Dandenongs

You don't have to go far to be amongst the forests and fresh air of the majestic Dandenong Ranges. Its just an hour's drive from Melbourne, making it an ideal mid-week getaway or weekend retreat.

Explore the enchanting Sherbrooke Forest by day and in the evening curl up in front of a log fire in a luxury country house or cottage - this is the life.

Wandering around the little towns of the Dandenong Ranges is a treat. These lively and colourful villages are always bustling with people stopping for Devonshire tea, a Dandenongs' tradition, or a steaming hot cafe latte. Long lunches in classic restaurants or a pint in an old-style pub or tavern - this is the place to indulge.

Along the way you'll encounter antique shops crammed with treasures and galleries and studios filled with the creations of artists who have made their home here.

This is a nature lover's paradise with spectacular gardens. In fact six of the eight Great Gardens of Melbourne are found here along with hundreds of beautiful private gardens and specialist nurseries. Don't miss the famous National Rhododendron Gardens where 30,000 rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias burst into flamboyant colour in spring. Visit the fine and most formal Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, with its huge old trees and stunning autumn foliage.

Bushwalkers will love the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Here you'll discover spectacular mountain ash forests, lush fern gullies, shady woodlands, pristine waterfalls and almost 200 species of wildlife.

Yarra Wine Region

Framed by the majestic mountains of the Great Dividing Range and just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley's wineries stretch across an expansive and fertile valley creating a panorama of unparalleled beauty.

With over 2,500 hectares of vines and more than 40 wineries, the Yarra Valley is one of the premium wine regions in Australia.

The Yarra Valley has been producing wine for over 160 years, ever since James Ryrie carried 600 vine cuttings overland from Sydney to settle in the region and establish the first vineyard. From Ryrie's pioneering enthusiasm to today's highly skilled graduates, the passion for the fine art of winemaking is unabated.

The first international recognition of the quality of Yarra Valley wine occurred during Queen Victoria's reign and the honours continue to this day. Winemakers of the valley will proudly tell you of their many awards when you visit their cellar doors.

Ranging from small, one man operations to large national and international companies, this region produces top-of-the-range sparkling wines, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. You'll find names like Coldstream Hills, De Bortoli, Domaine Chandon, Fergusson, Yering Grange and Jansz Estate among many others.

March is a great time to visit the region when the Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival is held. Two days of fine wine, exquisite food and exciting entertainment, Grape Grazing celebrates the beginning of harvest when the vines and surrounds are at their stunning best.