Place in Victoria'.
MCG
Talias favourite place in Victoria is the MCG. And the best way to see the MCG is on a tour. The tour includes the Northern Stand, Coaches box, Players' change rooms, the Long Room and even a walk on the arena (subject to availability). Tours run on non-event days and depart regularly from 10am–3pm from the foyer of the Great Southern Stand.
MCG Tours
Ph 9657 8864
www.mcg.org.au
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Hannahs favourite place is the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens are home to more than 51,000 individual plants, representing over 12,000 different species, and have become a natural sanctuary for native wildlife including black swans, bell birds, cockatoos and kookaburras. There is always something happening at the Royal Botanic Gardens so pack the picnic and spend the day there.
Ph 9252 2300
www.rbg.vic.gov.au
Adventure
Dermott learns that the Corporate Commandos provide a unique training experience including team building and adventure activities in a field environment. Bridget gets the wind in her hair on a Jet in Geelong and Glen picks up a couple of surfing tips with the experts at Go Ride a Wave. Glen and Bridget then both take a ride in one of the Great Ocean Road helicopters and are treated to an amazing view of the spectacular and fierce Shipwreck Coast from the comfort of the cockpit. Meanwhile, Lawrence learns everything there is to know about legal off street drag racing and Dermott heads to Cape Schanck's International Armoured Military Vehicles Collection, where he learns to dive a Ferret armoured scout car.
Corporate Commandos
Black Hill, Ballarat
Ph 03 5341 7708
www.corporatecommandos.com
Jet Boat Wild Rides
Geelong Waterfront, Geelong
Ph 0419 237 300
www.jetboatrides.com.au
Go Ride a Wave
Ph 1300 132 441 (within Australia)
www.graw.com.au
Great Ocean Road Helicopters
Twelve Apostles car park
Ph 03 5598 8266
www.gorhelis.com
Calder Park Drag Racing
Calder Park Raceway, Calder Highway, Keilor
Ph 03 9217 8800
International Armoured Military Vehicles Collection
Ph 03 5973 4342
