NATURE ATTRACTIONS STEELS CREEK

It's the easiest way to experience the thrill of skydiving. After only a short training session at the airport you're ready to go. Our highly experienced instructors will take you on the most adrenalin packed adventure of a lifetime.

Making Skydiving and Parachuting your weekend sport has never been easier. It's all done through the AFF program. We recommend that a Tandem skydive be experienced prior to taking the course. This gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with basic skydiving concepts and the freefall environment with a qualified instructor in control.

Melbourne by Hot Air Balloon with Balloon Sunrise, Australia

Your hot air balloon flight over Melbourne will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You glide silently with the wind and watch in excitement as the city of Melbourne wakes below you.Balloon Sunrise guarantees you the best possible flight over Melbourne – as we have done safely for more than 85,000 passengers since we were established in 1986!

We take pride in what we do and have one very simple and successful philosophy; and that is “customer service, value for money, dedicated professional staff and a commitment to safety”.All our experience gained over the years is there to make your hot air balloon flight something you will recall with pleasure and excitement for years to come.
 

The Baldessin Press is a not for profit association which is financially independent, relying on revenue generated from workshops, access fees, and a great deal of voluntary labour and goodwill.

We offer inspiring workshops and opportunities to anyone wanting to explore their creative journey in a tranquil location. Workshops are open to anyone, from beginners on. By limiting the workshop numbers each participant is catered for at his/her personal level in a friendly and relaxed working atmosphere.

Twice yearly the studio is open to the public as part of the "Nillumbik Artist Open Studio Program", in May & November. See News & Events for details.

Shantell Vineyard is a small vineyard and winery situated in a picturesque hillside setting at Dixons Creek, just 60 kilometres from the heart of Melbourne. Visitors are very welcome to Shantell Vineyard's modern restaurant and tasting facilities. The combination of good food, good wines and exceptional views makes sitting down for a meal almost irresistible. The outlook is stunning and the Aboriginal art collection on display on the dining room and cellar door quite unique. 'Hidden away in a lovely quiet little area among the gum trees and foothills at the northern end of the Yarra Valley, Shantell is a great place to visit. The relaxing pastel-coloured cellar door and friendly restaurant have picture windows that invite the outside in as though you are sitting among the vines, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere outside in warm weather. Shantell's wines are very good too, offering consistency and high quality at fair prices. A winery worth a detour.' Ralph Kyte-Powell Established: 1980 Wine Region: Yarra Valley Winemakers: Turid and Shan Shanmugam Owners: Turid and Shan Shanmugam Cellar Door Manager - Turid Shanmugam Open: 10.30am-5pm daily Wines: Sparkling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Price: $15.00-$35.00 Food: Modern Australian with food designed to complement the wines. Functions: Up to 38 people.

Gulf Station began in the 1840's as part of a 25,000 acre run known as the Gulf. The Bell family began their lives here in the late 1840's and the homestead and outbuildings are a part of the legacy that the family has left behind for you to explore and enjoy. Gulf Station is one of the oldest and most intact examples of a pioneer farm complex in Australia. Take a self-guided tour around the property's homestead and outbuildings and be transported into the domestic life of a rural colonial family where a mother's word was law! Enjoy Australia's largest maize maze! Navigate your way around the newly opened Maize Maze, the largest in the southern hemisphere! Children can also solve the Farm Crime Scene to find out who took Farmer Joe, or for the little ones they have the Farm Tracks Investigation.

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a destination where you can indulge your love of chocolate in beautiful countryside only one hour from Melbourne. Set on 16 hectares, amongst one of Australia's premium wine regions and surrounded by picturesque Yarra Valley vistas, an emerging orchard and sweeping lawns,Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is an experience the whole family can enjoy. Abundant free chocolate tastings, large viewing windows to watch talented European chocolatiers at work and a showcase of over 250 different varieties of hand-crafted chocolates and ice creams will tempt visitors. The delicious product range features fruits and nuts picked from the Chocolaterie's own orchard of cherries, apricots, plums, citrus, quinces and almonds, locally sourced provisions and the best quality, Belgian couverture chocolate including a selection of single origin and organic couvertures. Choose from truffles, pralines, exquisite chocolate coated creations inspired by the Yarra Valley surrounds, lavish chocolate bars, nut clusters and bush tucker chocolates in packaging designed by local Indigenous residents, plus many more delectable chocolate and ice-cream creations for children and adults. Take in the breathtaking Yarra Valley views from the Chocolaterie's Café over breakfast, morning tea, lunch or an afternoon treat. The menu features ingredients from the kitchen garden or sourced from nearby farms. Decadent desserts, fondue, pastries and ice creams are Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery's specialties.

The Fergusson Winery & Restaurant lies among rising hills at the northern end of the Yarra Valley. The estate has been in the same family for more than 30 years and Louise Fergusson has kept to the tradition of wining and dining in her own welcoming style. Using the finest and freshest produce the Yarra Valley has to offer, internationally trained master chef Louise Fergusson has created a diverse, provincial menu. Enjoy sensational cuisine with some of the valley's most exceptional wines. The solid timber restaurant, with its warm, Australian atmosphere, can seat up to 180 guests. The rows of gnarled vines that are a feature of the estate are some of the districts oldest. The vineyard is planted out to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting and cellar door sales of these outstanding wines are available. The storybook chapel is tucked away among grapevines in relaxed, rural setting. Combine gourmet delights with premium wines to celebrate, and these elements make Fergusson a stunning setting for a wedding and reception. Fergusson specialise in making a wedding day perfect. 'Planted in the early days of the Yarra renaissance of the 1970s and '80s, Fergusson Winery and Restaurant remains a welcoming destination with a pleasantly unpretentious feel. There are lots of attractions at this pretty valley winery: water hens and ducks wander the vineyards, there's a restaurant where spit-roasts are a speciality, plus a wedding chapel, conference facilities, accommodation, store and cellar door promoting some excellent regional wines. Reds are a real strength here, especially Shiraz, but general wine quality is high.' Ralph Kyte-Powell

Only 65 km north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs. This is a good spot, not far from Melbourne, to go camping, enjoy a bushwalk or have a picnic. Nature revival Since the intense 2009 fires in Kinglake National Park, many plants adapted to fire are flourishing. In spring, keep an eye out for wildflowers in bloom, while winter is a good time to discover fungi, mosses and lichens. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Allinda Winery crafts elegant and characterful wines that are made from fruit of outstanding calibre grown using biological farming practices. Range includes stylish, refined examples of regional heroes such as Chardonnay and Cabernet. As well as innovative, creative wines like Podium, a sparkling Riesling; Alba Toro, new variety from Spain; and Double Picked Riesling - a fortified "white port" style. Established in 1990. The rustic cellar door is constructed of timber recycled from an 1886 wool store and offers stunning views, overlooking several vineyards. Tastings are very personal and informative. Blending tradition and technology to produce wines of distinction.

Train Trak Wines is situated 50 kilometres North-East of Melbourne. Nestled by the Yarra River, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, the Train Trak Wines vineyard produces premium quality grapes, which reflect the regions' cool climate, rich soil and ideal elevation. At Train Trak Wines vineyard the first vines were planted in 1995 and the first vintage was in the year 2000. All of the multi-award winning wines are produced solely from estate grown hand picked grapes. The Train Trak Wines Cellar Door and Zonzo's Pizzeria opened to the public in early 2007, located in a beautifully renovated dairy shed, the Ristorante can seat 110 or more people, and has one of the most spectacular views of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges. The property is still a working farm and offers a fantastic, relaxed, rustic atmosphere which combines top class food and premium Yarra Valley wines. Train Trak Wines feature Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 'The little navy blue and yellow rail motor that used to ply the Yarra Valley is long gone, but the railway track remains, running across this beautifully kept property. It feels as much like a working farm as a winery, with Zonzo's wood-fired pizza restaurant in the old milking shed, and the cellar door in an old tractor shed. There's a wonderful view of distant Mount Dandenong, and Napoleon the moose looks down on you from the wall as you taste the estate's wines, especially the elegantly balanced reds.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Hobnob Jewels offers unique fashion, footwear, handbags, costume and semi-precious jewellery as well as accessories that cater for everyone's tastes. Stocking both Australian-made and internationally sourced labels, combined with warm and friendly customer service, Hobnob Jewels offers its customers a truly magical shopping experience. Most of all, they offer a point of difference!

A long, winding driveway leaves the Melba Highway and climbs across the slopes to this comfy hilltop café and cellar door. A peaceful spread of countryside below rolls across to the distant Dandenongs. The friendly café is a cosy spot in winter, and it catches cool breezes in summer while the rest of the world swelters. Estate grown wines are made in a range of styles, with unusual types like Verdelho and sweetish Autumn Riesling sharing the bill with award-winning, spicy cool climate Shiraz. Worth a detour.' RALPH KYTE-POWELL Yarrawood Estate is a family owned and operated vineyard established in 1997. In 2002 Yarrawood Estate proudly launched their Tall Tales range. With the iconic lyrebird character on the label Tall Tales includes a broad selection of quality red and white wines from the Yarra Valley vineyard. The range represents honest value and is indicative of Yarrawood's commitment of providing classic, cool climate Yarra Valley wines. Located on the Melba highway, only 3km past Yarra Glen is the Yarrawood Estate picturesque vineyard and café/cellar door. Not only can you sample the full Tall Tales range but also sit back with a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, or enjoy a snack or meal in the relaxing atmosphere of the cafe and take in the uninterrupted and simply awesome views. Wine Varieties: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Autumn Harvest Riesling.

Sutherland Estate has one of the most spectacular vineyard sites in Australia. On high ground at the southern edge of the Great Divide, the cathedral ceiling cellar door and large outside deck command impressive views down the Yarra Valley and far into the distance. Birdsongs fill the air, and the highway seems far away. Cheese platters are available to accompany the estate wines that are headed by a very good Chardonnay. The Spanish origin Tempranillo planted, a rarity in the district, shows great promise.' RALPH KYTE-POWELL Sutherland Estate is a family-owned, boutique enterprise in the heart of the premium, cool climate wine growing region of the Yarra Valley. Most vineyard management is carried out by hand to ensure the highest quality fruit. This includes hand pruning, bunch thinning, leaf plucking and early morning hand-picking. The cool climate of the site (and the Yarra in general) provides a longer than usual ripening season, which in turn produces wines of varietal intensity, together with complexity and elegance. Varieties planted include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, with small parcels of Gewurztraminer and Tempranillo. The wines have received immediate acclaim with the first entry into James Halliday's 2005 Wine Companion. The cellar door is a relaxing, wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine and a platter of Yarra Valley cheeses. Built onto the side of Daniel's Hill on the northern side of the property, it enjoys panoramic views across the Yarra Valley to the Dandenong's and Warburton Ranges. The cellar door is a large, graceful room with an 11m vaulted ceiling, rising to a stunning glass prism. The huge windows take advantage of the Valley's views as does the spacious wooden deck. A large, open fire warms in winter. The cellar door is available for your exclusive, private function.

Yering Station was originally established in 1838 as Victoria's first vineyard and today, this family owned Winery Tourism Complex is reaching new heights. Beyond the manicured gardens lies the contemporary stone edifice, which houses the Wine Bar Restaurant and the winemaking facilities, seen through the viewing platforms. The restaurant's cuisine is modern with the emphasis on regional produce. The seasonal menu is designed to compliment Yering Station wines. The converted old winery building comprises a Produce Store show casing local produce, dynamic Art Gallery raising money for the Royal children's hospital, Matt's Bar the perfect place to enjoy a casual glass of wine with a gourmet snack and the Cellar Door. This is where you can taste the full range of the estate's award-winning wines, Barak's Bridge, Yering Station and Yarra Edge, along with the critically acclaimed traditional method, Yarrabank. Amongst other things, the barn hosts the forever-popular Regional Farmers market every 3rd Sunday of the month. Yering Station operates seven days. 'Yering Station is set on the site of the valley's first vineyard, planted in 1838, and it is now one of the most impressive stops on any Yarra Valley tour. The winery/restaurant/wine bar must be seen to be believed - great views, delicious food and excellent service create quite a package. The wines are all good and the Yarrabank sparkling is one of the country's finest.' STUART GREGOR

Set in the heart of the beautiful Yarra Valley, Acacia Ridge Vineyard has stunning views across the vines and on to the Great Dividing Range. The friendly family-run rustic experience is unique and ideal for small and large groups. You can drop in for cellar door tastings in the 1850s Miners Cottage, or bring a group out for an informal function complete with gourmet BBQ and award winning-wines to match. Acacia Ridge is also a popular venue for weddings or other formal gatherings, where large marquees can be decorated to suit your occasion and where you are free to let your imagination run wild.

De Bortoli Wines was established in the Riverina region of New South Wales in 1928, four years after the founder, Vittorio De Bortoli and his wife Giuseppina migrated to Australia from Northern Italy. Now one of Australia's largest family-owned wine companies and a proud member of Australia's First Families of Wine, De Bortoli have embraced a culture of sharing good wine, good food and good times with family and friends for more than 80 years. In 1987 Leanne De Bortoli and her husband, De Bortoli Chief Winemaker, Steve Webber, established the Yarra Valley winery and restaurant. The vision for the Yarra Valley Estate was to produce high quality cool climate wines which express the best the Yarra Valley wine region has to offer. The De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous international and national awards as well as offering an ever-changing indulgent experience for its visitors. Facilities and services offered on site: - Wine Tastings - Cheese Room, including wine and cheese matching - Contemporary Italian style restaurant catering up to 100 guests - Wedding and function facilities - Home delivery of wine within Australia and overseas - Ample car and bus parking (including disabled parking) - Landscaped gardens with picnic facilities and children's playground - Located only one hour from Melbourne, De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant is well worth a visit

TarraWarra Estate is known as a producer of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and they also make several other single block heritage varietals and estate blends. Their wines are made to express the unique terroir of the TarraWarra site, which is comprised of many individual blocks and planted with carefully selected clones, each contributing their own unique characteristics to the wines. The first 10 acres of vines were planted at TarraWarra in 1983 along with the Besen family's vision to produce wines of superb quality and integrity and to share them in a location of great beauty and hospitality. The vineyard sits on 400 hectares of prime Yarra Valley farmland and some thirty years on, they are defined by this heritage and a deep sense of place. Under the watchful eye of winemaker Clare Halloran, all of TarraWarra's wines are meticulously grown, hand picked, vinified and aged on the estate. TarraWarra Estate is internationally renowned as an unforgettable wine tasting and restaurant experience in the Yarra Valley. Respect for provenance and sustainability is integral to everything they do. The estate with its native bushland and waterways is where you can cultivate the grapes, make the wine, graze the cattle and grow produce for their restaurant. It is the true spirit of TarraWarra. "TarraWarra is, and always has been, one of the top-tier wineries in the Yarra Valley" James Halliday's Wine Companion. "Tarrawarra is one of the finest wine estates in Australia". Review from the Winewise Magazine.

Art at Linden Gate is a contemporary Art Gallery that also has self-contained accommodation on the property. The purpose built mud brick gallery with huge timber beams is an interesting and intimate space with regularly changing exhibitions. As you drive up the driveway you will marvel at the stainless steel, concrete and glass sculptures by "artist in residence" Ernst Fries. Entry is free and the Gallery is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday as well as Wednesdays during school holidays. Please call for an appointment at other times. While exploring the Yarra Valley the comfortable self contained cottages are an ideal place to stay. Curl up in front of the warm fire with a glass of wine, relax and unwind in the large spa and after a good nights sleep in the king bed, enjoy the generous breakfast provisions while gazing at the view of the Yarra Valley and mountains beyond. On warmer days the cottages are air-conditioned so a good nights sleep is assured.

Greenstone Vineyards is situated on 90 acres at the base of the Christmas Hills, in Yarra Glen. Our picturesque Yarra Valley vineyard, winery & cellar door is only 1 hour from Melbourne’s CBD. 

Our focus on producing only the finest wines from the finest grapes means that Greenstone has only ever produced very small quantities of wine – we are not interested in making higher volume commercial wines, rather small volume, handcrafted and premium wines. The Greenstone wine portfolio encompasses both our Heathcote and Yarra Valley vineyards, producing a select range of wine varietals in the way that we think great wines are made – by starting with the best sites that produce the best grapes. These wines will always be a reflection of the unique characteristics of their regional site.

With sweeping views of the Yarra Valley, and the Dandenong ranges beyond, the Greenstone Vineyards cellar door has brought our wines closer to its consumers, creating the opportunity for people to try our wines and understand the Greenstone philosophy, whilst being immersed in the heart of the Yarra Valley and its wine-making history.

Call in for a casual tasting, a more formal wine experience, or to simply unwind with a glass of Greenstone wine. Enjoy the company of friends on or beautiful deck or expansive lawn whilst taking in the spectacular scenery. 

History 
Formerly Greenstone of Heathcote, Greenstone Vineyards began in 2003 as a 40 hectare property north of the town of Heathcote, at Colbinabbin. The vineyard is positioned on the ridge of Cambrian soil that runs through the eastern side of the range. This narrow strip is unique, not only to vines grown in Victoria, but in Australia. These deep red soils, mottled with lime, are the oldest known in the country, originating over 550 million years ago.  It is from these soils that the winery derived its name - the Heathcote ‘Greenstone’ is a form of copper-infused basalt, and is an integral part of the soil. The climate and generous red soils of the Heathcote vineyard create a unique combination that is ideal for producing outstanding, award-winning Shiraz and Sangiovese wines.

The success of Greenstone’s Heathcote wines inspired the team to explore opportunities to expand our wine range further. This search led to the Yarra Valley - the home of some of Australia’s finest Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet varietals.

Originally Yarra Ridge, the winery was more recently known as Sticks Yarra Valley. Greenstone Vineyards completed the acquisition of the vineyard and winery in January 2015. 

Lots of new vineyard planting has taken place north of Yarra Glen in recent years and standards have varied, but some new establishments feel built to last from the start. Mandala is one of them. Cutting edge architecture impresses from the highway and the stylish, quality feel of things is backed up by a professional, contemporary restaurant and cellar door. Lots of glass brings the manicured lawns and vineyards inside, and charming photos of country life add atmosphere. Mandala's wines are already first class, especially the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, both full of character.' Ralph Kyte-Powell Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Mandala Wines crafts wines with character and finesse and are designed to be enjoyed with good food in great company. With established 22 year old vines, the two family-owned and run vineyards produce varietals that excel in this region. The Cellar Door and restaurant are the heart of the Dixon's Creek property. Drop by for a tasting with the experienced and friendly cellar door staff. All current release, estate range wines are available to taste every day and on the weekends, the single site wines join the list. Neil Cunningham joined the Mandala team as head chef in late 2010. He is well known in the region for his time at the Healesville Hotel where he was awarded a Chef's Hat in two consecutive years. Neil brings a 'nose-to-tail' cooking philosophy to Mandala's ever evolving menu, which focuses on locally sourced, seasonal produce. Mandala offers a sumptuous Yarra Valley experience with wines that are true to the region and a delicious menu that sources fresh produce from the surrounding area. They capture the delights of the Valley and are waiting for you to stop by and indulge in some of life's simple pleasures.

Once at Natskin Day Spa Retreat you give yourself up to the luxury of spa treatments and embrace this blissful experience. Doing so in the tranquil environs of the Yarra Valley, with the highly trained Natskin staff you will be transported to a heavenly state. Natskin Day Spa Retreat is located within Balgownie Vineyard Resort. Natskin Spa Retreat offers a comprehensive range of spa, beauty and therapeutic body treatments designed to re-balance and de-stress. Stunning private treatment rooms, and duo suites; hydrotherapy, steam rasul, guest lounge area and a manicure and pedicure suite ensure you are completely cared for. Natskin Day Spa Retreat treatments have been designed for the ultimate in personal pampering. Indulge yourself with luxurious skin and body care treatments or massage therapies. At Natskin Day Spa Retreat it is a pleasure to design a treatment or spa package to suit your personal preference and desired outcome. The therapists have been meticulously trained to provide treatments with a sophisticated approach to skin and body wellness. Treatments can be booked individually, or in a complementary combination for top to toe relaxation. Couples bookings are also available for those special occasions or simply to spend time immersed in each other's company. Your Natskin Day Spa Retreat experience will not only make you feel great, but will deliver results and a desire to come back again and again and again.

Wine Compass offers private wine tours of the Yarra Valley’s best vineyards, which are fully customisable and flexible to meet your requirements. From the very first consultation, we aim to do everything possible to make the experience truly unforgettable. We have no affiliations with specific wineries, meaning we can make the wine tour exactly what you want it to be.