Trade Manual 2021

Creature close-ups and action thrills 2 6 Answer the call of the wild with creature close-ups on land, under water and in the treetops. Satisfy your sense of adventure with outdoor action, aerial challenges and guided tours into nature’s hidden gems. Overnight in nature, in luxury and in style. Melbourne DAY ONE: YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES Alowyn Gardens and Nursery (p44) Explore birch and casuarina forests, perennial border, edible, parterre and French gardens. An eight acre showcase with sculptures, water features, plant nursery and two courtyards for tea or lunch. Araluen Boutique Accommodation (p74) is a 4.5-star boutique luxury bed and breakfast set on four acres with stunning views. Relax on the balcony or take a sunset walk to spy some of Australia’s most iconic native wildlife. Puffing Billy Railway (p49) is a thrilling experience. Board the heritage steam train and journey the Dandenong Ranges, through winding forests and fern gullies. Peer from open-sided carriages in search of wildlife glimpses. BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park (p74) Close to famous Healesville Sanctuary, set in 60 acres of glorious bushland. See prolific wildlife on walking trails or take a golf buggy. Cosy cabins, luxe villas and glamping. Blue Lotus Water Garden (p45) One of the world’s most spectacular displays of water lilies and lotus flowers in dozens of ponds, lagoons and lakes. Kids Fairy Garden, River Trail, Lotus Walk and Lily Pond Café. (December – April.) Healesville Sanctuary (p47) is a bushland haven for Australian wildlife. Encounter a host of native creatures – kangaroos, dingoes, emus and more. Zero in on unique experiences: getting close-up with koalas and kangaroos. Treetops Adventure (p50) is Victoria’s first tree ropes course – an aerial challenge for young and old. Come hang-out, get harnessed up and soar through the treetops on flying foxes, tight ropes and tunnels galore. Yering Gorge Cottages (p76) overlooks the Greg Norman designed Eastern Golf Club. Trail walk a 120 acre private nature reserve with resident kangaroos and wildlife, and relax in a luxurious self- contained cottage, Rochford Wines (p50) Take a break from adventuring for a total wine and food experience. Lunch in the restaurant or pizzeria, try a wine flight tasting with cheese or charcuterie, visit the cellar door, shop at the grocer. Olinda Tea House (p48) A gorgeous spot for high tea, Devonshire tea, lunch or dinner in the heart of the lush Dandenong Ranges. Their friendly alpacas, wildlife and peaceful Japanese-inspired gardens are an absolute delight. MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (select from) STAY OVERNIGHT (select from) 5 Day Itinerary W I L D L I F E & A D V E N T U R E Warratina Lavender Farm (p51) Enjoy the gloriously fragrant great outdoors amid 10,000 lavender plants. Harvest is November to January, but lavender flowers all year. Guided tours, homestead gardens, tea rooms, lavender gift shop.