Another countdown to a new year with the Pyramid Rock festival on Phillip Island. Only 14 days to go until you can see some of your favourite artists!
This year you can listen to Scissor Sisters, Gotye (we love Gotye!) and many others. Tickets are on sale now at selected retail stores, but grab yours quickly as they are sure to disappear fast!
The Venue
Pyramid Rock is an impressive feature of PhillipIsland
The festival venue is located close to Pyramid Rock located on beautiful Phillip Island. Pyramid Rock is a fascinating feature of the island, so make sure you take pictures. To read more about the venue click here.
To get an idea of what to expect, watch this video about Pyramid Rock 2010.
However, for those of you who enjoy the fine art of meal making and entertaining, we would like to suggest a few ideas for your Christmas menu.
1. Go spanish with the tapas!
Tapas is great for Christmas party gatherings, especially if all your guests don't know each other. Create a nice atmosphere, get some good wine and some interesting finger foods which will get your guests talking. Try some cured meats, olives, cheeses and the tortilla de patatas (Spanish Omelette).
For a recipe of the Spanish Omelette, click here. Trust me, it will be one of the best things you have ever eaten!
2. The Bûche de Noël, most commnoly known as The Yule Log
Yummy Yule Log
Eaten mostly in Great Britain and French Speaking Europe, the Yule Log is a delicacy you will love and which will delight your family and your guests. We found a terrific recipe on the Junior MasterChef website which you may want to try. Note: you can even try it after Christmas as a treat for the family.
3. Roast Turkey for a traditional Christmas menu
Who could forget the roast, a traditional Christmas main in Anglo-saxon countries, the roast turkey is not hard to make. If you're not into turkey that much, try roast chicken instead, and be adventurous with the stuffing. Surf the net for recipes, each more tempting that the other! We would like to share one which looks particularly tantalising, the lemon roast turkey with hazelnut and fig stuffing....yummy!!
4. Christmas BBQ
Neil Perry's BBQ Freshwater Prawns in a Herb & Spice Paste
It is well known that Australian love their BBQs. As Christmas is in the hot summer months, a BBQ outdoors is perfect for a relaxed family gathering. Try some seafood this Christmas - we found you a recipe from Neil Perry here. Accompany the dish with some chilled white wine et voila!
5. Gingerbread house
A favourite in European countries like France, Germany and Sweden. If you like the gingerbread man then you will love the gingerbread house. It isn't as complicated as it looks, and is a great way to keep the kids occupied while you go about preparing the other items on your menu. Try it this Christmas!
If you go to Phillip Island this December, there won’t be a lack of things to do and see. Phillip Island is truly perfect for family holidays – close to the beach, nature parks and great food.
Listen to Christmas Carols
Between the 15-20th of December 2011, you can go listen to (and even sing) some Christmas carols with the kids in various location. Christmas Carols will be in San Remo, Wothaggi, Cowes and several other location. We personally like the idea of Carols by the Bay.
Go to the beach
Cowes Beach - one of many beauties located on Phillip Isand
We've been told it's going to be a hot summer so why not spend Christmas by the beach? There are several places on the island where you can rent a beach house for a few days and organise a perfect summer Christmas. Our recommendation would be The Burrow, located in Ventnor and a short stroll away from a safe sandy beach!
Wish the wildlife a Merry Christmas
A favourite with the kids for sure! This Christmas, take your family to one of the wildlife parks on Phillip Island. Koalas, kangaroos, dingos, parrots and many more beautiful animals are waiting for you. On Phillip Island, you can visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park and learn about all sorts of animals. At Maru animal park, you can even pat a koala - how cool is that?
How about dinner?
There are plenty of cafes and restaurant where you can go for Christmas lunch and dinner on the island - all you have to do is explore!
Of course, if you decide to rent a house for the duration of your stay, ask the owner if there is a BBQ area in the property. A family BBQ always makes a great Christmas.
We never tire of telling you how wonderful Docklands is! Today we round up what Docklands can offer you and your family for the coming Christmas holidays.
Let's talk about Christmas shopping
Did you know that Harbour Town Docklands has some of the best bargains in Melbourne? You can something for everyone, whether they like jewelry, great shoes, sports, homewares or toys!
I went shopping at Harbour Town during lunch time yesterday and I intend on going back this weekend. Maybe I'll get mum a nice bracelet, or get dad some new leather shoes....and then get myself that dress I have been eyeing for a week....
And if the choice is too hard, you can always get them a Harbour Town gift card. For details about the card and a list of stores that accept them click here.
Eat at Docklands
We love Docklands and so should you!
On a sunny day, you can take a stroll along the New Quay precinct where fabulous restaurants await you. We have tried several and we can tell you that the food is great!
If you are a large group, try something like the New Quay International Buffet and Bar. With an immense variety of dishes (excellent seafood by the way), delicious deserts, friendly staff and beautiful setting this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
You could also try a little Middle Eastern cuisine with Meccah Bah, or be adventurous and go for some spicy indian food at Bhoj.
Lunch at Bhoj
Walk down New Quay and explore the possibilities, or make your choice online by visiting the New Quay precinct website.
You could also stroll down to Central Pier and try the food at Va Bene restaurant. The pizzas are scrumptious! Stop by for lunch and try the grazing platter, or maybe take your friends out for dinner before having some drinks at the pubs nearby.
Va Bene grazing platter..yumm!!
Meet Santa at Wonderland Fun Park
From December 8th to 24th, Wonderland Fun Park will be holding Santa's Christmas Spectacular 2011. The kids can visit Santa's stable, send a letter to the North Pole, meet Santa's elves and meet Santa himself! Click here to view Santa's Christmas Spectacular 2011 flyer.
Buy your ticket on site or online. Tickets include:
Yes, you read right. You can now adopt a penguin through the Penguin Foundation in Phillip Island.
The organisation is looking for individuals and businesses who want to help preserve the habitat of the little penguins of Phillip Island. The little penguins or 'Fairy Penguins' are the smallest penguins on Earth. They generally live in colonies and are great little swimmers.
Little Penguins find their habitat and lives being threatened not only by predators, but also by human caused pollution. The Penguin Foundation wants to invest in the preservation of the little penguins' habitats, as well as a Penguin Hospital and other activities which may help preserve wildlife on Phillip Island.
Things are happening this November in the Docklands. After we receive Cadel Evans, Docklanders will have a chance to watch or participate in the Variety Santa Fun Run.
What is the Variety Santa Fun Run?
Variety Santa Fun Run is an event which wants to raise awareness about the plight of disadvantaged children. Signing up for the event of showing your support can change a child's life this year.
Watch the video to get a gist of what that event is about.
Show your support
This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit this November. It's fun and you get a Santa suit if you participate.
For those who have not heard the news, Tour de France winner Cadel Evans will be in the Docklands next week for the charity event Suit Up and Ride.
Matt Tilley from Fox FM will be promoting it on his morning show. They will be doing a live cross from Docklands on the Friday and Matt and Cadel will have a race off. Make sure you listen to Fox Fm in the morning for full details...
Relive your childhood memories or visit for the first time - strictly 18+ only.
For adults who are young at heart, Scienceworks will be holding its inaugural Big Kids' Night Out.
Big Kids’ Night Out is a special event designed to encourage adults who may not normally come to Scienceworks to experience the science museum in an after-dark environment.
Enjoy interactive exhibitions such as Explore-a-saurus and Sportsworks, take part in science demonstrations, learn about the science of wine and experience a celestial mind trip through our galaxy in the Melbourne Planetarium, hosted by Astronomer Dr Tanya Hill.
Beer, wine and food are available for purchase on the night.
Big Kids' Night Out is a new initiative that forms part of a growing suite of adult programs presented at Scienceworks, with the Melbourne Planetarium running a number of evening lectures and screenings throughout February, March and August each year.
Event Type: Special Event
Saturday 5 Nov 2011
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Scienceworks
Adults $18, Concession $14 (includes one complimentary glass of beer, wine or soft drink).
Bookings recommended.
Phone 9392 4800 or purchase tickets online - please click on the Evening Events category.
This weekend, the sun will be shining in Melbourne and hopefully hinting at the summer to come! The weather forecasts tell us that the temperature will soar to 30 degrees on Saturday and higher on Sunday. So why not take advantage of the good weather and get out this weekend? Here's what you can do:
1. Mitchell Callaway Live at Harbour Town
Now there's something you won't see everyday! This Saturday, head to HarbourTown Docklands and catch a glimpse of Mitchell Callaway from the X-Factor. He will be performing live at the corner of Studio Lane and Star Crescent. Visit the Harbour Town website for more.
2. Visit the Docklands Sunday Market
On a warm Sunday morning, take a stroll down New Quay in the Docklands and visit the Docklands Sunday Market. Every purchase you make gets you a free entry to a $500 Christmas Hamper draw. The market is open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Learn more about the Docklands Sunday Market.
3. Visit Medibank Icehouse
Keep the heart at bay at the Medibank Icehouse. At the Icehouse you can learn to skate, play ice hockey or enjoy some figure skating. There is something for everyone! Go to the Medibank Icehouse website for more information.
4. Have a scrumptious desert
The Docklands has some great restaurants which will blow your taste buds away. Some of those places make marvelous desserts that you will love. Be adventurous and explore the restaurants in New Quay, Victoria Harbour and Yarra's Edge - you might find something incredible!
RACV Motorclassica - the Australian International Concours d’Elegance & Classic Motor Show is presented and managed by one of Australia’s leading event and exhibition companies, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs Pty Ltd.
A one-of-a-kind event for Australasia, the Australian International Concours d'Elegance will attract the most beautiful and prestigious classic cars from collections around the world, in a display the likes of which has never been seen in Australia.
Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, the managers of the Australian International Motor Show and Melbourne Motor Show, the National 4x4 Shows and the Motorcycle Expos are the most experienced exhibition management company in the industry.
The campaign is called Docklands is Beautiful. An initiative of Docklands News, it aims to generate some positive vibes for the Docklands and counteract the bad press received by the area in the past.
Businesses and individuals from the Docklands community are encouraged to send their positive comments or pictures taken around the precinct to be posted on the Docklands is Beautiful website, to show the world what the area has to offer.
Join the campaign today!
1. Visit http://www.docklandsisbeautiful.com.au/
2. Email a positive comment about the Docklands to beautiful@docklandsnews.com.au.
3. You can become a member of the Docklands is Beautiful website and post your comments directly - it's free to join and everyone is welcome.
5. Follow Docklands is Beautiful on twitter @Beautiful_DLand
6. Tell your friends about the campaign and come down to the Docklands. While you're here, take some pictures and send them in to be posted on the Docklands is Beautiful website.
The 2011/2012 series of the Fed Square Wine Showcase begins this Wednesday with exciting new drops to tantilize your senses.
Relish in the bold flavours of Geelong, Henty, Western Victoria, the Grampians and the Pyrenees - guaranteed to please even the most discerning of palates.
New to the series is the 'Best in Show' program, where the wine deemed the best for the showcase, will be featured in a number of partnering restaurants and retailers.
The official judging will be held live on Wednesday night and guests will be able to compare notes with the judges and learn exactly what to look for when tasting and purchasing wine.
Your night will also include bites from participating Fed Square restaurants and smooth sounds from local jazz band, Peter Baylor Trio.
When: Wednesday 6 October & Thursday 7 October Time: 4.30pm - 8.30pm Where: The Atrium, Fed Square Price: $25 + booking fee from Ticketmaster More Info: Please visit fedsquare.com/wine
It is October already, and the good news this month is surely Cadel Evans.
October will see preparations for the Suit Up and Ride day that is scheduled for Friday, November 25. This starts and finishes at the Waterfront City Piazza and runs up and down the NewQuay Promenade.
The great Cadel Evans, who participated last year, will be here again in November! Make sure you come down to NewQuay Promenade and enjoy that Friday afternoon. This great event is for teams of cycling enthusiasts to Suit Up and Ride on one of the many blue Melbourne share bikes to raise money for Orygen Youth Health. Orygen do magnificent work raising funds for youth mental illness.
So why not organise a team and get your company behind this great event. The bars and restaurants will be making you very welcome with some great deals and entertainment to be had. More information on how you can join in can be found at http://www.suitupandride.com.au.
For your further entertainment, Claire Bowditch will be performing on the day. You might like to watch this space for further announcements – the Docklands community is gearing up to make this a great event in Docklands. Don’t miss it!
And speaking of the Waterfront City Piazza - have you been wondering what is going on inside the tent that is located there? You may have noticed water trickling out into the street from inside. I asked to have a sneak peak and what a surprise met my eyes! City Snow Park has built a giant ski slope complete with man-made snow. Derek Nicholson is the inspiration behind this operation and he believes he has come up with the perfect park design. He tells me they have their very own snow making facilities located on site. This means they make as much snow as they like. It is open to the public now, so for more information check out their Facebook page.
For tourists coming to Docklands there was some really great news last month. There has been much conjecture that the free tourist shuttle bus service would either be cancelled or a fare structure put in place for each journey. Thankfully councillors of the City of Melbourne listened to the people of Docklands and voted in favour of keeping the bus as a free service. This means that this vital transport link to ferry tourists to Harbour Town is maintained.
Other good news items include the network evening put on by the Docklands Chamber of Commerce. This was held at the Medibank Icehouse on Tuesday, September 20. The invitation was open to everyone and those that were fortunate to attend heard a great speech from guest speaker Chris Buckingham – CEO of Destination Melbourne. He told us how we can work together positively for a greater Docklands. Chris was inspirational as he talked about some of his real life experiences as he dealt with challenges outside of his control. A remarkable speaker, and a man who is willing to share his enthusiasm to succeed. On my travels, I have met a number of business owners who would have benefited from hearing what Chris had to say.
The team at the Medibank Icehouse made us all very welcome as we enjoyed a few drinks and finger food in the upstairs bar offering great vantage points to the ice hockey action and skating rinks below. Guests were all invited to have a try out on the ice. About a dozen or so brave souls ventured out on to the ice and after some sound instruction from friendly staff members were soon skating confidently unassisted!
If you have never tried ice skating, Medibank Icehouse is a great place to start. Have a look at its website for more information – http://www.icehouse.com.au. If you are a Facebook fan, have a look at the Medibank Icehouse page – it is full of great information.
Consider joining the Docklands Chamber of Commerce if you run a business in Docklands. Membership is inexpensive and you will have a voice! Join today.
Last month I told you all about the great walking experience if you crossed over the Webb Bridge to Yarra’s Edge and explored that part of Docklands. Ok, so who has taken advantage of the glorious September weather and gone out there and had a look?
It's finally here!
After weeks of faithfully following AFL matches on TV, you finally have a chance to watch the best teams play at Etihad Stadium. Geelong and Collingwood are bound to give us a spectacular game.
AFL Grand Final Week Activities. From Wednesday 28th September, several events will take place as Grand Final Day edges closer.
Thursday 29th September
- Handball Competition 12pm - 4pm
- Face Painting 12pm - 4pm
- Roving Entertainment 1pm - 3pm
ALL AROUND MELBOURNE Thursday 29th September 2011
- 12.30pm - AFL Premiership Cup on display at Federation Square.
- Noon - 9pm - Grand Final experience at Crown Riverside.
Friday - 30 September 2011
- Footy on Parade
Noon - AFL Grand Final Parade as it makes it way through the city from Victorian Arts Centre (St Kilda Road) travelling along Swanston and Collins Streets before finishing at the Old Treasury Building (Spring and Collins)!
GRAND FINAL DAY
Saturday 1st October 2011
- 2.30pm - Grand Final at the M.C.G. Meat Loaf will headline the entertainment before the big game.
Federation Square
- 2.30pm - Join in the excitement of the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final live on the big screen at Federation Square.
Sign up to be a VIP member online or in the Harbour Town Tourism Lounge and receive a FREE Child 3 Parks Pass to Phillip Island Nature Parks!
A Child 3 Parks Pass includes entry to:
• Penguin Parade
• Koala Conservation Centre
• Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Also go into the running for a chance to win a $2000 family getaway to Phillip Island.
Hurry! Valid from 24 September – 9 October 2011 and there are only 2000 Child Passes to giveaway. Join VIP Program to enter
Plus, buy a 3 Parks Pass and you could WIN one of five daily $50 gift vouchers and or the major prize of a $5000 shopping experience in any store at Harbour Town Docklands!
Also, enter the draw to WIN a fabulous family getaway to Phillip Island valued at $2000.
Hurry! This offer valid from 24 September – 9 October 2011 and only 2000 Child Passes to giveaway Buy 3 Parks Pass to enter
The Royal Melbourne Show is a great start to the school holidays if you ask us!
Take the kids to the Melbourne Showgrounds between Sat 24th Sept - Tues 4th Oct for a fun day of carnival rides, discovery of animals, exhibitions, live music and more.
What's at the show:
1. Showbags
Who doesn't like them? 370 showbags to choose from this year, full of confectionery, food products, wine, magazines, vouchers and many other goodies!
2. Rides
Carnival rides
Carnival rides for the whole family can be enjoyed at the show. This year the carnival areas have been sponsored by Quit and are all smoke-free zones - what a great initiative!
3. Animals
The kids can discover all sorts of farm animals and more. Cattle, sheep, alpacas, a FREE dog show and FREE access to the animal nursery! Visit the Animal Nursery daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm to feed lambs, calves or kids either from bottles or from hand.
Dog show: 24 September – 2 October
Horses show jumping: 1 October to Tuesday 4 October
4. Fireworks
As the day comes to a close and the sun sets, the Show will continue to be a hive of activity with a dazzling fireworks display. The fireworks show will start on each night of the Show at 8.15pm, and will depend on weather conditions.
5. FREE activities for the kids
-Milk a cow at the Milking Barn
- Meet and Greet Angelina Ballerina
- Fifi and the Flowertots™ - Rock with the Tots Live Show - Disney/Pixar Cars Trucks Tour
- Rio Dance Party Live Show
The Melbourne Show is taking place at the Melbourne Showgrounds
Dear readers, today we are reblogging an article from ABC News about the odd behaviour of our whale friends this year.
The article was published on September 09, 20112 and is by Melissa Brown.
Marine biologists are baffled by a change in the behaviour of whales visiting Victorian bays this year.
The Dolphin Research Institute says a number of humpback whales remained in Western Port and Port Phillip bays throughout the migration season instead of travelling north.
Institute spokesman Jeff Weir says scientists are unsure what has caused the change in their migration pattern.
He says they also saw the animals competing for the first time off Mount Martha and Mornington.
"These are big animals, the size of tourist buses, playing demolition derby under the water and then sometimes reaching the surface banging into each other jostling for position in the pod," he said.
Mr Weir says it is the kind of behaviour normally seen when the animals are mating in northern Australia.
"I mean, it possibly is simply numbers of whales are picking up again and the populations are increasing," he said.
"Maybe they're just spreading themselves more evenly around our coast. The critical thing will be to monitor it in the years to come."
From the makers of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival comes the Spring Graze. This culinary festival takes place across Victoria and is comprised of 60 events that will take place this September.
The event is part of the Put Victoria on Your Table initiative which tries to encourage Victorians to buy local produce and explore restaurants and wineries throughout the state.
The Spring Graze finishes at the end of September 2011, so head to the website and browse through the list of restaurants and wineries which will open their doors to the public for this festival. To see a list of all events, visit the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website.
We, at LooknBook, think this is a great initiative! There are so many wonderful restaurants, wineries and farmer's markets to visit around the state. The Docklands and Phillip Island are great examples of those places which need to be explored by food lovers.
We bring you some more info on the 2011 Suit Up and Ride. Please find the event description below (we spruiced it up with some pictures)!
The LooknBook Team
Tour de France Winner Cadel Evans joins Orygen Youth Health’s Suit Up and Ride Again in 2011
Cadel Evans, winner of the 2011 Tour de France, has confirmed he will be attending Orygen Youth Health’s corporate team cycling event Suit Up & Ride again this year on Friday 25th November 2011.
Cadel will join FOX FM’s Matt Tilley in a challenge the whole community can get behind, more details will be posted on our website in coming weeks: www.suitupandride.com.au
And it gets just as exciting off the bike.
The wonderful ARIA award-winning Australian singer songwriter Clare Bowditch will be performing! And participants, supporters and spectators will be able to enjoy culinary delights from our Maggie Beer Gourmet BBQ.
Suit Up and Ride is Melbourne’s quirkiest cycling event. Teams of five compete in a time trial on Melbourne Bike Share bikes, around a short course at Waterfront City in the Docklands, the catch is they must wear their suit, or regular office attire. Last year we had miners, fire fighters, a Melbourne Storm team decked out in purple, and someone in a gorilla suit!
Last year's gorilla participant
Thanks to the wonderful support of last year’s participants, Orygen Youth Health, led by 2010 Australian of the Year and Suit Up and Ride Patron, Professor Patrick McGorry AO, raised over $47,000 allowing us to directly support approximately 700 Year 10 students to go though the Headsmart program in three schools in the North and West of Melbourne.
Places are limited and expected to sell out quickly, so if you are planning to register a team, get on your bikes and visit our website: www.suitupandride.com.au
We look forward to seeing you at Suit Up and Ride on Friday, November 25th 2011.
It is with excitement that we learn the Great Cadel Evans has determined to return to Docklands on 25th November in 2011 to ride in the Suit Up and Ride event he supported last year.
Cadel Evans, winner of the Tour de France
The Suit Up and Ride event itself is underway and the organisers have everything under control.
The opportunity for us as a group is to show our full public support of this event and start by spreading the word to our collective networks to generate maximum interest that is within our collective capacity. Here is a rare opportunity to use the high profile of Cadel Evans to generate the biggest possible visitation to Docklands.
See below for a description of the 2010 Suit Up and Ride
Suit Up & Ride held on 19th November 2010 would not have been the success it was if it were not for the support of sponsors and partners including Melbourne Bike Share, operated by RACV, VFL Club, City of Melbourne, MMG, E3 Energy Drinks, NAB and Waterfront City. Thank you also to all the teams who got involved and a huge thank you to our celebrity relay race participants: Prof Pat McGorry, Chief Commissioner of Police Simon Overland, Cadel Evans, Chiara Passerini, Brad Hodge, Robbie Kearns, Matt Goss, Wes Sulzberger, Shane Kelly and Matt Rice. We look forward to seeing you at Suit Up and Ride in 2011.
A few weeks ago we were telling you about the upcoming Spring Fashion Week to be held in Melbourne this September. Well guess what - September is in 7 days!!
Today we want to look at the special events which will be part of the Spring Fashion Week. Keep on reading as there could be something you don't want to miss!
Special Event 1 - Flemington Spring Fashion Lunch
Everyone knows it, when springtime comes the girls will be getting their fascinators and the boys will be dusting off the suit for a day at the races. Guests to this event will enjoy a two-course lunch, fine wine, live entertainment and a showcase of the latest spring fashion and race wear from Myer.
Price $165pp for Victorian Racing Club members $175pp for non-members. Includes a two-course lunch with beverages and a gift bag for each guest
Aha! Fashion is not only for the ladies, which is great because blokes (ok, not all but many) like it too. This is a movie about a young black designer called Ozwald Boateng took the men’s tailoring world by storm, and it is part of the Men of Fashion season.
Ladies, thanks to this man, our hair will never be the same again. The first celebrity hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon was a major influence on women’s hair styling in swinging sixties London.
This movie will be showing at ACMI for the duration of the fashion week More information here: www.acmi.net.au.
Special event 4 - High Tea in Style
This event involves cake and should not be missed! It will be an afternoon of fashion and delicious delicacies....AND you even get a shoulder massage and manicure! The ticket price is $95 and the venue is the Grand Hyatt. We are told bookings are essential so book your tickets today.
Discover a new Melbourne from September 5-11, 2011
All those events can be viewed on the City of Melbourne website, from whom we have borrowed some content and images.
Dear Readers, We borrowed this article from the Sunday Age (and we added some pictures) as we thought it was a great guide to holidays close to Melbourne. Hope you enjoy!
Sick of the city and the suburbs? Craig Mathieson suggests 10 day trips from Melbourne to put the spring back in your step.
Healesville Distance from CBD: 65 KILOMETRES
With its gorgeous scenery, the temptation with Healesville is simply to drive around all day, but there are several notable places to stop. If your memories of Healesville Sanctuary (Badger Creek Road, Healesville, 5957 2800) date from a distant childhood visit, you need to update them; the now expansive site has a vast menagerie of Australian wildlife in natural settings.
Taste (and undoubtedly buy) hand-made cheese from the renowned Yarra Valley Dairy (70-80 McMeikans Road, Yering, 9739 1222), and pay particular attention to the goat's cheeses. Train buffs as well as the merely curious will enjoy the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway (Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville, 5962 2490), where volunteers run a train or trolley service hourly most Wednesdays and Sundays. Their tracks are almost as old as the Healesville Hotel (256 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 5962 4002), which has been restored over the past decade. There's a cafe, fine dining restaurant and a relaxing beer garden.
Flinders Distance from CBD: 86 KILOMETRES
Ashcombe Maze
This is a day to start early, perhaps stopping for breakfast at the rustic Merrick General Store (3460 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merrick, 5989 8088), which boasts hearty country fare. Choices around the historic Mornington Peninsula town are predicated on the proximity to water, so you can walk along the Flinders pier and see what's being caught by the regulars, or if you fancy a surf, jump in at nearby Point Leo. If you want to get lost - in a good way - consider Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens (15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham, 5989 8387), home to Australia's oldest hedge maze. The circular rose maze is in bloom from November til June. Finish up at Red Hill's Paringa Estate Winery (44 Paringa Road, Red Hill South, 5989 2669), where Lindsay McCall's pinot noir is winning award after award, year after year.
Daylesford Distance from CBD: 115 KILOMETRES
The Lake House (4 King Street, Daylesford, 5348 3329) is many things, including a day spa, hotel and creative home to the artist (and co-owner) Allan Wolf-Tasker, but it's nigh on impossible to go past the restaurant overseen by executive chef Alla Wolf-Tasker, where seasonal produce sourced from regional suppliers is transformed into an acclaimed menu. A walk afterwards may be necessary, so consider Mount Franklin (Daylesford-Castlemaine Road), a Parks Victoria site eight kilometres north of town, where you can walk to the summit for fine views. Alternately, just keep spoiling yourself at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (20 Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs, 5348 8888), which is beginning its 116th year. Choose from private mineral baths, body scrubs, massages and more. Art enthusiasts will enjoy The Convent Gallery (corner Hill and Daly streets, Daylesford, 5348 3211), where a renovated gold rush mansion presents Australian and international artists.
Phillip Island Distance from CBD: 140 kilometres
More than 3 million people visit each year, and a fair percentage of them are interested in penguins. But during the summer, the daily penguin parade at the Phillip Island Nature Park (1019 Ventnor Road, Ventnor, 5951 2800) occurs at about 9pm, so it would be a long day trip. If you do stick around, consider the Penguins Plus ticket: it costs more (adult $40, family $100), but you get remarkably close. Before that you can visit the Nobbies, the park's spectacular boardwalk path along the natural sea bird gardens of the headland. For one long weekend in October, the Grand Prix Circuit (Back Beach Road, Phillip Island, 5952 2710) becomes a sprawling temporary city for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, but the rest of the year it hosts various automotive activities, from go-karts and hot laps with an experienced race driver to slot car racing. Smell the flowers on the way back to town at Cranbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens (corner Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne).
Queenscliff was, 130 years ago, a Victorian era seaside resort and it has retained its history and appeal. There's a thriving arts community, and one of the town's simple pleasures is perusing the craft outlets and galleries. Eating options support varied tastes: try the innovative take on modern Australian cuisine at Loam (650 Andersons Road, Drysdale, 5251 1101), or opt for fish and chips along the newly modernised marina (queenscliffharbour.com.au). Go one nautical step further and catch the ferry (searoad.com.au) for a 40-minute journey across to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula; ferries depart both ports hourly from 7am to 7pm daily. Have a drink at the elegant Queenscliff Hotel. Music fans should take note of the final weekend in November, as that's when the annual Queenscliff Music Festival hosts a panoply of talent.
The Dandenongs Distance from CBD: 35 kilometres
At 633 metres above sea level, you can literally look down on Melbourne in all its sprawling glory from the summit of Mount Dandenong. While you're there, visit William Ricketts Sanctuary on the east face, where the late artist spent decades merging the creative and natural landscape by seeding the old growth eucalyptus forest with 92 ceramic sculptures. Elsewhere in the Dandenong Ranges there's the venerable steam train Puffing Billy (Puffing Billy Place, Emerald, 9757 0700, puffingbilly.com.au), the quaint and delightful Miss Marple's Tea Rooms (382 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, 9755 1610), and the National Rhododendron Gardens (The Georgian Road, Olinda, 131 963), where much is in bloom. As well as the comparatively short journey there, the Dandenongs offer a different experience throughout the seasons, from welcome coolness during the summer to light snow falls in winter.
Kyneton Distance from CBD: 85 kilometres
Nestled in the Macedon Ranges north-west of Melbourne and now bypassed by through-traffic, Kyneton is a relaxed day trip that can start with an appreciation of the gold rush town's history thanks to the bluestone Kyneton Museum (67 Piper Street, Kyneton, 5422 1228). Stay on Piper Street for something more contemporary: retail browsing. As a tree-change destination, there's a plethora of artists and craftspeople whose work is available through local shops. For fine food, the Royal George Hotel (24 Piper Street, Kyneton, 5422 1390) does lunch from Thursday to Sunday, while Annie Smithers' Bistrot & Produce (72 Piper Street, Kyneton, 5422 2039) updates classic European concepts with a contemporary twist, and provides lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. If you want a different Spring Carnival experience, consider the Kyneton Cup, held on the first Wednesday in November at NMIT Kyneton Park (Campaspe Place, Kyneton, 5422 1866).
Lorne Distance from CBD: 138 kilometres
Lorne is the tiny town that could, swelling in population many times over during the holiday season, as everything from the Falls Music Festival to the Pier to Pub swim brings in visitors. Getting to the seaside setting is a pleasure in itself, with the Great Ocean Road, beginning at Torquay. Erskine Falls (the end of Erskine Falls Road), 10 kilometres north-east of Lorne, is a natural wonder that introductes the rugged beauty of the Otways. If staying in Lorne, take the cliff-walk along the foreshore and check out Lorne Pier - the fishermen's co-op sells fresh seafood from that morning's catch. If you want to go that extra mile, check out Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant (280 Skenes Creek Road, Apollo Bay, 5237 6411) for a great dining experience.
Bendigo Distance from CBD: 150 kilometres
Leave the car at home and take the train - not only is the V/Line service between Melbourne and Bendigo frequent (vline.com.au), but the period railway station at the latter sets the tone for the regional city's Victorian-era architecture. By contrast, the Bendigo Art Gallery (42 View Street, Bendigo, 5434 6088) has rightfully gained a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking regional art spaces in the country, with American Dreams, a storied photography exhibition running from April 16 to July 10, the pick of the numerous upcoming shows. Mix up your day by taking in nearby Castlemaine, a quiet town with a selection of cafes and restaurants: consider The Good Table (233 Barker Street, Castlemaine, 5472 4400) and its six-course taste menu before exploring the various artisans' outlets.
Beechworth Distance from CBD: 284 kilometres
The longest journey of the 10 listed here, the trip to this town in the state's north-east is worthwhile simply for a visit to the celebrated Beechworth Bakery (27 Camp Street, Beechworth, 1300 233 784) for one of their trademark bee-sting cakes. For a substantial meal head to Provenance (86 Ford Street, Beechworth, 5728 1786), where you can enjoy chef and owner Michael Ryan's contemporary food in what was once a 19th-century bank (the vault is now the wine cellar); you'll soon understand why Ryan has consistently won multiple hats in various Age Good Food Guides. If sedate is the go, simply stay on Ford Street for shops such as Frances Pilley's handcrafts (45 Ford Street, Beechworth, 5728 2550) and the Beechworth Antique & Wine Centre (87 Ford Street, Beechworth, 5728 1855). The more daring will enjoy the Mountain Bike Park (Alma Road, Beechworth), an extensive and free collection of tracks and trails in a sustainable environment.
I think this article fails to mention the Great Ocean Road and how beautiful the scenery can be over there. My favourite stop was the 12 Apostles that change colour as the position of the sun changes. And it looks even better from the air (you can book helicopter rides on site).
12 Apostles
A day trip is always a great way of spending quality time with friends and family.
Remember, you don't always need to pay thousands to have splendid holidays - you can have the perfect holiday right here in Victoria.
