New Dining at Warburton’s Alpine Hotel

Words by Gwen O'Toole
Images supplied

Foodies and adventurers, get ready for a road trip along the banks of Yarra River to Warburton’s iconic 1885 heritage-listed Alpine Hotel. Following a ‘labour of love’ restoration of its dining spaces during Victoria’s covid lockdowns, the hotel has been transformed into a destination for both food lovers and adventurers.

Now unveiling an upgraded kitchen and dining options to complement its 32 rooms of accommodation, guests can choose from an overnight stay in a river view room overlooking the Yarra River and Warburton’s picturesque mountains. They also offer rooms with retro-styled ensuites and rooms for solo travellers with shared bathrooms. No matter your style of travel, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head.

“We now offer two options for diners with our chefs’ grazing style menu which has been developed using local produce from the area,” says owner, Rachael Northwood. “The grazing menu is perfect for sharing. We also offer the classic pub-style meals which are created in our very own kitchen and are all housemade.”

It was our intention to create a dining experience that showcases the very best of Yarra Valley’s produce and wines.

Warburton has long since been a destination popular with family travellers and adventure seekers as it sits minutes away from incredible Redwood Forrest, walking trails, and the very popular Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail at the hotel’s back doorstep. Not to mention Mt Donna Buang is just down the road, La La Falls has a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s also only 20 minutes from a range of wineries, breweries, shopping and more.

For adventurers, the hotel sits along the popular Lilydale Rail Trail, making it a popular stop for cyclists looking to rest overnight and take advantage of the secure bicycle storage, or refuel with a delicious meal or drink in the beer garden overlooking the Yarra with up to 16 beers on tap at any given time.

For those keen on staying overnight over the summer months, the newly launched Warby Nightrider bus service means you can also get out and about without any fuss for just $10 per person and enjoy all the best of the region with a safe transfer service.

“We’re really excited and proud to share the restoration with visitors and look forward to showcasing just how incredible food in our region can be. Whether guests choose the quintessential pub dining experience or a grazing menu with family and friends, paired with a local wine or locally brewed beer, it is our aim to create an ideal atmosphere to experience this wonderful environment.”

THE DETAILS

WHAT: New dining at Alpine Hotel Warburton
WHERE: 3340 Warburton Highway, Warburton
FIND OUT MORE: The Alpine Hotel

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

Drop and flop, or hike and surf; The OHO guide to the beachside resort of Lorne

Words by Richard Cornish
Images Supplied

Halfway between Geelong and Cape Otway, the village Lorne sits on either side of the Erskine river as it flows into Louttit bay.

The town originally survived on fishing and timber logging until the Great Ocean Road was extended in 1922, unleashing a constant flow of caravan-towing tourists seeking seaside frivolity.

More recently the development of luxury apartments draws a sophisticated crowd who break up a day of sunbathing, surfing and fishing with quality coffee and high-end dining.

Use our itinerary below to rediscover the coastal haven of Lorne and surrounds.

Apollo Bay – the eternal beach getaway

Words by Richard Cornish
Images by Michael Peters, Richard Cornish, Andrew Englisch, Lauren Doolan & Jay Dillon

The waves crash endlessly on the arc of golden sand that wraps around this beautiful, bucolic working fishing village, farm hub, and holiday town. With a green backdrop of forest and pasture-cloaked hills rising from the sea, Apollo Bay is as dramatic as it is serene.

We’ve made it easy for you to plan an Apollo Bay adventure with our suggested itinerary below.

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

Naturally Gorgeous Picnic Spots in Nillumbik

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.

Our top spots for a family picnic in Nillumbik Shire

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.

Explore the great, great outdoors of Nillumbik Shire

For those who love to get out, explore and try something new, Nillumbik Shire is bursting with a huge variety of outdoor activities. From relaxing days out to animal encounters, family-friendly activities and more, there truly is an activity to suit everyone.

Renowned for its green spaces, the region is just an hour outside the Melbourne CBD, making it the ideal choice for getting off the sofa, relishing a few digital free hours and enjoying an active day out.

Use our interactive itinerary to plan your next adventure.

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

Under the Surface ready to be traversed in East Gippsland

Words: Amanda Kennedy
Images: Supplied

This May, Under the Surface, a multi-dimensional public art experience is launching across East Gippsland, encouraging visitors to ponder and deepen their connections to the natural landscape.

The site-specific art trail, which follows the East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost, begins with and builds on stories from the Gunaikurnai people, the Traditional Owners of much of Gippsland. Through a cultural awareness program, the Gunaikurnai artists collective and visiting artists shared traditional stories and land management practices, as well as artistic practices and skills. The result? Five unique, large scale works that draw attention to and honour the environment and its ecology.

Local Indigenous artist Alice Pepper, in collaboration with non-Indigenous artist David “Meggs” Hooke, who is well-known for his large scale murals interweaving nature and industry, have artwork showing at Nowa Nowa underpass/tunnel in Nowa Nowa. Further west, Yuin artist and Gippsland local Patricia Pittman is presenting work Nicholson River Bridge in Nicholson.

Visiting artists also include graffiti/street artist Ling and Minna Leunig, an accomplished painter and muralist whose work focuses on native Australian plants and animals (and yes, she is also daughter of acclaimed cartoonist Michael Leunig). Ling’s artwork can be found at Orbost Butter Factory in Orbost; Leunig’s at Partelli’s Crossing, Tostaree.

A fruitful cross-cultural exchange between the Gunaikurnai community and the visiting artists, Under the Surface posits a timely reflection of our connection to land within an era of climate change. The event designers and producers, The Social Crew, say they hope “the works will draw attention to the natural environment, assist in visual storytelling and connect and grow human relationships with the land through art.”

Tracing across farmland and forest, Under the Surface weaves along the former Orbost railway line and joins existing public artworks at the beginning of the rail trail by Alfie Hudson, another in Nicholson by local artist Tracey Solomon, and the water tank in Bruthen by Alan Solomon.

The project has been created with support from Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, the Victorian State Government, East Gippsland Shire Council, and the East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee, and is now live and ready for to be experienced.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Under the Surface art trail
WHERE: Bairnsdale to Orbost, East Gippsland
WHEN: Opens May
MORE INFO: Under the Surface

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

A discovery of the St Andrews village

Words by Della Vreeland

A one hour drive north-east of Melbourne, St Andrews is a small rural township that is characterised by its lush native bushlands and charming village aesthetic.

While its bustling weekly market acts as one of its major drawcards, the town is fast becoming known as an all-around hub of creativity, with a range of boutique businesses showcasing the versatility of talent and wonder inherent within. We give you a glimpse of exactly what this quaint community has to offer travellers with this specially curated itinerary.

The OHO Itinerary of Hurstbridge

A bit of a well-kept secret just outside of Melbourne is the quaint village of Hurstbridge. Most people will only have heard of it as it’s the end of the train line but believe us this small community is bursting with world-class restaurants, diverse shopfronts and heaps of walking and biking trails.

So jump on the train or take the scenic drive out to explore the foodie, art and cultural scene of this vibrant community.

We’ve even made it easy for you to get started with an itinerary of restaurants and storefronts but believe us you will find heaps of delightful places to visit.

Three ways to explore the natural beauty of Murrindindi Shire this autumn

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

Proclaimed as Melbourne’s closest natural playground, Murrindindi Shire’s rich landscape is made up of lush national parks and state forests, the iconic Lake Eildon, Lake Mountain and the Goulburn River, as well as some pretty darn awe-inspiring locations right on the city’s doorstep. The gateway to the High Country, the region’s natural beauty is vast and varied – from the Goulburn River flats to the rugged peaks and cool-climate rainforests of the Great Dividing Range.

The Aboriginal word for Murrindindi translates to mountainous, misty place. This in itself should be cause enough to lure in the discerning nature lover. Imagine then such a mountainous place during autumn, where the trees are boasting leaves of auburn, yellow and brown, and the rolling vistas are cast against a temperate background.

While the region’s natural wonders are worthy of exploration any old time of year, there’s no denying that autumn is especially special in Murrindindi. Tree-lined streets in the towns and villages are resplendent with stunning deciduous trees, and many of the highways that connect the townships feature historic plantings of poplars, oak and maple trees.

So if you’ve got a few days, a weekend, or even a day to spare, then Murrindindi Shire should be on your autumn to-do. Here’s three ways you’ll be able to tour the region once you’re there as you discover all the hidden beauty for yourself.

Drive

The historic and quaint township of Yea is one of Murrindindi Shire’s most-loved and boasts historic buildings, a thriving main street and a strong arts culture. It’s also a key town on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. With a range of award-winning restaurants, wineries and accommodation options on offer, you can start your journey in Yea and reap the benefits of a gorgeous scenic drive while you’re at it – exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Yea Wetlands as well as the historic sites.

Yea is adjoined by a series of hamlets including Glenburn, Murrindindi, Limestone, Highlands, Strath Creek, Kerrisdale, and Flowerdale, each with their own distinct natural charms and landmarks – making the town the perfect base for a weekend of exploration.

Can only afford a one-day road trip? We get you. The cruise along the Maroondah Highway from Alexandra to Marysville offers the perfect scenic Sunday drive. You’ll pass by stately country estates with the imposing Cathedral Ranges, and the Gould Memorial Drive is a most impressive gateway to Marysville with its avenue of brilliant yellow poplars. Both Alexandra and Marysville also offer great dining options, and local produce stores, breweries and cellar doors along the route feature the best of Murrindindi’s autumn harvest so you can stock up for the trip back and the week ahead!

Another option if travelling from Melbourne is to start or finish your journey by cruising along the Black Spur Drive and enjoying views of the tall mountain ash and lush green tree ferns that the region is known for.

Walk

If you prefer to feel the earth move under your feet, Murrindindi’s cool, misty mornings and mild, sunny days are perfect for gentle riverside rambles, day treks through the rolling hills or more challenging overnight hikes.

Don your hiking boots and wander through historic locations and villages such as Yea and Alexandra; discover the beauty of ancient forests at the likes of the Toolangi Tanglefoot Loop; explore the many majestic waterfalls dotted throughout the shire and the lush fern gullies in the Yarra Ranges National Park and Marysville State Forest or; hike to the Lake Mountain Summit for spectacular mountain views.

If you’ve got young ones in tow, the Beauty Spot Nature Trail at Marysville is a good option, showcasing some of Marysville’s most beautiful flora and fauna – including an abundance of birdlife – as is the Eildon Pondage Walk.

Ride

For the avid cyclists, Murrindindi Shire also offers some fab autumn cycling experiences. For family-friendly riding, jump on the Great Victorian Rail Trail running from Tallarook, through Yea and Yarck, with a spur line to Alexandra, and all the way to Mansfield. Pack a picnic lunch, admire the natural wonders and seasonal colours along the route, and make a day of it!

If you want to get your heart rate up, the region has some of the best cycling trails and mountain bike tracks in the North East region – and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the smooth flowing trails at Eildon, Buxton and Lake Mountain.