23 February: Victorian Tourism Award Winners
This week the Postcards crew take you to visit several places that took out honours at the recent Victorian Tourism Awards.
Suzie goes to Daylesford for some spa therapy and to try a little scone baking. She also visits The Westin – winner of this year’s luxury accommodation award.
Glen visits a guest house surrounded by luscious gardens in the Dandenong’s and also visits Federation Square for some food and art.
Brodie stays overnight at Boroka Downs at the foothills of The Grampians and Esther is everywhere in Melbourne from the Victorian Markets to the Eureka Sky Deck in Melbourne.
The Westin
Tonights show is presented by Suzie on the beautiful Terrace of the Westin Hotel which picked up a Victorian Luxury Accommodation Award. Its a real indulgence to have a drink in the bar of a luxury city hotel and the Westin is no exception.
The Westin
205 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9635 2222
www.westin.com.au
Daylesford
A day in Daylesford wouldnt be complete without some pampering and indulgence. Suzie goes to the mineral spa at the Peppers Springs Retreat which recently won the Victorian Tourism Award for Health and Wellness. Its a perfect place to chill out and totally relax after a busy day of scone baking at an old Daylesford favourite Sweet Decedence.
Peppers Spring Retreat and Spa
124 Main Road, Hepburn Springs
Ph 03 5348 2202
www.peppers.com.au/Springs
87 Vincent St, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3202
Clayfire Gallery
63 Vincent St, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3733
Miami Hotel
If you're after some romance but on a tight budget then these suggestions are for you. Fresh flowers from the Queens Victoria Market will jazz up a weekend for two if youre staying at the Miami Hotel. Winner for three years in a row as the best standard accommodation in Melbourne has recently been inducted into the Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame. If you want to spend time in a great funky cosmopolitan location and still have plenty of spending money left over then you should definitely consider the Miami.
Miami Hotel
13 Hawke St, West Melbourne
Ph 03 9321 2444
www.themiami.com.au
Koorie Heritage Trust
295 King St, Melbourne
www.koorieheritagetrust.com
Eureka Skydeck 88
7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Ph 03 9693 8888
www.eurekalookout.com.au
Monreale Estate
Monreale Estate in Sassafras is a luxurious B&B at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges just a 40 minute drive from Melbourne. Surrounded by a beautiful rainforest of mountain ash and lush tree ferns, Monreale has been specifically designed to cater for couples who are keen to spend some quality time together.
Monreale Estate
81 The Crescent
Sassafras
Ph 03 9755 1773
www.monreaelel-estate.com.au
Boroka Downs
Once you stay at Boroka Downs (best luxury boutique accommodation) youre never going to want to leave. If romance is on the menu then this award winning retreat which is three hours from Melbourne and less than ten minutes from the township of Halls Gap, has been setting many a heart on fire. Specifically designed with that in mind the bed, open fire, lounge, kitchen and double spa are all within the same visual space- that way that special someone is never too far away.
Boroka Downs
51 Birdswing Road, Halls Gap
Ph 03 5356 6243
www.borokadowns.com.au
Federation Square
Theres no doubt about it whether it's day or night there is always something happening at Federation Square. After picking up over 30 awards since its completion in 2002, Federation Square snagged the big one winning the Victorian Tourism Award for Best Major Tourist Attraction. Glen enjoys the best it has to offer when he stops off at renowned restaurant Taxi, he then satisfies his cultural appetite at Kirra Gallery and finishes the day off with a drink at Beer De Luxe. At Federation Square youre sure to find got food, culture and entertainment all in the one spot.
www.federationsquare.com.au
Taxi
9654 8808
www.transporthotel.com.au
Beer De Luxe
Ph 03 9963 0166
www.beerdeluxe.com.au
Kirra Gallery
9639 6388
www.kirra.com
What's On
The Age Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock
Bring a picnic blanket and relax with friends under the gum trees next Sunday at this year Harvest Picnic, at Hanging Rock.
Where: Hanging Rock
When: 24 February 24
More: Ph 03 9555 0253 or visit www.harvestpicnic.com.au
UCI Womens Road Cycling World Cup
If you happen to be near Geelong next Sunday then check out this years UCI Womens Road World Cup.
Where: Geelong
When: Sunday 24 February 2008
More: Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au
Fairytales and Fables Sand Sculpting
If youre a big kid at heart, then take the family to the Frankston foreshore before 6 April to admire this years Fairytales & Fables Sandsculpting spectacular.
Where: Frankston foreshore
When: Until 6 April
More: Ph 03 5986 6684
2008 Inter Dominion Grand Finals
With a $750,000 pacers grand final on offer, next Saturdays Inter Dominion is definitely the most coveted race on the Australasian harness racing calendar.
Where: Moonee Valley Racecourse
When: Saturday night 1 March
More: Visit www.id08.com.au
Scoresby Steamfest
If youre into trains then the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club will be celebrating their 40th Annual Steam Rally at Scorseby 8-10 March.
Where: Scoresby
When: 8-10 March
More: Ph 03 9800 1841
Thai Culture and Food Festival
Federation Square will be transformed into a haven of everything Thai, with a showcase of Thai arts and crafts, tourism, and massage in next Sundays Thai Culture and Food Festival.
Where: Federation Square
When: 2 March
More: Ph 03 9426 9128
