Episode 22: General

City Hot Spots
Thanks to our friends at Tourism Victoria, Glen has come up with a few of Melbournes newest hotspots that will rock your socks off. First stop today is La Vita Bouna which in Italian simply means the good life. With over 500 bottles on the wine list, plus a huge selection of premium gin scotches and vodkas it certainly lives up to its name. Next is the bar that everyone in Melbourne is talking about, Silk Rd on Collins St and from the moment you walk in its opulence all round. This beautiful heritage listed building was once a bank, print mill and a hotel. Its now Melbournes hottest night spot. If youre looking to try something a little more exotic, just around the corner in Bond street, Maha is a top choice with the foodies of Melbourne. The best part about Maha is its open late for super so if youre looking for something special try the Turkish delight donuts.

Maha Bar & Grill
21 Bond Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9629 5900
www.mahabg.com.au

Silk Road
425 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9614 4888
www.silkroadoncollins.com

La Vita Buona
City Square, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9654 7855
www.lavitabuona.com.au

Big Blue Backyard and Gunnamatta Horse Trails
Nestled amongst the tea tree right above St. Andrews beach youll find the Big Blue Backyard. For something a little different, the big blue back yard has themed accommodation so you can choose between The African or The Beach Hideaway. Inside the main house is the big blue kitchen, where owner Paul Dempsey can take care of everything from breakfast to group meals or even private dining in your hideaway. Just around the corner Gunnamatta trail rides can get you in the saddle and riding all over the Peninsula. Whether youd like to ride in the bush or along the beach its totally up to you, but without a doubt the most popular trail ride here is the one where you head through the sand dunes and straight onto the beach.

Gunnamatta Trail Rides
Cnr Truemans & Sandy Rds, Rye
Ph: 03 5988 6755
www.gunnamatta.com.au

Big Blue Back Yard
56 Paradise Drive St. Andrews Beach
Ph: 03 5988 6011
www.bigbluebackyard.com.au

Kerami House and Terracotta Room
Beyond the Black Spur youll find Kerami Guest House, situated in the mystic mountains of Marysville, it is one of Marysvilles original 1920s millionaires retreats. It has recently undergone a renovation and now includes a body and beauty salon. After your massage you can stretch out in front of a crackling fire in the large guest lounge, play a game of pool, or retire to one of the inviting ensuite rooms, each with its own double shower and lovely antique furniture. Make sure youre up with the birds to enjoy a hot cooked breakfast on the beautiful veranda. And when its time for some lunch, or perhaps a taste of this regions finest drops, you should drop in on Terracotta Room Marysvilles one stop shop for all the areas finest produce.

Kerami Guest House
7 Kerami Crescent, Marysville
Ph: 03 5963 3260
www.keramihouse.com.au

Terracotta Room
19 Murchison St Marysville
Ph: 03 5963 4004
www.terracotta-room.com

Clunes
When Victorians hear the phrase gold rush they immediately they think of Sovereign Hill and Ballarat but its in Clunes where the first nuggets of gold where unearthed, sparking the biggest gold rush Australia and even possibly the world had ever seen. An often overlooked spot, Clunes is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne along the Western Freeway and it has remained pretty much how it was back in the days when out here all that glittered was gold. Hepburn Shire Mayor, Tim Hayes also happens to be Central Victorias very own Willie Wonka. If its sugary, sticky, chewy, crunchy, fizzy, chocolaty or licoricey than Widow Twankeys Confectionary Emporium at the Paris end of town is the sweetest spot on the strip. Still in the heart of town and worth paying a visit is the Clunes Museum, a permanent reminder of yesteryear.

Widow Twankeys Confectionary Emporium
50 Fraser St, Clunes
Ph: 03 5345 3426
www.windowtwankeys.com.au

Clunes Museum
36 Fraser St, Clunes
Ph: 03 5345 3592
www.clunesmuseum.org

Wicked Opening
Wicked would have to be one of the hottest musicals around having just opened at the Regent Theatre in Collins St this week. Today Suzie caught up with some of the stars backstage as they prepared for opening night including Anthony Callea, Rob Guest and Maggie Kirkpatrick. Plus we were lucky enough to get a look at some of the fantastic costume pieces worn by the cast. A popular spot for the stars of the show to hang out is Bistro Dorsay where Suzie bumped into leading man Rob Mills. To book tickets call Ticketek or jump on their website.

Wicked
The Regent Theatre
191 Collins St, Melbourne
www.wickedthemusical.com.au

Bistro D'Orsay
184 Collins St, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9654 6498

What's on

Australian Sheep and Wool Show
If youre near Bendigo next weekend then head along to the showgrounds for the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
Where: Bendigo
When: 18 - 20 July
More: Ph 03 5439 5094 or visit www.sheepshow.com

Mountain Fresh Festival
And awaken your senses, sample delicious regional food and exciting cool climate Alpine wines at this years Mountain Fresh Festival, Mt Hotham.
Where: Mt Hotham
When: 18- 23 July
More: Ph 03 5759 3550 or visit www.mountainfresh.com.au

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Art Deco 1910 1939
Currently on until October the 5th at the NGV, why not take the time to come and visit the Art Deco exhibition.
Where: National Gallery of Victoria
When: Until 5 October
More: Visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au www.ngv.vic.gov.au