Creature close-ups and action thrills 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 Olinda Tea House (p47) 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. Araluen Boutique Accommodation (p71) 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. Paradise Valley Hotel (p47) A true local hero. Convivial hotel with the best regional beers on tap, award-winning bistro, leafy beer garden close to Puffing Billy’s railway. Local produce, sustainability and community are key. BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park (p71) 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. Warratina Lavender Farm (p49) 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. Rochford Wines (p48) 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. Re’em Yarra Valley (p72) Opening November 2023 on the Helen and Joey vineyard and farm. 16 lavish suites including 4 super-luxury, fine dining, cellar door, spa treatments. Beautiful gardens, enjoy farm experiences. Yering Gorge Cottages (p73) 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 selfcontained cottage, Cloudhill Gardens (p44) One of Australia’s finest in the lush Dandenongs. Five acres, 25 exquisite garden ‘rooms’, sculptures, huge trees, topiary. Heirloom plants at Diggers Garden Shop, dining in Seasons Restaurant. 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 Puffing Billy Railway (p47) 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. Healesville Sanctuary (p46) 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. 26
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