Because we hadn't really done much for about 24 hours, we were suddenly chomping at the bit to get out and see the countryside. Our neighbours had once again graciously gassed up the trusty Holden and thrown the keys at us so what were we to do but to clamber aboard and head for the hills - literally! After debating the merits of mountains, beaches, or wineries we decided upon the Yarra Valley and a combination of the Healesville Sanctuary and the Yering Station winery.
The Yarra Valley is about one hour due east from Melbourne and is home to more wineries than one can imagine. A sort of Niagara-on-the-lake in an Eastern Townships-like setting. Really pretty with a much more lush feeling than currently dusty, dry Melbourne. The driving and navigating was relatively smooth with only one minor freak out on my part. Pretty soon we were cruising down the very toursity main drag of Healesville - reminding us of an older Picton - with galleries, pubs and cafes.
On the way to Healesville we had actually stopped in a little widening in the road called Coldstream to visit the uncle of Alex's best friend at Maurice Cody. He is in Oz having married an Australian and working as the chef at the Coldstream Brewery and Restaurant. We had a nice visit taking a few pics and walking away with 18 of the Coldstream Brewery's finest.
Our first stop was the sanctuary which has the largest collection of indigenous Australian animals in the world. It also has an animal hospital which is home to 1500 abandoned or injured animals. It is very well set up and we enjoyed the playpusary in particular. Linton just liked saying the word platypusary. After doing all of the possible exhibits including a really cool encounter with a Goanna and a couple of magpies we headed to the gift shop to stock up on a few "stuffies". Then we were off to the Healesville Hotel for a garlic-infused lunch. A neat and very busy spot the crowds told us we had picked the "it" spot. The prices told us that as well.
After rolling out of the hotel we headed down the road in search of the first vineyard to be established in Victoria over 170 years ago. Today Yering Station is home to a five star guest house, 3-4 restaurants, a gorgeous fresh produce store and an unbelievable art gallery. We were blown away by the setting and the establishment and felt a little bit under dressed compared to the rest of the clientele and cars in the lot.
Nevertheless, we sampled a bit of wine while the kids were drawing chalk pictures on the floor. We liked the MVR over the Sauvignon Blanc and the Chardonnay. So much so we needed to buy some. With our bottle tucked safely under our arm we wandered over to the art gallery/restaurant and pretended to be rich and famous. There was one installation piece that consisted of three mounds of dirt, metal and plastic going for a cool $27 000. I was tempted.
The Yarra Valley was a real revelation for its proximity and beauty. If money were no object another trip to the wineries and a possible overnight at one of the many spas and guest houses would definitely be in order. Either way, we'll be back.
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