Tag: Visit Victoria

The Kiosk by d’Asporto

by johnonetrillion
d’Asporto Kiosk, Williamstown.

This little place is at the end of Williamstown Beach on the famous Esplanade and is something that’s 100% Italian transplanted to a place that’s 100% English, at least by heritage. The sand and beach there are quite beautiful, complete with walking mats across the sand – is that an Italian or an English thing? (Hard to be sure.) Either way, it makes for a fantastic stopping point after a drive along and around the picturesque and history filled Williamstown foreshore and gives a lovely view back across the Bay.

Tours

Yarra Valley Dairy

by johnonetrillion
Yarra Valley Dairy.

How many people would think the YVD to be the best thing east of Melbourne? Plenty. This farm yard building in the epicentre of all local produce and has proven popular for years. It begins with their cheeses, and just keeps on going, including wines and plattered charcuterie foods. And the views …

Photo: Roberto Seba

Tours

www.yvd.com.au

Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne

by johnonetrillion
Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne.

In terms of landscape projects, this place started as nothing, except for the original native terrain, and just keeps on growing! Yes, it is the OTHER botanic gardens for Melbourne and focuses on native flora only. Well worth the excursion time from Melbourne CBD to just the other side of Melbourne.

Photo: David Mitchener

Tours

www.rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-cranbourne

Du Fermier

by johnonetrillion
Du Fermier, Trentham.

Annie Smithers: Cook, author and farmer.

Quote from website: Annie creates a seasonal menu each weekend. Sometimes the dishes are plated, sometimes shared, always they revolve around what is being harvested from the garden or taken from the store cupboard. The food is based on classic French farmhouse dishes that are to be enjoyed with friends and family.

This is a lovely place to stop for lunch while headed north from Melbourne. Actually, it is a complete reason to head north from Melbourne!

Photo: Robert Blackburn

Tours

www.dufermier.com.au

Kalorama Lookout

by johnonetrillion

There are a number of fabulous places to stop and admire views from along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, once of our favourite scenic routes close to Melbourne. Most look to theist or north, but the view from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong provides a complete look back to the Melbourne skyline and beyond.

Tours

McClelland Gallery

by johnonetrillion
McClelland Gallery, Langwarrin.

Actually, this is a sculpture park as well. Two fine art experiences together. In fact three, if one includes the clever public sculpture pieces that adorn the EastLink sides as Langwarrin is approached from the north. This makes for a wonderful stop about an hour from Melbourne, and a perfect partner with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, for a trip to the south east.

Photo: David Mitchener

Tours

www.mcclellandgallery.com

Portsea Hotel

by johnonetrillion
Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula.

What an institution! The view, the lawn … it is quintessential Portsea. And even mind that it is properly known as the Portsea Hotel – everyone just calls it the Portsea Pub.

Photo: David Mitchener

Tours

www.portseahotel.com.au

Mt. Macedon Hotel

by johnonetrillion
Mt. Macedon Hotel – beer on tap
Mt. Macedon Hotel

This is classic country pub territory. Just an hour from Melbourne, it is a popular stop for people passing through (or over) or simply making it their destination for a day trip from the city. It is old school and simple, and for us represents a great focal point for exploration of the small town of Mt. Macedon and its famous lookout.

Tours

You Yangs

by johnonetrillion

One can see them from Melbourne, and Melbourne can be seen from them – they are a kind of yin and yang (no pun intended) on the local scene. The You Yangs are one of the last elements of The Great Dividing Range and provide a wonderful nature stop for views and a little walking – and the drive in and out is just wonderful. Perhaps they can be included as a side-trip to the Surf Coast?

Tours