Winding its way between Eltham and Hurstbridge, the Diamond Creek Trail is popular with bike riders, joggers and walkers of all ages, who come to explore the wonderful mix of playgrounds, wetlands, historic sites and cafes that make the trail so endlessly fascinating.
The trail is approximately 20 km in length with the northern end of the trail starting just near the Hurstbridge railway station. The trail mostly follows the flow of the Diamond Creek, diverting at times past the railway, bushland reserves and football ovals to end at Eltham Lower Park, just a 30min drive or train ride from the Melbourne CBD.
There’s so much to see and do along the Diamond Creek Trail, so use our guide to plan your own trip along this wonderful treasure in the north east of Melbourne.
Bestselling author and founder of The Fermentary Sharon Flynn is set to launch her second book Wild Drinks – once again sharing her incredible knowledge about fermentation with the world.
Dubbed “the definitive book on infusing, brewing, and fermenting delicious things to drink”, Wild Drinks is the perfect companion for anyone who’s curious about conjuring unique drinks – whether it’s the perfect sake or carrot ale, ginger beer or fruit vinegar, rose water kefir or kombucha.
Following on from her debut book Ferment for Good, Sharon says she’s excited to share a read which she thinks many people will find more “appealing”.
“Drinks – and the gorgeous, natural bubbles we all love – are appealing to so many more people,” Sharon says. “We can get bacteria into our bodies and lives very easily this way and most drinks don’t take that long to make.”
The Fermentary is the culmination of a life-long passion for Sharon. Since 2014, her business has (primarily) produced award-winning sauerkraut and kimchi, supplying some of Australia’s best restaurants and shops.
Having originally set up base in Daylesford, Sharon and her daughters opened up a space in Fitzroy North following the pandemic – a space which has now taken on a life of its own and is dedicated to education, creation and the sharing of some of Sharon’s favourite ferments from around the world.
“We ferment in small-batches, naturally culturing food and drinks, slowly and with minimal intervention,” she says.
“I will always be in love with connecting food and the simple, everyday things we do to our near and distant past. Fermentation brings a quiet magical transformation, traditional techniques – a relationship with the invisible – and (in the right environment) when left to its own devices, it will not only preserve, but make the flat bubbly, your dough chewy and light, most things more delicious, and bring life into your kitchen and body! What’s not to love?”
The Trentham Wild Drinks book launch will be held at Acre of Roses, the space where all the images from the book have been shot.
“The Fermentary was based in Daylesford for almost 10 years so Trentham and the surrounds hold a very special place close to our hearts,” Sharon says. “All of the images from the book were also shot at Acre of Roses and we would love to share this stunning location with you.”
The launch will feature small-batch brews, ferments and infusions from the book to taste, including Jamu, Tepaché, Kombucha and Shrubs.
Acre of Roses will also open up their garden, making it a perfect picnic-worthy event.
“There will be a scavenger hunt in the apothecary garden, where we grow many herbs and veggies that we use for our wild drinks and ferments (and) we will also demonstrate making our award-winning rose water kefir using the roses from the garden.”
Sharon says she hopes her work continues to raise awareness about the rare artform that is fermentation and the wonders inherent within.
“This is a lost artform – mostly done in a very practical way in a rustic environment,” she says. “Many people now imagine they need more experience, more equipment, less germs, so to share and connect – and inspire people to think a bit further about what they are buying and where we have come from – (that’s my aim).
“Also to comfort people in a sense – that we’ve only been out of touch for a few generations and we can bring back good flavour, real food and our connection to that really easily. There is enough food for everyone if we are allowed to tap into our ancient, pre-industrial knowledge.
“Not only are our guts depleted of the wide variety of life required for good health, but so is the soil. Naturally fermented foods and drinks are really the easiest, very delicious and natural way to get a wide variety of wild bacteria and yeasts into our bodies now. We are now in a time where we are told that we need to get ‘pre-, pro- and post-biotics’ made in a lab into our guts and a lot of people don’t realise that the bacteria we’ve relied upon is stronger and better than any of that.”
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Wild Drinks book launch WHEN: Sunday, December 18 WHERE: Acre of Roses, Trentham MAKE A BOOKING:thefermentary.rezdy.com
We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
Grab your picnic rug and leave the scenery to Nillumbik. This region, often referred to as ‘Melbourne’s lungs’, is bursting with green, leafy spaces where you can reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air and watch the gum trees sway.
Roughly an hour outside of Melbourne’s northeast, Nillumbik Shire not only has ample picnicking spaces but for those looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors, there are loads to choose from.
Take a look at our Itinerary below.
We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
Round up the kids and enjoy the outdoors with a family picnic. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature, enjoy the fresh air, step away from all that screen time and let the kids burn off some steam in the densely-treed region dubbed ‘the green wedge’.
Roughly an hour outside of Melbourne’s northeast, there are a number of family-friendly picnic spots to enjoy in Nillumbik Shire. Pair it with a huge variety of farmer’s markets (ideal for creating a seriously tasty gourmet picnic basket of local treats) as well as diverse boutique shopping, lush green gardens, art, history and welcoming hospitality, and there’s something to suit every member of your family.
Want to bust the boredom blues? These family-friendly parks aren’t just picnic-perfect, they are loaded with activities, amenities and more to make for a great day out. Keep scrolling for a glimpse of picnic patches for a great family day out.
We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
Sunflower season is almost upon us, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to put on your Birkenstocks and get down to Dunnstown Farm for a new instagram picture (and to pick a flower or two).
The family-owned farm has announced that in a week or so the field will be ablaze with the canary yellow flowers just waiting to be photographed, picked and frolicked amongst.
England-born, Ballarat local Laiken Britt transformed what was once a dry 15-acre field at the “dodgy end” of their farm into a 200,000-strong sunflower paradise, which has been serving Melbournian’s a whimsical, cottagecore day out for several years now. Take a gander through their Instagram and you’ll see just how much joy these sunflowers have spread.
For Britt, it started with the simple desire to “do something pretty” on the farm and pay homage to her childhood drives through the sunflower fields in France. Now, she explains, “it’s just the best thing ever. Little kids are running around saying they’re having the best day. We call it our slice of paradise.”
Entry is a very respectable $5 and each stem you pick is $2. There’s a coffee cart to stay energised, plenty of space to put your picnic rug, bay bales to pile onto and best of all, no time limit.
Just like all good things, sunflowers don’t last forever so make sure you get down before they say farewell around early-March.
THE DETAILS WHAT: Dunnstown Sunflower Farm WHERE: 420 Navigator-Dunnstown Rd, Dunnstown WHEN: Mid February, 2022 (any day now really) MORE INFO:Dunnstown Sunflower Farm
As we start travelling to regional destinations again, many of us are thinking about outdoor picnics as a great way to enjoy a sit-down lunch in a fun and safe way.
Lucky for you, we have put together a list of regional places where you can pick up a picnic hamper or grazing box for your group.
Why bother with the glad wrap and eskys when you can pick up a professionally made spread and support regional operators and producers at the same time.
If you would like to list your regional picnic hampers & grazing boxes to our live list of offerings by regional businesses, complete the details here.
As the end of lockdown approaches and our love of the humble picnic reaches its triumphant peak, we have taken it upon ourselves to round up some of the lesser known picnic areas you can unfurl your rug on once restrictions ease. Here are six spots to soak up the spring air, munch on cheese and biscuits and enjoy your newfound freedom.
Sanatorium Lake
Mount Macedon #onehourout
Untarnished bush land, a bright shimmering lake, and ample space to spread out, Sanatorium Lake is a hidden gem within the Macedon Ranges for picnics, nature walks and wildlife watching. A man-made lake originally constructed for a nearby hospital (which was actually never built), the lake is now shrouded by towering eucalypts and a wet fern gully that gives it a fairytale feel. Thanks to the picnic facilities and public toilets nearby, you could practically stay all day.
Mount Franklin Reserve
Hepburn Springs #onehourout
Fancy picnicking in a volcanic crater? Here’s your chance. Deeply sacred to the traditional owners the Djara Wurrung people, Mount Franklin Reserve is one of the more unique locations to enjoy a day on the green. In spite of it’s proximity to Melbourne, this spot is still off the beaten track and mostly enjoys the company of resident kangaroos and wallabies. If you’re lucky, you may get to meet a few while you enjoy some nibbles.
On the banks of the Kennett River lies this idyllic picnic spot just a stones throw away a rainforest walk, a pristine beachfront and best of all, glow worms! Sit amongst the leafy reserve, drink a kombucha and keep an eye on the eucalypts for koalas in the daytime, and if you’re feeling up for a nighttime adventure, look out for the glow worms on the embankment near the bridge. The perfect day out.
One of the larger picnic spots on this list, Blue Rock Lake is the family’s dream locale. There’s plenty of wide open grassland for the kids to run around, water sport access (we’re talking kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating) and oodles of shady spots to take refuge in and crack open a cold one. If you happen to catch an Australian Bass, you may even be able to cook it up at one of the BBQ’s dotted around the place. Delish.
Find your inner peace at Dunkeld Arboretum, the botanic garden overflowing with giant red gums, birdlife and picturesque viewpoints to settle for a few hours. The arboretum is centred around a pristine lake and features walking trails, a jetty to while away the time and even a labyrinth for walking meditation! We recommend bringing a rug and picnic kit, as there are no tables here just yet.
For the lovers of a salty breeze, Lions Park along Eastern Beach Road could be the ultimate picnic spot. With the ocean in front and parkland all around, good views abound – which we all know make the picnic a whole lot sweeter. The park itself features a playground (with a built-in trampoline!), picnic tables and toilet facilities. Once you’ve finished picnicking, wander through the boardwalks and sand dunes and brave a dip in the ocean.
When Damian Sandercock went to school, he didn’t take a Vegemite sandwich in his lunch box, he had a pork pie. ‘Mum was from Wigan near Manchester and pork pies were a way of life,’ says Damian.
For years the Kyneton chef has been perfecting his range of classic French charcuterie from parfaits to rillettes, carefully hand working his terrines to get the texture balanced between smooth and rustic.
‘I realised that all those classic dishes are the food of the French working class, making something delicious from humble beginnings, the same as the English pork pie. It is food that is delicious and perfect for our new focus on outdoor eating,’ he says. ‘Pies and parfait are perfect picnic fare.’
Damian is an all or nothing sort of bloke and goes as far as rendering the lard to make the pastry for his pies. These are hand formed and packed with spiced, coarsely minced pork and sealed with aspic.
His traditional English pork pies have been joined by a new range that includes flavours like jalapeno, apple, sage and mustard, chorizo and now kimchi. They sound novel but Damian has created recipes that have balanced flavours that work with the pork and the pastry.
A mate makes the kimchi for us. The flavours of fish sauce, garlic, ginger and chili, plus the crunch of the veg, works for even most traditional pork pie lovers.
The flavoured range is not topped with aspic and can be heated. The pies have been complemented with a range of pickles that include an authentic English style piccalilli made with cauliflower with mustard seed and turmeric.
Piper Street Food Co.’s pies, terrines, preserves and charcuterie are available from the Kyneton store or are delivered monthly around Melbourne and North and Eastern Victoria.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Piper Street Food Co. pies and preserves WHEN: Available now MORE INFO:Piper Street Food Co.
We wish to acknowledge the Taungurung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
In what may seem a little mysterious – or perhaps even a little spooky to some – on Saturday 22nd May, Ballarat is hosting a one-day outdoor picnic event the city hasn’t seen since the 1800s.
The Cemetery National Picnic Day, located at the Ballarat New Cemetery, is inviting folks to experience anew what those in the 19th Century thought was a jolly good time; a lovely day in the sun reconnecting with loved ones who had passed away, surrounded by picturesque cemetery grounds.
A collaboration between The Ballarat Cemeteries and The Gatehouse Ballarat as a part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, the event is a little more elaborate than just a rug, some damper and looking at funny headstones.
There will be live music performances, a small market to peruse around, picnic hampers catering to most dietaries, a treasure hunt, tombstone rubbing, and even a horse-drawn carriage ride to get you feeling really antiquated. For those looking for something prim and proper, high tea at The Gatehouse Ballarat is just a short walk away.
While you’re there, why not pop in on one of the historic tours across the day, covering subjects like the history of Ballarat New Cemetery, the World War I veterans who hailed from the city, the history of cremation in Victoria, and Ballarat’s rich Chinese heritage dating back over seven generations.
We can’t think of a better way to demystify death and the burial process than to enjoy the grounds and learn about its history.
THE DETAILS WHAT: Cemetery National Picnic Day WHERE: Ballarat New Cemetery, 1250 Doveton St N, Ballarat Central WHEN: 10am-5pm, Saturday 22nd May 2021 MORE INFO: Ballarat Heritage Festival
Lovers of local produce (and cottagecore), prepare to be delighted. There’s a new fairy tale-esque provedore gracing the bustling township of St Andrews. It’s focus? All the interesting, unique products you won’t find anywhere else.
Perched on top of a grassy slope, overlooking the Queenstown Bushland Reserve, the newly minted St Andrews Collective has swung open its doors to locals and travellers alike, selling produce that’s equal parts delicious and delightful.
The storefront is curated and owned by St Andrews local Nicole Milella whose career in hospitality spans almost a decade. After several months of planning during the lockdown period, Milella has brought together a sumptuous selection of nibbles, dry goods and even handmade and vintage homewares to please even the most selective shopper – all from producers less than thirty minutes away.
Lining the wooden shelves are loose-leaf teas from the Yarra Valley Tea Co, artisan cheese courtesy of Jack Holman at Stone and Crow (vegan cheese included), rich preserves and cordials made by Spurrell Foraging, herbs and spices, olive oils and so much more. Milella has even curated her own cheese boards which can be purchased and happily eaten just outside, in a shady spot on the grass.
If you forgot to bring a picnic blanket, don’t worry, Milella has also got a selection of vintage picnic rugs and baskets for sale. There’s even dried native flowers and hand-thrown pottery ready for the picking if you fancy making a really Insta-worthy spread.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the perfect provedore without some kind of wine involved and this is where St Andrews Collective truly shines. Situated right next door is Punch Room Wines, a killer local cellar door, who have teamed up with the shop to create cheese and wine pairings. Guests can grab a cheese board, walk into the cellar door for a glass of red or white and enjoy everything St Andrews has on offer.
For now, St Andrews Collective is open on Saturdays only, but with tentative plans to open on Sundays as well. Occasional fresh produce courtesy of a local market gardener will be available, as well as unique fresh goods from Spurrell Foraging.
THE DETAILS WHAT: St Andrews Collective WHERE: 10 Scott Street, St Andrews WHEN: Saturdays 9am-3pm MORE INFO:St Andrews Collective
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set to launch her second book Wild Drinks – once again sharing her incredible knowledge about fermentation with the world.
