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.
The beachside suburb of Dromana is raising a glass to The Bodega, a boutique wine bar, store and deli opening on March 4. What started from a concept created by owners Mariah and Lachlan Barnes at the start of 2020 has come to fruition.
‘Right when Covid hit, we reflected on what we wanted for our future,’ said Mariah, adding that they took the time to consider what they were passionate about and spent the next few years brainstorming, networking, learning about wine and finding the perfect destination.
‘We are not sommeliers, we are no experts – we are two people who love wine, and absolutely love hosting a room full of people and building strong connections,’ she says.
We could see the need and the opportunity for a wine bar and store in Dromana and jumped at the chance.
Both Mariah and Lachlan have come from construction, giving them the unique ability to construct a space for patrons to fully enjoy.
‘The fit-out is a reflection of us, and how inviting and comfortable we want it to be for our customers,’ Mariah adds. ‘It truly is a beautiful little shop – right across from the beach!’
With a modern coastal look and feel, The Bodega promises to bring a unique hospitality experience to locals and visitors alike. Offering more than 200 wines by the bottle, and more than 15 wines by the glass, customers enjoy a sip in the shop, discover a favourite, take a bottle home or dine in or alfresco with 40 people in the outdoor space or 35 inside.
Offering not just a selection of local wines, but from across Australia international drops, there will be plenty of new and interesting wines to try.
‘All items within the store are designed to take home, including the deli food, bottled cocktails and beer – we want to ensure that our customers have an outstanding experience whether in-store or at home.’
‘We will offer wine tastings for six staff-picked wines, which will give our customers an opportunity to try something new, and to have a chat with us about wine too.’ She says, adding that wine won’t be the only thing on the menu. They’ll be supporting local brewery Jetty Road with beer on tap and by the can as well as a range of bottled cocktails and non-alcoholic options too.
As far as the menu, Mariah says the charcuterie boards are a must-try. ‘I wouldn’t go past our burrata salad too – that is going to be a crowd favourite,’ she suggests, adding that they’ll also be stocking bread from the much-loved local favourite, Miller’s Bread Kitchen.
‘There’s nothing better than quality time with family and friends. The Bodega is proud to serve outstanding wine, whether it be in-store or at home, we are here to create an unforgettable experience,’ she says. ‘We believe in quality moments between family and friends, one vino at a time.’
THE DETAILS
WHAT: The Bodega Wine Bar, Store and Deli WHERE: 133 Point Nepean Road, Dromana WHEN: 4 March 2023 MORE INFO:The Bodega
We wish to acknowledge the Bunurong people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
Despite society’s best efforts to eschew carbohydrates, the humble bagel has us in a chokehold. From its beginnings in Europe through to its migration to the U.S and Australia, the delicious ring-shaped bread has stirred up deep and fierce loyalties. The latest town in the bagel grip? Bendigo, thanks to a forward-thinking, bread-loving couple.
Kelsey and Taylor, two Bendigo locals with a wealth of hospitality experience behind them, have built Out of Order cafe, a speciality bagel and coffee shop serving classic, crowd-pleasing bagels for breakfast and lunch.
“We’d been playing around with the idea of opening our own place for a little while. Somewhere that we can have more creative control,” Kelsey tells me of the venture.
Within two months of deciding to take the small-business gamble, the couple had found a location in the heart of town and were busting open Bendigo’s food repertoire of toasted sandwiches and meat pies. They wanted New York style, stuffed-to-the-brim bagels that give your jaw muscles a workout, and they found it. Needless to say, the locals are loving it.
5 & Dime Bagels are delivered fresh daily from Melbourne and packed full on sight with fresh, local ingredients. Their menu boasts classics like the Reuben and the Lox, as well as plant-based options for the vegans out there. Of course, cream cheese (both the dairy and dairy-free versions) features heavily — a fact sure to please bagel traditionalists.
Micro roastery Coffee Cartel from Geelong provide the beans, which in the hands of their expert barista, is a combination no one can resist.
“It is going really well. We’ve got some awesome regulars that are coming in every day. That makes us feel that we’re doing something right,” Kelsey explains.
Chewiness, delightfulness and freshness is the Out of Order promise. Some good vibes, as the A-frame sign outside their front door says, can also be expected.
THE DETAILS WHAT: Out of Order cafe WHEN: Open Monday to Friday 6am – 2pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm WHERE: 352 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo MORE INFO:Out of Order
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.
Now that we are back in a lockdown (hopefully a short one) every hospitality business across Victoria has once again moved to only take-away or home delivery.
It takes some serious mental strength and resilience to fundamentally change a business on the fly like this and we wish all the business owners and their staff the best.
Below you will find a list of some of the take-away and delivery offerings from these businesses and we encourage you to do what you can to lend your support.
All the best things happening outside Melbourne. Food & Wine, Art & Craft, Adventure & Nature, Events & Festivals and more.
Every week we send you our picks of the best stuff happening outside Melbourne.
We will never share your information with a third-party.
