A spring time tour of Manningham

Recently the team at One Hour Out were invited to explore Manningham in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. What we found was an incredibly diverse mix of residential suburbs and verdant riverside parklands.

The region includes some of Victoria’s most engaging art experiences and the eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping is second to none. The northern edge of Manningham is marked by the Yarra River that winds its way down from the Yarra Valley towards the city, with endless walking trails, picnic locations and playgrounds.

Come and join us as we explore this outstanding region.

Your Guide to the Goulburn River and Ranges

The Goulburn River might not have the PR team of the mighty Murray but as Victoria’s longest river it has long been a part of peoples’ daily lives. It is the region’s lifeline of agriculture, a cultural and historic touchstone as well as a magnet for outdoor activities.

Your road trip offers so many waterways to choose from, including one of Victoria’s largest man-made lakes, enchanting waterfalls and secluded fishing spots. No matter the season, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking scenery, pretty little towns and down to earth hospitality as you wind your way through this special part of central Victoria – all within a short, easy drive out of Melbourne.

Here’s an itinerary to get you started.

Choose your own adventure: Exploring the You Yangs & Moorabool Valley

Words by Amanda Kennedy
Images Supplied

They say life is all about balance, a bit of yin with your yang, so to speak. We all know that getting outside to blow away the cobwebs is not only good for the body, but it’s also good for the soul. We’ve rounded up a host of activities in the Moorabool Valley and You Yangs area to get you out and about and sweetened it with some treats for afterwards.

You Yangs Regional Park

You’ve definitely seen them from across the bay, or perhaps from the city’s outskirts, those hills on the horizon. The You Yangs (Wurdi Youang) are a group of 24km long granite outcrops an hour southwest of Melbourne near the town of Little River. Time to pay them a visit!

Topping out at 319m is the park’s highest point, Flinders Peak. Those who make the 3.2km one-hour return walk will be well-rewarded with stunning views across the volcanic plains back towards Melbourne or south to Geelong.

From the eastern lookout, the eagle-eyed will also spy the geoglyph of Bunjil, creator spirit of the Wadawurrung people, traditional custodians of the region. Artist Andrew Rogers utilised 1500 tonnes of granite and limestone rock to form the wedge-tail eagle geoglyph, in recognition of the Wadawurrung people’s connection to the land.

Iconic Australian painter Fred Williams was known to spend much time painting en plein air in the region. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to create your own masterpiece?

If you’re the type who likes to get the blood really pumping, you might like to bring your mountain bike and hit some of the 50km of purpose-built trails across two dedicated zones. Maybe horse riding, orienteering, rock-climbing, abseiling or bushwalking is more your speed? If so, there are dozens of trails from the family-friendly through to the more challenging to choose from.

If that all sounds a little exhausting, you could always try your hand at some birdwatching or perhaps a gentle stroll to one of the nine designated picnic areas.

The You Yangs Regional Park is open every day from 7am and closing at 5pm (6pm from Daylight Savings). Access to the park from the Princes Freeway is signposted via Lara. Facilities include picnic areas (barbecues, tables and toilets available) as well as drinking water available from the Visitors Centre.

Serendip Sanctuary Wildlife Park

Only 10 minutes further south is the Serendip Sanctuary. Soak in the serenity or explore some of the 250ha of wetlands and grassy woodlands. Experience your own close encounter with some native wildlife on one of the popular and wheelchair-accessible nature trails. Spot a mob of emus, Eastern Grey kangaroos or even a Tawny Frogmouth from one of the many bird hides.

With an emphasis on education, the sanctuary offers a Junior Rangers Program for families during school holidays as well as downloadable DIY activity sheets. Discover how some of Victoria’s most threatened species are being protected at the sanctuary’s education facility, old school and screen-free.

Serendip Sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day & Good Friday from 8am until 4pm. Facilities include picnic areas, barbecues, tables, toilets and drinking water.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Drive half an hour west and you’ve arrived at Brisbane Ranges National Park and Steiglitz Historic Park. Ten points if you time your visit for spring’s magnificent wildflower displays including the rarely seen Velvet Daisy-bush and Brisbane Ranges Grevillea.

But first let’s start the adrenaline racing with some rock-climbing, abseiling, horse riding, kayaking/rafting or bushwalking (trails range from a couple of hours to several days). Camping areas with tank water and pit toilets available, bookings required. Picnic areas include wood barbecues, tables and toilets.

As with any visit to the great outdoors, best to check forecasted weather as well as location conditions. Visit Parks Victoria for more information.

Reckon you’ve earned a reward or two?

Fortunately, an area so rich in outdoor activities is also blessed with a cornucopia of food and drink choices.

Golden Plains Farmers Market is held the first Saturday of every month and is the ideal place to begin. If you miss that, no matter; the region is well placed with a slew of farm gates and providores.

Moorabool Valley Chocolate Pick up some handmade truffles made with the freshest ingredients from this family-owned small business.

Meredith Dairy The Cameron family have been responsibly and sustainably farming sheep and goats since the early 1990s, creating one of Australia’s most iconic farmhouse cheeses which are now exported to the world.

Inverleigh Bakehouse An old-school country bakery is a thing of beauty and this converted 1868 homestead doesn’t disappoint with artisan breads as well as tempting pastries and cakes.

Bread cheese and chocolate – tick! Now you need something to drink. Thankfully this cool climate wine region offers boutique wineries, renowned cellar doors and winery restaurants both large and small, so you’re sure to find one to suit.

Clyde Park Vineyard and Bistro Step into the cellar door and secure a spot by the fire before tasting through their award-winning wines whilst taking in sweeping views over the Moorabool Valley. This family-friendly bistro is open daily offering everything from a quick nibble through to a three-course meal.

Del Rios Wines Enjoy a long, lazy lunch centred around their estate-grown produce (including Black Angus beef) complemented by an extensive wine portfolio.

No doubt this has whet your appetite to explore the region. You’ll only wonder what took you so long.

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Your ultimate guide to June / July school holiday activities across Victoria

You are just recovering from the endless long weekends and the sudden increase in cold-induced sick days. Now with the mid-year school holidays about to start, you’ve got two weeks of trying to keep the little ones entertained. Allow us to lend a little hand with our ultimate list of family-friendly activities outside of the city.

Winter Wonderlights – Sovereign Hill

June 24 – July 16

It’s one of Victoria’s great winter experiences and of course, it goes straight to the top of the list. Throughout the day, the wonderful Sovereign Hill experience is taken up a few notches with ‘snow’ falling from the sky, Christmas-themed theatre and arts and crafts. Come nightfall, the light show lights up the buildings with a dazzling display.

Get your tickets here.

East Gippsland Winter Festival – Various

June 9 – July 9

The East Gippsland Winter Festival has been running for a couple of weeks now and we are hearing fantastic things. For the adults there’s an unbeatable lineup up of art, food, drink and nature based events to choose from. The more family-focused activities include Lakes Lights at Lakes Entrance (July 1) a stargazing boat cruise and a beach naturalist excursion.

Full program here.

Lost Dogs’ Disco – Narre Warren

June 24 – July 16

Bunjil Place in Narre Warren seems to have an endless program of really interesting events and this school holidays is no different. In Lost Dogs’ Disco, visitors journey through an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall: all in various states of repose – curled up, standing, even touching noses. The installation is the hub for a whole series of workshops, movie nights and craft activities running right through the holidays.

Find out more here.

Electric Wonderland – Bendigo

June 23 – July 9

Get the family all rugged up and head to Rosalind Park in Bendigo for an immersive light show experience. Using all the latest in audio and lighting technology, the park will come alive with a light concert, a giant inflatable Astronaut an interactive flower park and interactive kids zones.

Find out all the details here.

Winter Glow – Bellarine Peninsula

June 16 – July 16

We always seem to miss the open season for this fabulous looking water park on the Bellarine Peninsula, however this year they are opening for a special winter experience just for the school holidays. Come along and build a snowman with snow falling from the sky in their purpose built Snow Play Zone. Watch the amazing light installation, ice-sculpting, fire-twirling and toast marshmallows by an open fire.

Find out how that’s all even possible here.

Ballarat Winter Festival

June 24 – July 16

The city of Ballarat turns up the heat once again this winter with their always impressive winter festival. Bring the whole family for everything from ice skating to disco anthems and fire jousting; to getting cosy with kangaroos and a Christmas in July event like no other.

Discover more here.

Victoria’s Ski Fields

June to October

As if sliding down hills in toboggans, building snow persons and enhancing ski and snowboard skills isn’t enough activity. Some of the ski resorts are really turning on this winter. At Mt Baw Baw you can take a walk with resident dingos Rowdy, Warragul (Gully) and Bunji. Every Tuesday afternoon at Falls Creek, there’s a family-friendly street party with music, games and a fire pit to toast marshmallows over. At Mt Hotham there will be a fireworks display lighting up the sky every Wednesday once night falls.

Eynesbury Winter Festival – Eynesbury Estate

June 23 – July 9

Eynesbury Estate is just 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD and easy access from Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. Their winter festival is really something to behold with magic shows, circus performances, pony rides and roving Disney characters. However, it’s the ice skating rink that will really get the kids excited.

Plan your visit here.

Magic Show & Workshop – Bellarine Railway

June 27 and July 4

Kids love trains and kids love magic. No one understands why, so instead of fighting it why not take them to a magic show on a real-life steam train! Leaving from Queenscliff station, Dazzling Dan the Magic Man will entertain and delight the little ones on a 45 minute return trip to Lakers Siding. Kids are encouraged to don their own magician outfits too.

Get all the details here.

Island Whale Festival – Phillip Island

June 30 – July 2

Phillip Island is one of the best spots to watch Humpback whales as they start their migration north to warmer waters. The Island Whale Festival is a celebration of all things whales with a full program of kids activities, art installations, whale cruises and virtual reality experiences.

Download the full program here.

Open Range Art – Bendigo Art Gallery

July 5 & 6

The Bendigo Art Gallery is well-known for its educational and fun kids program. These school holidays sees the launch of Open Range Art, a space for kids of all ages to get experimental with a variety of fun art making materials such as coloured paper, washi tape, sequins and much more.

Book a free time slot.

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Hume City – the ideal weekend destination

Words by Jay Dillon
Images supplied

An abundance of food options, some of Victoria’s oldest wineries, rolling greens hills and an abundance of quality accommodation, Hume City is the perfect weekend getaway without the gruelling long drive. As part of the upcoming Hume Winter Lights Festival, we head out to explore this vibrant and diverse outer region.

The Hume City region sits on the outer north of Greater Melbourne, starting from the Metropolitan Ring road on its southern end and stretching north right up past Sunbury and east to the developing suburbs of Campbellfield and Craigieburn. The Gunung-Willam-Balluk clan have an unbroken connection to the land that dates back 40,000 years.

Today, Hume City is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, however, the agricultural history is still evident throughout. Woodlands Historic Park is a state park where you’ll find a rare example of a large pre-constructed timber kit house imported from Britain and constructed in 1863. The property is also home to the The Living Legends tours, where visitors can get up close to champion race horses who are now in retirement. The homestead is surrounded by magnificent heritage gardens and to make your visit complete, visitors can find respite in the homestead cafe between 10am-3.30pm each day for their famous Devonshire Tea.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous, Hume City is also home to Australia’s first surf park. URBNSURF was opened to much fanfare in January 2021 and features a wave machine that can generate up to 1000 waves per hour. The shape and speed of the wave can be controlled, resulting in scheduled sessions throughout the day that are designed for surfers at varying levels. Urbnsurf is a truly full day experience with other activities such as yoga, skating and a hot tub with views across the surfing lagoon. The onsite restaurant from Three Blue Ducks serves up quality grilled meats, burgers and salads for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Hume City is blessed with a huge variety of options for even the most fussy of foodies. O’Shanassy Street in Sunbury has quickly become a popular destination for eating out with its tree-lined streetscape and alfresco dining. The east side of Hume City is a treasure trove of international cuisines. Falafel Moudy is a demonstration of falafel expertise. In Craigieburn, Shisha Basha is a homage to the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine and Baladi Lebanese Bakery in Roxburgh park will have you lined up for their outrageously good cheese and spinach fatayers.

Travellers to Hume City are often surprised to find that a region so close to the city is host to quality cool-climate wineries and cellar doors. Arundel Farm Estate is set on 300 acres of prime farmland on the Keilor valley. 20 acres are under vine, predominately with shiraz and viognier. Guests to the cellar door can enjoy a free wine tasting every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In 2018 a 200 seat restaurant was added to the property with a focus on traditional and modern Italian food. Guests can select from the a la carte menu with entree options including grilled Western Australian octopus and mains of fresh market fish cooked Neapolitan style or a rolled porchetta served with a fennel and saffron puree and roasted apple. The pasta and wood-fired pizzas are also very popular and a favourite for families.

North-west of here, on the edge of Sunbury sits Craiglee Vineyard. This historic bluestone winery was originally built in 1863 by prominent businessman and parliamentarian James Stewart Johnston, making it one of Australia’s oldest working vineyards. These days visitors come for the award-winning cool-climate shiraz and chardonnay crafted by winemaker Patrick Carmody, who opens the cellar door to guests on the first Sunday of the month.

Marnong Estate sits on the border of the Sunbury Wine Region – one of Victoria’s oldest wine regions. Planted out in 2016, the low average temperatures are perfect for shiraz, pinot grigio, chardonnay and pinot grigio. The property includes luxurious accommodation and three dining options. La Vètta is an invitation to experience the best of high-end Italian dining. Cucina 3064 is a relaxed and casual Italian trattoria for the whole family. Lastly, guests can pick up a fresh panini and a bottle of Marnong Chardonnay from Caffè Vista for the perfect lawn picnic.

Being so close to Melbourne Airport means the region has an abundance of other accommodation options such as ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport, Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, and the cute bucolic cabins at Airport Tourist Village.

Positioned right on the edge of where the city meets the country means that Hume City has an abundance of places for visitors to get close to nature. The Nook is a quiet little parkland close to the centre of Sunbury, with a delightful duck pond at its centre. Jack Roper Reserve in Broadmeadows features an adventure playground and walking trails around a picturesque lake that is sometimes stocked with trout ready for the keen angler. To really get a lay of the land, head to Mount Ridley Lookout. This well maintained green space has spectacular views across Craigieburn and right through to the city of Melbourne. On a sunny day, families gather here to enjoy a picnic and to let the kids burn off some energy on the playground and rolling down the hill.

The annual Hume Winter Lights Festival (Saturday 17 June), is an award-winning winter event withe live music, light projections, roving performances, workshops and more. However, as you can see the Hume City has far more than can be possibly expressed in a one day festival, rather it is a fascinating place of contrasts that reveals itself fully only to the regular explorer.

THE DETAILS

What: Stay and Play in Hume City for the Hume Winter Lights Festival (June 17)
Where: 30-minute drive North of Melbourne CBD, a 45-minute train ride from Flinders Street Station, or a 5-20 minute drive from Melbourne Airport.
More inspiration: @discoverhume

We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Tickets are now on sale for Sovereign Hill’s famous Winter Wonderlights

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images supplied

Everyone loves a white Christmas, but we Aussies rarely get to experience it the way our European friends do. Unless you head to Ballarat from June 24.

Victoria’s most popular living museum, Sovereign Hill, is once again hosting its Winter Wonderlights Festival: a three-week bright, white Christmas-themed extravaganza.

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it’s the perfect spot to take the family for the school holidays – and don that daggy Christmas sweater you’ve been saving.

Christmas in July

Imagine cosying up by the fire, drinking a mug of hot chocolate while fairy lights twinkle nearby. Sound good?
Now add a brilliant light show illuminating a century’s-old Gold Rush museum into the picture.
You’re starting to get an image of Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlight Festival.

From 24 June to 16 July, the Sovereign Hill streetscape will transform into a snow and light-filled space, sure to dazzle visitors from young to old. There’s a bustling schedule of family-friendly daytime and night-time activities, opportunities to meet Saint Nicholas himself, and enough Christmas-themed treats to last the year.

With so much on offer, we thought we’d give you our pick of the activities. So you can worry less about scheduling – and focus more on merrymaking.

Bright lights, little city

We must begin with the hero of the festival: the light show!

Each night after sundown (around 5.30 pm), Sovereign Hill’s Main Street transforms into a rainbow of light and imagery. Designed in tandem with Electric Canvas – the team behind much of Melbourne’s White Night – these displays are nothing short of magical.

Candy canes twinkle above an antique sign. Neon bows loop and unloop on a tin veranda. Paired with the Christmas carols echoing through the street and faux snow pluming into the air, it’s a feast for all the senses.

The projections finish at 7 pm and can be very busy. So we recommend starting at the top of the hill and meandering through Main Street towards the exit rather than away. You’ll dodge the big crowds and enjoy a better view.

Warm up your winter with these old-school activities

A regular day pass will buy you all day and night access to the museum. That means you can enjoy plenty of daytime activities and the light show for one affordable price.

Famous for its Gold Rush character, Sovereign Hill has ample activities for the whole family. From candle-making and horse and cart rides to gold panning and lolly eating – you could easily spend three days at the museum and still have more to see.

If you’re travelling with children, you can’t miss the gold panning. We recommend bringing gumboots because things can get wet as you sift through the mud for the treasures.

Once you’ve exhausted the pan, stop by the lolly shop, Brown’s Confectionary, to taste its famous boiled raspberry drops. Handmade to a traditional recipe, these treats are especially sweet in winter.

Continue the shopping spirit with a stroll through the European-inspired Christmas Market. Grown-ups looking to imbibe can warm up with a mulled wine. And there’s gingerbread for the little ones.

Costumed characters walk around throughout all areas, performing pantomimes and interacting with guests. You can find Saint Nicholas and ask for a photograph if you’re lucky. These actors are the final flourish of a very immersive experience.

You can also head to the Victoria Theatre on-site to watch a scripted theatre performance, which we hear is Christmas themed too. A carefully created replica of the eponymous 1850s Ballarat theatre, the space and the stories told there transport viewers to a bygone era.

Our tips for a smooth stay

The Winter Wonderlight Festival is extremely popular, with tickets selling out quickly. So your best move is to plan your trip and book early.

Here are our top tips to ensure your visit is fun and friction-free.

Book early: We can’t say it enough. Tickets are available now via the Sovereign Hill website. A wide range of access is available, from single to family passes.
Rug up: It’s no secret that Victoria’s Central Highlands get cold. The days in Ballarat average 10 degrees, so be prepared for even chillier nights.
Make a weekend of it: Because the light show is only visible at night, it’s a good idea to book an overnight – or weekend – stay. There are plenty of accommodation options in nearby Ballarat. And if you want to continue the historical theme, BIG4 just opened a holiday park next to Kryal Castle.
Reserve a table: The restaurants inside Sovereign Hill tend to fill up early. So if you’re looking to eat on-site, call or pop in ahead of time to book your seats.
BYO marshmallows: There are places to roast them, but sadly no places to buy them. You will be the envy of everyone there.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Winter Wonderlight Festival
WHERE: Sovereign Hill Museum, Bradshaw St, Golden Point
WHEN: 24 June – 14 July 2023
MORE INFO: Book your tickets here

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Explore, Discover, Uncover the Western Grampians

Savour the flavours of the past at Sovereign Hill’s Heritage Harvest Weekend

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images supplied

As autumn sets in, bringing with it auburn leaves and crisp morning air, many of us are looking for ways to warm up — our hearts and our bellies.

The Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill returns on May 27th – 28th, bringing together the community for a celebration of abundant seasonal harvest and heritage craftsmanship. It’s a golden opportunity to journey back to the Gold Rush era and discover how our nineteenth-century ancestors preserved and prepared their produce.

Over 30 vendors, mostly local, will take over the historic Sovereign Hill site for the weekend, showcasing their skills in fermenting, drying, salting, and curing food, as well as distilling. These age-old skills have been passed down through generations, and this event provides an opportunity to experience them firsthand.

But it’s not just about observing these skills in action. This weekend is designed to get your hands dirty, your plates full, and your mind inspired.

Three chefs, including the renowned Tony Tan and Tim Bone will be on-site to provide demonstrations, showcasing their expertise and sharing their culinary tips and tricks.

Tim Bone — Ballarat’s own Masterchef semi-finalist turned professional chef — will put his flair for bold, hearty flavours into gear with a special and intimate Miners Fare Masterclass. We’ve been told he gives the iconic baked bean a modern-day twist — which obviously must be seen to be believed.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration of Gold Rush food without a taste of Asia. Australia’s top Asian cuisine chef and teacher Tony Tan unveils the ancient art of dumpling making in his interactive workshop.

For those looking for something extra special, a separately ticketed lunch will be available, with a menu designed by chef Julia Busuttil Nishimura — also known as Julia “Ostro” after her bestselling cookbook — in collaboration with the Peter Rowland Group. The menu promises to be a delicious showcase of local produce and culinary talent.

Visitors to the Harvest Weekend can also explore the world of beekeeping, sourdough, cheese, and more at the Harvest Village. A botanical bar featuring gin, as well as a whisky and wine area, will be on offer for those looking to imbibe. And if it’s a taste of life on the goldfields you’re after? Head to the diggings, where you can indulge in damper and stew.

Even the littlest visitors will be entertained at the Harvest Weekend, with a Little Explorers Zone providing a fun play area for kids.

With so much to taste, craft and stock up on, we recommend taking a gander through the Harvest Weekend Program to plan your trip. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Heritage Harvest Weekend
WHERE: Sovereign Hill, Golden Point
WHEN: 27 – 28 May 2023
MORE INFO: Heritage Harvest Weekend

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Raise a glass to Gippsland’s newest winery, Carrajung Estate

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images supplied

What makes a fantastic winery? Is it what’s inside the glass – a crisp drop of Chardonnay or zesty pour of Pinot Noir? Is it about the environment – a warm interior design, a room with a view? Or does it come down to the people – knowledgeable staff with a healthy dose of passion?

For Ivy Huang and Rebeka Morgan, the co-founders of Carrajung Estate, it’s everything. Both women have left no stone unturned in their mission to create a world-class winery and accommodation offering.

Here, cocooned in the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges, guests can leave the bustle behind and escape to a space of simple pleasures.

The 40-hectare property, formerly the home of Toms Cap Winery, has been entirely renovated and repurposed under one simple guideline: make it feel like home. Huang and Morgan, a builder and founder of BuildHer Collective, alongside John Morgan have remodelled the vineyard restaurant, cellar door and their two-bedroom cottage accommodation called The Nest.

Each space is cosy, intimate and uncompromising in quality. In the vineyard restaurant, guests are invited into a rustic, open setting overlooking the hills dotted with farm animals (the alpacas, pigs, chickens and goats can all be patted, too.)

And the beauty continues on the plate. Fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are the heroes, and in the experienced hands of Head Chef Pat Haney, make a sumptuous feast – for the eyes and stomach.

Chef Haney brings over 20 years of industry experience at some of Australia’s top restaurants to Carrajung Estate. He says his philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the ingredients he uses, and he is a firm believer in sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

“With an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, our dishes feature fresh ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms that celebrate the natural beauty and culinary richness of Gippsland. Through our food, we want to share these growers’ stories,” Huang explains.

Love wine-pairing? The first-ever release of Carrajung Estate’s wines are now rolling out. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are all on rotation. These drops are the fruits of two years of collaborative vine management between Carrajung Estate co-founder Adrian Critchlow, Toms Cap founder Graham Morris, and the award-winning Gippsland winemaker of Inverloch’s Dirty Three Wine, Marcus Satchell.

And when the day is done, you can curl up by the traditional open fireplace at The Nest, or soak in the outdoor bath. The cottage is available to book via their website – and if it’s booked, don’t stress. Renovations of four new cottages are underway and will be ready by next summer.

From the carefully selected grapes to the state-of-the-art equipment, every detail in this new venue has been meticulously planned. The team behind Carrajung Estate have created a truly special Gippsland experience. So good, in fact, it feels like home.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Carrajung Estate
WHERE: 322 Lays Rd, Willung South
WHEN: Fri-Sun 11am – 2.30pm & Dinner Thurs-Sat 5.30pm – 8.30pm
MORE INFO: Carrajung Estate

We wish to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Regional art gallery hosts Australian Women’s Weekly retrospective

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images supplied

1933 was a big year for the history books – some events more pleasant than others. An unequivocal high, however, was the inaugural publication of The Australian Women’s Weekly. A magazine as ubiquitous as it is beloved, at the height of its popularity, around half of all Australian women were reading it.

Now, 90 years on and still in circulation, The Weekly has partnered with Bendigo Art Gallery to launch The Australian Women’s Weekly: 90 Years of an Australian Icon.

Opening May 27 and running until August 27, this free exhibition pays tribute to some of the trailblazing women who have made the Weekly a magazine “for women, by women” since its inception.

The exhibition will showcase some of the magazine’s historical highlights, including the inspiring women who have contributed to its unmatched success, the changing fashion and style trends featured in its pages, and the creative domestic projects inspired by the magazine.

Those with an interest in fashion, journalism, or the course of feminism in Australia are in for a field day here. Flip through editions from the 50’s and 60’s with their articles on current affairs, fashion, cooking, homemaking, motherhood and romance. And chart the journey to the publications of today which cover news, lifestyle, celebrity issues and more.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the inspiring women who helped shaped the magazine. Among them is Dorothy Drain, a courageous wartime reporter, who reported from the front lines during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Of course, The Weekly has always been a source of inspiration when it comes to fashion and style, and the exhibition will feature a selection of garments by leading Australian designers, worn by notable Australian women on recent covers. These include Toni Maticevski worn by legendary culinary entrepreneur Maggie Beer, Sonia Cappallazzo for actress and writer Miranda Tapsell, and an Aurelio Costarella gown worn by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

Dressmaking, interior design, craft, and cooking projects inspired by the Weekly will also feature. The guest of honour – the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book, which has been inspiring creative parents for over 43 years – will be there too.

“We are beyond thrilled to be bringing some of The Weekly’s most memorable moments to the Bendigo Art Gallery in what will be a spectacular start to our 90th celebrations. The Australian Women’s Weekly has a rich heritage of combining agenda-setting news stories, real-life features with a legendary lifestyle and food offering since 1933. 90 Years of an Australian Icon brings the breadth of The Weekly’s content to the fore, demonstrating its tremendous influence on the lives of Australian women.”

Whether you’re a fashion lover, a history buff, or simply looking for some creative inspiration, this exhibition has something for everyone. And with the V-Line train fares recently capped at $9.20, there’s no reason to miss out.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: The Australian Women’s Weekly: 90 Years of an Australian Icon
WHERE: Bendigo Art Gallery
WHEN: 27 May 2023 – 27 August 2023
MORE INFO: Bendigo Art Gallery

We wish to acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Serendip Sanctuary Wildlife Park

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Reckon you’ve earned a reward or two?

Winter Wonderlights – Sovereign Hill

June 24 – July 16

East Gippsland Winter Festival – Various

June 9 – July 9

Lost Dogs’ Disco – Narre Warren

June 24 – July 16

Electric Wonderland – Bendigo

June 23 – July 9

Winter Glow – Bellarine Peninsula

June 16 – July 16

Ballarat Winter Festival

June 24 – July 16

Victoria’s Ski Fields

June to October

Eynesbury Winter Festival – Eynesbury Estate

June 23 – July 9

Magic Show & Workshop – Bellarine Railway

Island Whale Festival – Phillip Island

June 30 – July 2

Open Range Art – Bendigo Art Gallery

July 5 & 6

Christmas in July

Bright lights, little city

Warm up your winter with these old-school activities

Our tips for a smooth stay

All the best things happening outside Melbourne. Food & Wine, Art & Craft, Adventure & Nature, Events & Festivals and more.